A TEARFUL ADIEU TO BR. MORGAN ATAIDE OCD

Bro. Morgan Ataide was born on November 24, 1960 at Mapusa in the Archdiocese of Goa. Having completed his preliminary education, he entered the Carmelite Order in 1985. He did his Orientation Course at Fatima Retreat House, Xellim.

In 1986 he entered the Novitiate in the Carmelite Monastery, Margao and made his first profession on May 31, 1988. He opted for the non-clerical state. He made his Solemn Profession on May 26, 1996.

As a Brother, he has served the following communities:

· Carmelite Monastery, Margao – 1996-2000.
· Mount Carmel community, Haifa, Israel – 2000-2003
· Muhraqa Community, Israel – 2003-2017
· St Joseph’s Monastery, Carmel Hill, Mangalore – 2017-2020
· Avila Jyothi, Mapusa, Goa – 2020-2021

Br Morgan had a picturesque memory. He could remember and narrate detail by detail the course of an event. He suffered a great deal because of his diabetes and heart problem. But on the whole, we could find him always in a cheerful mood. His speech was simple and direct as was his life.

Having celebrated his diamond jubilee out of which 33 fruitful years in the garden of Carmel, he surrendered to the plan of God on May 4, 2021.

Due to COVID restrictions, the funeral had to be strictly conducted in private on May 4, 2021, with only a few close relatives in attendance. The requiem mass at Avila Jyothi, Mapusa, was presided over by Fr. Ivo Dias, the Superior of the monastery. Fr. Anthony D’Souza preached on the Word of God and made a mention of the troubling times, when we have to conduct funerals in a hurry and cannot even console each other with a hand shake or hug. As an Easter people, we believe in the words of Christ, who alone can console us and give us a share in his everlasting life.

At the end of the Mass, Fr. Silvestre D’Souza rendered a short eulogy, on behalf of the Carmelite friars. In it he highlighted some of the striking qualities of Br. Morgan and his service to the Order in India and Israel.

The prayers before the burial at Carmelite Monastery, Margao, were led by Fr. Silvestre D’Souza, on behalf of the Provincial who could not be present on the occasion.

The Karnataka Goa Province is grateful to Br Morgan for all his selfless service to the Order and to the Province. May the Lord who called him and chose him, grant him a place in His heavenly abode.