Revered Diocesan Priest and Music Maestro Fr. Bernardo Cota Passes Away
Fr. Tomé Bernardo Teofista Cota (lovingly known to all as Fr. Bernardo Cota), a revered diocesan priest of the Archdiocese of Goa, passed away on 27th May, 2026, at the age of 80. He leaves behind a monumental legacy as a gentle shepherd and a pioneering force in Sacred and Goan Cultural Music. The Funeral Mass of Fr. Bernard Cota is scheduled for 29th May, 2026, at 4.00 p.m. at Holy Cross Church, St. Cruz.
Given below is brief information of his Ministry in our Archdiocese:
Birth: 21 Dec 1945
Ordained Priest: 26 April 1970
ASSISTANT TO THE PARISH PRIEST
St. Jerome Church, Mapusa (1971 – 1976)
Our Lady of Gloria Church, Varca (1976 – 1978)
CHAPLAIN
St. Anthony Chapel, Veroda (1978 – 1980)
Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel, Ambelim (1980 – 1982)
Our Lady of the Rosary Chapel, Fatorda (1982 – 1988)
Our Lady of Gloria Chapel, Ilha de Rachol (1989 – 1993)
Our Lady of Carmel Chapel, Mungul (2002 – 2007)
Our Lady of Monserrate Chapel, Manora (2012 – 2017)
PARISH PRIEST
Our Lady of Candelaria Church, Camorlim de Salcete (Ambora) (1993 – 2002)
Our Lady of Flight Church, Cuchelim (2008 – 2012)
PROFESSOR of MUSIC
Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol (1987 – 2007)
Seminary of Our Lady, Saligăo-Pilerne (2017 – 2025)
MEMBER OF DIOCESAN COMMISSION FOR SACRED MUSIC (1976 – 2003)
PRESIDENT OF DIOCESAN COMMISSION FOR SACRED MUSIC (1992 – 1996)
MEMBER OF COMMITTEE FOR FORMATION IN LITURGICAL MUSIC (2018 – 2022)
Fr. Bernardo Cota’s Life has been inspirational to many. Below are comments from some priests who have been touched by the life of Fr. Bernard Cota.
TRIBUTE TO MY MUSIC PROFESSOR FR BERNARD COTA
“With profound sorrow and deep grief, we mourn the sad demise of yet another devoted Diocesan Priest, Rev. Fr Bernard Cota, a versatile musician, gifted composer, and a true Maestro of liturgical and sacred music.
Fr Bernard Cota was known for his simplicity and dedicated priestly life. Simple in his attire, lifestyle and relationships with people, he lived a quiet yet meaningful priestly life.
Most of his priesthood was spent in the Seminaries, where he served selflessly as Music Professor and Music Director, especially in the fields of Western Music and Sacred Music.
Coming from a musically gifted family, Fr Bernard Cota possessed a unique style of composing hymns and musical pieces.
His compositions beautifully reflected the rich flavour and soul of Goan music.
Whether devotional hymns, liturgical compositions, concerts, or folkloric songs one could always experience in his music a harmonious blend of spirituality, melody and Goan cultural identity.
He was also widely appreciated for his expertise in musical arrangements especially the violin accompanyments for hymns and songs which added grace and beauty.
He has to his credit many hymns and musical arrangements from the Konkani Mass hymn book “Gãionacho Jhelo,” besides several Goan folkloric compositions that enriched Goan cultural heritage.
Fr Bernard Cota will always be remembered as one of the pioneers of inculturation in Sacred music, successfully blending Western liturgical music with Goan cultural music, giving this fusion a unique Goan identity and spiritual depth.
He also composed several Bhajan-style tunes for Konkani devotional hymns that touched the hearts of the countless faithful and enriched their prayer experience and devotion.
Through his simplicity, musical genius, and dedicated priestly ministry, Fr Bernard Cota leaves behind a rich spiritual and musical legacy that will continue to inspire generations.
May Almighty God grant eternal reward to Rev. Fr Bernard Cota for his selfless service and immense contribution to sacred music.
May his noble soul rest in eternal peace.”
–Fr. Anthony Rodrigues
“With deep gratitude to the Lord for the gift of Rev. Fr. Bernard Cota, as a Holy Priest and his great contribution in the field of music. We thank God for him. We pray for his family and in a special way for his soul. May his soul rest in peace”
-Fr. McQueen Mascarenhas, scj
“Late Fr. Bernardo Cota was a gifted Goan musician whose simplicity and humility touched everyone who knew him. Though a simple man at heart, his musical talent was extraordinary. His compositions, both sacred and secular, carried the true flavour of Goa — rich in melody, culture, faith, and joy. What made his music special was its simplicity and warmth, allowing ordinary people to sing it with ease and happiness. Through his songs, he preserved the Goan spirit in a unique way. Fr. Cota’s music continues to inspire and unite people, leaving behind a beautiful legacy deeply rooted in Goan identity and devotion.”
-Fr. Mathew Rebello
“Fr Bernardo Cota was a legend in Church Music of our times ! His tunes we sing to adore God through his rich contribution to the GAIONANCHO JHELO ! His Konkani Rhapsodies are his masterpieces, yet to be explored .
At Crescendo Children’s Choir AMDG concert on Xavier’s Campus He was our Chief Guest.
Personally he has contributed a great chunk of the love I have for Music and Music Training, I feel accomplished that I could honour his Person and Achievements when he was alive !
We pray for his Soul and his beautiful simple life. He will now conduct the choirs of Heaven!”
-Fr Ramiro Luis