Wilfy Rebimbus fans in New Zealand offer Requiem Mass

Report and Pics by Edward Barboza, New Zealand
Bellevision Media Network

Auckland, 22 March 2010: Wilfy’s fans in New Zealand offered a requiem mass for the soul of Wilfy Rebimbus at St. Mary’s Church, Avondale, Auckland on 20th March 2010.

Fr. Jerome D’Souza and Fr. Ephrem Tigga co-celebrated the mass. Fr. Jerome praised Wilfy’s selfless struggle to propagate the love for the Konkani language and commended his efforts to keep it alive and vibrant. He also implored the congregation to pray for Wilfy’s grieving family that God may watch over them in these grieving moments.

After the mass Vera Barboza, Sangeeta Sequeira, Nita Pinto and Fr. Ephrem paid tribute to Wilfy.

Vera mentioned Wilfy’s achievements and her family’s encounter in Dubai with Wilfy, a simple, humble and down-to-earth person.

Sangeeta (Wilfy’s neighbour) lovingly referred to Wilfy Rebimbus as Uncle Wilfy. She her childhood memories of how Wilfy’s family and her family were closely associated. She narrated how she used to see Wilfy sitting on the swing in their little garden composing songs while she played with Wilfy’s kids.

Nita Pinto recalled all the excitement of attending a Wilfy Nite back in Mangalore in her yonder days which began from the moment the ticket was purchased, the length and breath of Wilfy’s songs which touched every sphere of life and how Mangloreans took Wilfy with them as they migrated to the corners of the world. She wished and prayed that the family would continue the good work.

Fr. Ephrem, a capuchin priest originating from Orissa, completed two years of his novitiate in Farangipet, Mangalore. He recollected the excitement over attending a Wilfy Nite and assured us he could not forget Wilfy’s voice still ringing in his ears. He commended Wilfy for not only touching the hearts of the Konkan community but anyone and everyone who heard him sing. He prayed special protection on Wilfy’s grieving family.

Edward thanked one and all for taking time out of their busy schedules to attend the mass. Mass was followed by fellowship.