Fr. Braz Conceicao Faleiro was born on 8 December 1936, in Navelim-Goa. He did his Novitiate in Andheri-Mumbai, licentiate in Philosophy in Braga-Portugal and Theology in Innsbruck-Austria. He was ordained a priest in Zug-Switzerland. He did his Tertianship in Sitagarha and pronounced his final vows in 1973. He held a number of responsibilities in the Province: Director of Workers Association, Socius to the Provincial, District Superior of Goa, Superior of Jesuit House, Panjim, and Superior/ Treasurer of Xavier Residence, Porvorim.
He trained himself in the construction work and supervised the construction of Jesuit House, Panjim; the renovation of Baga Retreat House, and the construction of Pedro Arrupe Institute-Raia. He supervised the construction of the Institute of Management at Bhubaneswar-Odisha. Undoubtedly, Braz was an apostle to the underprivileged and unorganized. He was one of the first to support the fight of the exploited mine workers in Goa. He supported the struggles of various groups of ‘the socially/economically marginalised people.’ He participated in the struggle of the Ramponkars, the
traditional country boat owners, against the mechanized trawlers. His friends in Europe appreciated his social apostolate and supported it.
He took up the apostolate of ‘nurturing the faith of Christians at the Retreat House in Baga and at Xavier Residence Porvorim. He was a spiritual guide at the ‘Jesus Centre’ in Panjim. Braz was a dedicated religious with a deep faith in God. He was unassuming, simple, and committed. He was a good organiser.
From 2019, he spent the remainder of his life at the Health Care Centre in Porvorim. He left for his Father’s home on 14 May 2023. May God reward him for his generous services!
Apollo Cardozo, SJ
