A wave of shock and concern swept across Goa and beyond, as parishioners, well-wishers and church groups prayed for the speedy recovery of Fr Pereira.
According to Catholic Association of Goa President Cyril Fernandes, Fr Pereira had accompanied PPC members for a picnic to Mollem when the incident occurred.
“Fr Pereira was proceeding for a picnic to Mollem along with members of the Parish Pastoral Council of Chicalim Church. The entire group had gathered at Vasco Railway Station to board the train to Collem when Fr Pereira suddenly collapsed, leaving everyone present shocked and worried,” said Fernandes.
The incident created tense moments among parishioners and fellow travellers present at the station, with several people rushing to assist the priest after he fell unconscious moments before boarding a train to Collem.
“Fr Pereira was immediately rushed to Daffodils Hospital in Vasco in an unconscious condition, where doctors attended to him and advised that he be shifted to GMC for further treatment. He is now stable and recovering well at the GMC hospital. In fact, he was even joking with visitors who went to meet him. Doctors have advised him complete rest and everyone is praying for his speedy recovery,” Fernandes added.
As news of the incident spread across Chicalim and nearby villages, WhatsApp groups and social media platforms were flooded with messages requesting prayers for the popular priest, while parishioners expressed relief after learning that his condition had stabilised.
Sources said the incident deeply affected parishioners, many of whom described Fr Pereira as a beloved and active priest, and a social activist closely connected with the youth and sporting community in Chicalim.
Another source recalled that Fr Pereira had faced a similar health scare nearly 15 years ago while playing football.
“Fr Bolmax has always been a sports enthusiast, especially passionate about football. Around 15 years ago, he collapsed during a friendly football match at St Jose De Areal ground while playing in a match between priests and parishioners. Following examinations, doctors detected a medical condition and he later underwent surgery in Bengaluru. After recovery, he even returned to playing football and was medically fit,” the source said.
The source added that Saturday’s incident appeared to be the first similar episode since that surgery many years ago.
Another source informed that doctors have treated Fr Pereira and that his condition continues to remain stable.
Incidentally, Fr Pereira has completed his tenure as parish priest at Chicalim and will take up his new responsibility as parish priest at the Church on São Jacinto Island from June 1.
