Source and Summit

A Heartfelt Loss

On 26th May, we lost our dear parish priest, Fr. Bolmax. His passing came as a shock to us all. Most of us still find it hard to fathom that we will never again see his smile or hear his voice. Chicalim mourns with heavy hearts. There was not a dry eye at his memorial service, two days later.

The abundant video and picture footage of Father will bring back memories but may also cause us to miss him in the time to come, because Father Bolmax played a pivotal role in so many lives.

To amchoch nhoi, punn soglleancho.

The Many Faces of Fr. Bolmax

Youth Leader

Father was known for his love for the youth. As a dynamic youth motivator, he encouraged youth to be the best they can be, to be involved in society, and to be passionate about the work they undertake. He founded the Chicalim Youth Farmers' Club and served as its soul and guide. He worked with them and other youth in Goa to fight against injustices in the state.

But anyone can be a youth leader, right?

His 50th birthday, surrounded by the youth he uplifted.

With Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão and the youth.

Environmentalist

Father was an environmentalist. His upbringing nurtured a deep love for all things green, a love that he proclaimed to all who encountered him. From fighting hard to protect Goa's forests, hills, rivers and coastline to organising mangrove plantations, encouraging youth to return to the fields, and convening the Diocesan Commission for Ecology, Father lived out his love towards the environment.

But anyone can be an environmentalist, right?

Riding through the fields as the cattle watch.

In his element, among the fields he loved.

Resting after a hard day’s work in the fields.

Educator

Father was a dedicated educator. As a professor of Botany at St. Joseph Vaz College, Cortalim, for seven years, he nurtured students, both inside the classroom and outside. He encouraged his students to develop holistically. For those who were not his students in the classroom, any encounter with him would leave one with much to think about.

But anyone can be an educator, right?

Awarded the Karmaveer Chakra for his tireless work.

Celebrating Argentina's World Cup victory with students from St. Joseph Vaz College, Cortalim.

Artist

Father was an extremely talented artist. With his guitar, he could entertain and encourage. With his excellent command of Konkani, he wrote plays, songs and tiatrs that inspired people. Through his direction, he nurtured talent in other youngsters.

But anyone can be an artist, right?

My God Is So Big and So Strong and So Mighty.

Singing the song Animals by Michael Learns To Rock (MLTR).

Political Activist

Father was a fierce political activist who was not afraid to stand up for the truth. He spoke against injustice, raised his voice when his life hung on the line, and strived to bring justice to the oppressed.
But anyone can be a political activist, right?

Supporting the Karapur Sarvan villagers.

Leader of the Goan Masses

Father will be remembered as a dynamic leader of the Goan masses; whether it was the protest against the CAA NRC, the Save Mollem protest in Chandor, the protest against the faulty CZMP and the protest on 19th December 2021, Father was in the forefront, gathering Goans and inspiring them to stand up for the truth and for their rights.

But anyone can lead the Goan masses, right?

Goans, rise up — our land, our future, our fight.

What Set Him Apart: The Eucharist

What sets Fr. Bolmax apart, however, is the source of his power that drove him to be so much to so many—the Eucharist. If Father loved the environment and he loved Goa, he loved Jesus in the Eucharist first.

A Sermon That Changed Hearts

Every year, on the feast of Corpus Christi, I remember Fr. Bolmax. At his first Mass in St. Francis Xavier Church, Chicalim, which was the obligation Mass for Corpus Christi, Father preached one of the most important sermons on the Eucharist that I would ever hear.

He spoke of how the Eucharist is the greatest miracle on earth and how we should long to be as near to it as we can. This sermon opened my heart to love the Eucharist and learn more about it. I would make it a point to thank Father for this every year on this feast.

The moment heaven meets earth in his hands.

Proclaiming the Gospel with clarity and courage.

"The Eucharist is My Life!"

My sister recounts a conversation with Father in which she asked him whether there would be Adoration the following day. Fr. Bolmax replied: "Of course! Adoration is my bread and butter!"

She mischievously replied, "Ha! What about the Eucharist (Mass), then?" To which Father's reply was: "Are you crazy? The Eucharist is my life!"

Father would say that he can face anything and anyone by the power of Jesus in the Eucharist.

Climbing up to lower the crucified Christ.

Entering for the celebration of the Mass.

Living Out His Love Through Adoration

Father lived out this love for the Eucharist through Adoration. During the pandemic, Father sat with his small transmission team every evening, adoring Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and interceding for the world.

On the day of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Father exposed the Blessed Sacrament so that all could come and pray for the country. I remember thinking how brilliant this was, placing our lost country at the feet of the all-powerful Saviour.

Pointing to Jesus

Father would say to me: "I am just the finger that points to Jesus; you focus on Jesus."

The audio played at the end of the Thanksgiving Mass, where he says to one of the youths, "Falya Adorationak io… Devak argam di, tu azun pasun jito aha mhonn" reminded me of his direction even in this time of grief and loss.

In his last Corpus Christi sermon, he said: "When you find yourself in a desolate place, come to the Corpus Christi."

So today, our hearts are broken; many of us may find ourselves lost at the death of our shepherd— let us go to the Corpus Christi. Let us not abandon the Eucharist in this time of pain and change.

Ordained for a mission greater than himself.

Serving with the same love Christ showed.

In Eternal Adoration

May the soul of Fr. Bolmax rest in peace, in heaven, in eternal Adoration of our Saviour.

And until we meet our Lord there, let us return as often as we can to the Eucharist—the greatest miracle on earth, the source of power that encourages us to do good.

Rest in Peace, Fr. Bolmax