The funeral Mass of Fr Rufus was solemnized on St Andrew’s School Grounds on Saturday 19 May 2012 at 4 p.m. Nearly 4000 people including priests, religious and laity gathered for the final farewell to Fr. Rufus Pereira, internationally well-known priest, who was known for his gifts of exorcism and deliverance.

His eminence Rev Oswald Cardinal Gracias alongside the bishop of Jabalpur, Rt. Rev Jerry Almeida and bishop of Meerut, Rt. Rev. Francis Kalist, Bishops of Bombay, Emeritus Bp Bosco Penha and Bp Ferndinand Fonseca, and Fr Fio Mascarenhas presided over the solemn Eucharist, along with nearly 50 more priests from the various parishes or Diocesan commisisions of Bombay Archdiocese including Jesuits and priests from St Paul’s and other congregations.

The Cardinal in his homily, spoke of his personal experiences with Fr Rufus and what exuded from these words was the fact that Fr. Rufus remained an obedient and humble priest to his Archbishop, all through his ministry, beginning from 1972, the time of Cardinal Valerian Gracias, even though he himself had turned into an international icon, because of the graces and gifts God had given him.

Fr. Pereira was hailed as a tireless preacher of the Gospel, a man in love with Jesus Christ and his mission. He considered the deliverance ministry as one of the greatest contributions of the charismatic renewal movement to the Catholic Church.

After Communion, there were two speeches, one by Fr Rufus Pereira’s nephew, Mr Ross Almeida and the other by Mr. Cyril John, the constant companion of Fr Rufus. Both of them were eulogies and were well received by the people who eagerly listened to the accomplishments of the beloved Fr. Rufus.

The beautiful thing about the conclusion of Mr. Cyril John’s speech was that he ended with a hope that Fr. Rufus Pereira be considered for Sainthood, in due time.

From 3 p.m. onwards people were already lining up to his coffin which was placed on a dais in front of the altar for the Eucharistic Celebration. As one looked at him one could say, that he had already travelled far away and was looking down on all his well-wishers who had gathered on the sprawling St Andrews College grounds. Another dais was prepared specially for the choir who solemnly led the congregation to sing the praises of God, for the 79 years of life given to Fr. Rufus and for all the good things accomplished through him, while on earth.

Source: CRI, Sr. Joeyanna dsp

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