–Fr. Barry Cardozo
Priests, Religious, Laity and People of all walks of Life Mourn the sudden and heartbreaking demise of Rev. Fr. Bolmax Pereira, a beloved priest, dedicated Professor of Botany, passionate PhD scholar, and an impactful community leader of Goa, whose funeral mass will be celebrated on 28th May, 2026, at 3.30 pm, Holy Cross Church, Quepem. Fr. Bolmax was a guiding light who touched countless lives through his spiritual leadership, care for the environment, and deep affection for his parishioners, students, youth and the State of Goa.
He served in the following Parishes:
Fr. Bolmax Fidelis Pereira
Assistant to the Parish Priest
Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Fatorda (2004 – 2005)
St. Jerome Church, Mapusa (2006 – 2007)
Saviour of the World Church, Loutulim (2009 – 2013)
St. Lawrence Church, Agacaim (2013 – 2015)
Parochial Administrator
Our Lady of Remedios Church, Nerul (2015 – 2019)
Parish Priest
St. Francis Xavier Church, Chicalim (2019 – 2026)
Prefect
Seminary of Our Lady, Saligao – Pilerne (2007 – 2009)
Convenor
Dioc. Com. for Ecology (2022 – 2026)
His passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of all who knew him.
“It is indeed shocking and deeply saddening to hear about the untimely demise of Rev. Fr. Bolmax Pereira, Parish Priest of Chicalim Parish, who reportedly passed away due to heart failure.
Goa has lost not merely a priest, but a courageous and dynamic social activist, a leader of the masses, a motivator of youth, a fearless environmental warrior, and a powerful voice for the poor, the marginalized, and the downtrodden.
Fr. Bolmax was widely loved and appreciated by ordinary people because he boldly stood for truth, justice, and the protection of Mother Earth. He fearlessly raised his voice against social injustice, corruption, exploitation, and environmental destruction.
While he inspired countless people with his courage and conviction, his uncompromising stand for truth may also have unsettled certain self-centered political and vested interests.
His sudden death has left many hearts wounded and has raised several unanswered questions in the minds of people.
When a fearless voice for truth falls silent so suddenly, people naturally begin to ask: Has truth itself become a victim? Has justice fallen prey to selfish and destructive forces? Can those who stand boldly for righteousness be silenced?
Yet, history and faith constantly remind us that injustice and corruption can never have the final word. Truth may be challenged, delayed, or wounded, but ultimately truth prevails and triumphs in God’s own time.
His life and mission will continue to inspire generations to stand fearlessly for truth, justice, and the dignity of every human person.”
– Fr. Anthony Rodrigues, Parish Priest of Rachol.
“With deep sorrow, we mourn the passing of Fr. Bolmax.He was a talented and courageous priest who stood firmly for justice and truth. His deep love for Christ and the mission of the Church inspired many hearts. Through his preaching, singing, music, and powerful witness of life, he spread the Gospel with joy and conviction. He also worked tirelessly to protect Goa from illegalities and injustice.”
– Fr. Mathew Rodrigues, Parish Priest of Tollecanto, Velim
“It is not surprising that the Spirit took fuller possession of Fr. Bolmax, after the first vespers of the feast of St. Philip Neri. Fr. Bolmax had much in common with St. Philip Neri, sharing not just a heart condition, but also, and more importantly, a heart bursting with love for the people of God. May the Holy Spirit inflame us with the fire that burned so bright in the hearts of Fr. Bolmax and St. Philip.
Fr Bolmax now intercedes perpetually, and more perfectly, for us, Goans, and for Goa whom here he served so well. May Our Lord grant him eternal rest.”
– Fr. Jason Keith Fernandes
“Our deep sympathies at the passing away of Fr. Bolmax while still in very active ministry as a fighter against all the malaise affecting our beloved Goem and Goenkarponn.
May the Lord bless him with eternal reward for the beautiful life he lived as a priest and exemplified in his service to Goa and the Nation.”
– Fr. Nazareth Fernandes (Superior General, SFX)
Fr. Victor Ferrao, Parish Priest St. Francis Xavier Church, Borim, echoed similar sentiments saying,
“In the sun-kissed shores of Goa, where the Arabian Sea whispers ancient hymns to swaying palms, there walked a shepherd of souls whose light pierced the gathering dusk. Fr. Bolmax Pereira, a priest whose footsteps echoed through village lanes and bustling parishes, lived not merely as a man of cloth, but as a living verse of devotion. His life was a ballad sung in the quiet hours of dawn, a symphony of sacrifice that resonated far beyond the portals of St. Francis Xavier Church in Chicalim.
He fought a good fight. Not with swords of steel, but with the unyielding blade of truth forged in prayer. In a world tossed by tempests of division, where faiths clash like ocean waves against the shore, Fr. Bolmax stood as a beacon of gentle conviction. His words sprang from a heart anchored in love for his flock and for Goa. Through sermons that flowed like rivers of living water, he nurtured souls hungry for meaning, guiding them away from shadows of fear toward the radiant embrace of Christ’s mercy and prophetic courage.
His faith he kept, unwavering as the ancient cross that overlooks Goan hills. In the rhythm of daily Masses, in the tender anointing of the sick, in the joyful baptisms that welcomed new life into the fold, Fr. Bolmax embodied the Gospel’s love to all Goans and Goa.
Fr. Bolmax lived this vocation fully. Whether organizing clean-up drives along Goan rivers or educating youth about sustainable living rooted in faith, he showed that caring for creation is an act of worship. In the spirit of Saint Francis, he reminded his flock that “the entire material universe speaks of God’s love, God’s boundless affection for us. Soil, water, mountains: everything is a caress of God.”
“Sad to hear about Fr Bolmax !
Really sad !
May his Legacy live on !”
– Fr. Ramiro Luis, St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa
“Shocking. Very difficult to accept. Goa has lost a legacy and the church has lost a thought provoking voice. Much more he would have accomplished but God has his ways. May God grant eternal bliss to his good and faithful servant.”
– Fr. Afonso Mendonca, Director, Diocesan Liturgical Centre, Old Goa
“My Sympathies to his mother, siblings & all his dear ones, his friends & supporters, admirers, the youth & Parishioners, of Chicalim & of all the Parishes he served.
May the Voice of mother Nature which he spoke very loud & clear live for all times.”
– Fr. Eremito Rebello, Parish Priest, Camorlim, Salcete, Goa
Many other priests and religious expressed their condolences and sentiments on the sad demise of our beloved priest.
To conclude I would say our beloved Fr. Bolmax was a pure soul who beautifully combined faith, wisdom, and an immense love for the community. This is a tragic loss for the Archdiocese and the State of Goa. Fr. Bolmax Pereira was an inspiration to us all, and his journey does not end here. We hold fast to Romans 6:5: ‘For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.’ He will be greatly missed but never forgotten. His dedication to humanity and faith will live on through his legacy and the various Leaders he has formed. May his life be an inspiration for all to carry on the mission he embodied.
“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.
RIP Fr. Bolmax.”