REV. FR.PRESENTACAO DE MARIA BENTO PASCOAL FURTADO B.A.B.T. Born on 21-11- 1914 at Sarzora, Chinchinim to late Mr.Minguel Antonio Furtado and late Mrs. Maria Conceicao Dias .He was ordained priest on 16-4-1944 at Holy Spirit Church, Margao and passed away ( on 1-11-1980 at ( Reis Falcao Hospital, Margao) and intered on 3-11-1980 at Sarzora Cemetry, Such was his popularity, that the largely attended funeral procession took one and half hour to the Church ,hardly 300 metres away from his residence .His brother priest late Rev.,Minguel Antonio Baranabe Furtado, born on 20-5-1908, ordained on 9-10-1935, passed away on 16-12- 1985, remained his inspiration and spiritual guide. Other brothers are,Mr Pedro Rosario,, Peregrino Jose Joaquim,, Sisters, Mrs Rosa Francisca &.... He received confirmation at Rachol Seminary on 11-3-1932.
The Villagers of Chinchinim are proud and privileged to behold this PEARL amongChinchinim Villagers .He holds the enviable , unbroken record for being the only teacher from A.V,C.& Chinchinim to be honoured and conferred the prestigious State and National Award for teacher(2-5-1979) , by Govt. of India, Ministry of Education and Social welfare “in public recognition of his valuable service to the community, as the teacher of outstanding merit”, Teacher in 1944, at Ornelas High School Poona.. Fr Presentacao served as the Vice Principal Colegio Liceu de Sao Jose, Arpora ( 4-1-1954,) and then Headmaster at St, Joseph H. School . Arpora, Bardez.(1-6-1956-`1962.).Director of Lar dos Estudantes & Catholic Institute of Education, Margao, presently named as Holy Spirit Institute .Appointed its Manger and Headmaster (1974-1979) .Member of D.B,Education (1962-1979) and Inspector of Schools of D,S.E in South, Goa. Member of Commission to study problems of Primary,/ Secondary Education, DSE and Parishes (31-3-1967) Member of Council of Priests .. Chaplain, Holy Rosary ,Morod, Saligao 5 years &St. Alex Convent Calangute,(24-2-1958.) P.P of St Xavier`s Church, Velim in 1980 and served as the Manager of the School too. Immediately succeeded in providing a play garden and conducive atmosphere to KG classes making learning fun , practical and happy experience The progress and development of H.S,I. Margao is attributed to his dynamic vision. He was an able administrator, efficient and systematic planner. Even though it was centrally located in the heart of city, the elite, educated, and the, rich parishioners preferred well established schools in the vicinity, He was not discouraged, as he saw his mission in catering to drop outs,neglected, marginalized, migrants, socially and economically disadvantaged and those refused admissions. .The students were mostly first learners and their parents with least formal education. He therefore inspired the staff and motivated them to discharge their duties with compassion, devotion, dedication and love. In his conscious and determined efforts he propelled them vertically and horizontally to find a meaningful place with future prospects in the society.Academic excellence was therefore not his prioirty. Filling a void in admissions and plight of parents to primary and pre primary schools, he ventured to open such a facility, which was later discontinued. As the Director, Lar dos Estudantes., provided shelter to poor to study, waived off fees, even permitting them to pay their dues after employment, His benevolence, charitable, kind hearted approach has left indelible, happy memories on his student . Besides many others beneficiaries received help without maintaining any records of financial transactions. His responsiveness towards financial , educational and emotional needs of downtrodden was his hallmark .Fr Presentacao started a vocational typing institute with a grant for 10 typewriters and later amalgamated it with the school, offering typing as the subject. Fr Presentacao was a multifaceted diamond, football and sports enthusiast , a cultural ambassador, dynamic and visionary , Educationits, spiritual guide,,Confessor, a dedicated priest , sociable, compassionate , charitable and passionate social worker. A little known fact, is that he had scripted and directed Konkani Plays. Fr. was a leader among his priestly fraternity, who looked up to him with respect and were attracted to his jovial, approachable nature, treating them as equals. The Ecclesiastical Superiors too held him in high esteem. amnd encouraged him to bloom and blossom He has served the faithfully the parishioners and was the most loved, revered and respected , Chaplain and Pastor. Memorable salutations at the start of sermons“ BAI-ANDO, BA-BANDO”. He was a very successful, popular, preacher of the word of God and heard with rapt attention, bringing about a change in their belief, strengthening their faith and trust in God. He was indeed a very forceful and convincing preacher, who touched the hearts and minds of his listeners. Fr. remained a devout priest, dedicated devoted , permanently, married to Christ and his ministry. Appointed in 1960 ,as Supplementary Confessor, Mother House and Novitiate Sisters of Alex Calangute. Extra Ordinary Confessor atHoly Cross Convent, Bastora and in 1962,Convent of St Pius X, Orlim, in1968 and at Convent of St. Theresa, Vasco. His appointments were in recognition of his deep faith and spiritual orientation Fr, Presentacao along with his colleagues was instrumental in establishing a foothold by Franciscan Sisters of St Mary of Angels H School ,Chinchinim starting an exclusive reputed girls High School by initially providing property, financial ,administrative , legal assitance, encouragement and arranging temporary residence, He worked tirelessly in the construction of the Priest House at Chinchinim, and in reciprocation signed a written, legal agreement with FSMA in the maintenace and functioning of the priest house. Fr Presentacao hosted luncheon meet of priest that resolved the formation of the Association of Chinchinim Priest and the Priest house. He was actively involveled in promoting Sarzora Church, Cemetry, and Assumpta Convent High School. He pleaded with the Bishop to recommend to Holy see for financial assistance to the Piest House, and received substantial grants, As the Executive Committee Member personaly contributed Rs 3635= and futher raised Rs 8795.07 in donations from friends towards construction . Offered 5 years subscrption of EXAMINER to YCSU I value his precious advice , interests, persuasion in my reluctance and in guiding me to accept my first appointment as the Headmaster, . I remain indebted to him for helping me to decide. P.C.Trust have instituted two awards, one by his Family and the other by Villagers of Sarzora/Chinchinim and friends , for Headmasters of Chinchinim Schools, as a tribute to perpetuate .Villagers of Sarzora have in a signed petition ,requested the Sarzora /Chinchinim-Deussua Panchayats to name a SarzoraVillage road in his honour - being a prominent and worthy son of the Village. He has left a legacy for posterity to recall, and to imitate as a role model Rev Fr, Presentacao will always be treasured in the hearts and minds of people in gratitude, serving as an permanent monument Nelson Lopes Founder Chairman P.C.Trust Date..13-10-2016. Nelson Lopes <nello