Philip, don't cause a revolution now!

Br. Philip Neri D'Sousa, belonging to the Province of Panjim, passed away on 24th June. He was just 54. I knew him first here in Nashik, then in Guwahati -- when he worked in our Province for four years. He passed away due to a health condition, in which the bone marrow was not producing enough cells, so he was under treatment for the last one year. Mainly, from time to time, he had to undergo blood transfusion. During one of his routine treatments in the hospital, Philip passed away. I was shocked to receive the news of his passing away. I travelled to Goa to attend the funeral service, held on 26th June.

Philip's love for the poor and the downtrodden was no secret. He got categorised a social activist, and he was one too. He had obtained many a favour for the people in the various places he worked. For instance, at Sulcorna Philip had worked for the less fortunate children by way of inspiring the villagers to start a boarding for them. Then he had obtained a bus service to the faraway places. He conscientized the people with regard to the evil effects of mining. And a few other things. And of course, he got into troubles.... big troubles!

When in worked in our Province, in Umswai and Amkachi he continued with his social uplift and even revolutionary interventions. Among them is the obtaining of an examination centre for Umswai, for otherwise the students were walking four hours to their nearest examination centre.

For all these, Philip didn't earn a good name. He was a controversial figure. He was not popular neither among the goverment authorities nor among the confreres. But he had a few close friends both within and without the Congregation. Notably, he was a close friend to the Chief Justice of Guwahati.

In his eloquent and realistic homily at the funeral, Fr. Ian Figueiredo, Provincial, spoke highly of him and also of the difficulties and misunderstandings that Philip had got into. It was a very touching one too (he almost broke down at an occasion)--I couldn't avoid the tears welling up in my eyes. Fr. Ian ended on a humorous note (paraphrased): "Hope Philip doesn't cause a revolution in heaven, hope he rests in peace."

Philip, thanks for all that you have done, especially for the least, the lost, and the last.... I didn't have an opportunity to thank you. Do intercede for us.