Sweet Memories

Saturday, December 29, 2007

Photos from the Funeral Service











Eulogy for David - Michael, Robert and Christine

This was read out by Fr David's sister Christine during the funeral mass on 18th December 2007...

"Three words to describe my brother - quiet determination, love and kindness.....

18 years ago when my brother told us he wanted to become a priest, it came as a shock to us.
But we knew in our hearts that if he wanted to do something then it was meant to be. That's the
way I will always remember my brother. Someone with quiet determination, integrity, and strong beliefs. When he put his mind to something you know he would carry it through. He started his priesthood journey in New York 17 years ago and he never told us about his hardship and suffering during those early days. We found out through his preachings and through his friends.

The Neo-Catechumenal way was something new to us back then but it was work he loved to do and he persevered because of his love for God. Love is another trait of my brother that I will always remember. His love for my parents is so evident in everything that he did. He would rush from St Francis of Assisi after morning mass everyday to buy breakfast for my parents
who live in Simei and then drive back to Boon Lay, doing the monthly grocery shopping and just being the good son that he was above all else.

A lot of you might know this already but my brother was a stickler for detail with an eye for beauty. He was the one who bought the live Christmas tree every year and decorated it himself at home, and it is so true here when I see the beautiful flowers done so lovingly by the wonderful ladies of the flower ministry in Holy Spirit Church over the last few days at the wake for my brother.

Lastly, kindness is something we realise is so intrinsic to his nature, he gave of himself unselfishly to his parishioners, family, friends and even to complete strangers. He did it so quietly and as a matter of fact, that you didn't even see it coming and he never expected a big fanfare or thank you. The legacy he leaves behind is great as can be seen from the mass outpouring of love, care and concern shown to us during this very terrible time we are all going through but I know he is at peace now, smiling down at us and saying let's get a move on, no more tears or we'll be late. I love you and miss you my dearest brother."

Friday, December 28, 2007

My First Christmas in Heaven

I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below ,
With tiny lights like heavens stars reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so spectacular, please, wipe away the tear,
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear,
But the sound of music can't compare with the Christmas Choir up here.
I have no words to tell you the Joy their voices bring,
For it is is beyond description to hear the angels sing.
I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart,
But I am not far away, we really aren't apart.

So be happy for me dear ones, you know I hold you dear, and be glad,
That I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year,
I send you each a special gift from my heavenly home above,
I send you each a memory of my undying love,
After all, Love is a gift more precious than gold,
It always was most important in the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other as my Father said to do,
For I can't count His blessings that He has for each of you,
Do have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear,
Remember, I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

From the Community Group of St. Jerome's Parish, Spearwood Australia

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

An insight to a humble man destined for greatness

This excerpt was taken from an issue of 'Dovetail' during Fr David's early days at Holy Spirit Church in November of 2002.....

"In my school days when I went for catechism classes in IHM, Fr Loiseau asked me if I wanted to be a priest and I told him 'no way' and that was it. After my studies I began working in the airlines and was in a relationship and thinking of marriage. Somehow this did not happen even though this desire to get married was in the minds of both my girlfriend and I. This experience made me close myself up and forget about love if it brings hurt.

My family and friends encouraged me to open up again and to see above all, God's love for me as I am and this is something that helped me to be open to His plan. Every now and then there was this urge to join the priesthood which I dismissed whenever it probed me. This continued for three years and I always dismissed it saying this is not for me.

There were many reasons for evading this call, three come to mind, I was unable to leave my family, my job and my country. But still God was calling me so I asked Him to give me the strength to leave my securities and enter into his will. I submitted my resignation with God's help and never regretted it. I left for a retreat in Rome and then was sent to join a seminary in New Jersey for four years. In 1994 I was transferred to Perth to complete my studies in Notre Dame University.

With God's grace I graduated with a Bachelor in Theology in 1998 and was ordained a deacon that same year. My ordination to the priesthood was in 1999 at IHM. I then returned to Perth and was assigned to the parish of St Jerome's in Spearwood.

I have now been a priest for three years and not regretted a day. It is not a bed of roses, there are joys and difficulties that I feel at the end of the day is a great consolation even in my tiredness and frustrations.

I give thanks to God for this call and most of all I ask Him to keep me faithful in His service and in unrestrained service to you my brothers and sisters in Christ. Please pray for me."

Your loving sister

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Merry CHRISTmas

When we celebrate Christmas we are reminded of Christ's birth in Bethlehem to be the light of the world to dispel the darkness of sin and evil.

To celebrate Christmas, let us invite Christ into our hearts so that we can radiate his light to those around us.

To invite Christ into our hearts, we must be filled with love. "Where there is love there is God" as St John says.

The family prays that Christmas will truly be CHRISTmas for everyone. May Christ dwell in everyone's hearts during this season and all the days of everyone's life.

A BLESSED CHRISTMAS to all.

Friday, December 21, 2007

Tribute to a wonderful brother

It has been hard to put my thoughts down as this past few weeks has been a terrible time for all of us. It started with the dreaded call that no one should ever have to get. That your loved one has collapsed in a foreign country and that you have to give consent to operate as a matter of life and death.

This was the hardest decision my mother had to make and we prayed to God to have mercy and to help my brother. It has been a nightmare ever since and we are still trying to come to terms with the loss.

Flying in to Bangkok and seeing someone you love lying helplessly with tubes supporting this big, vibrant man is just something you want to erase from your mind but I can't, it is imprinted in my mind forever, I close my eyes and I see him and you wish you can take the pain and suffering away, you will it away and you pray it will go away and he will open his eyes and smile but it was not meant to be.....it's God's will, he has gone to a better place, God only takes the good ones, we know all that but it just doesn't take the pain away...how to deal with the loss of the dearest brother anyone could have?

It is difficult and we are trying to move on but it will take time, I know this. I will continue to keep my brother's candle burning because that is what he was, a light for may people. He was goodness, kindness, faith, hope and love for everyone he touched with his preachings, his way and his guidance.

Rest now dear brother, your earthly work is done, you are now enjoying the fruits of your labour in heaven and maybe you will smile down at us and ease this pain in our hearts.

Your loving sister.

We are still around...

Even though Padre David is no longer physically with us. We know and believe by faith that he is back home, a place much better than anything this earth can offer. He has left us with so much memories to ponder and reminisce about.

This humble web blog will still be maintained and updated as and when possible, to serve as a dedication in memory of Padre David, a great son, godfather and of course, priest who has been a dear friend to many.

Monday, December 17, 2007

Day 4 of Wake...

Its the 4th day of the wake and we are nearing the day of the funeral.
Thank you to all the communities,friends and parishioners for coming to pay their last respects.
A big "THANK YOU" to all who donated generously,the money will be going to various charities.

Thank you once again to all who have taken time to visit the wake and pay their last respects.



In a chance moment whilst talking about Fr David returning home to be with the Lord,a song titled "Home" by Daughtry started playing,the lyrics click well with what we were talking about.



HOME by Daughtry

I'm staring out into the night,
Trying to hide the pain.
I'm going to the place where love
And feeling good don't ever cost a thing.
And the pain you feel’s a different kind of pain.

Well I'm going home,
Back to the place where I belong,
And where your love has always been enough for me.

I'm not running from.
No, I think you got me all wrong.
I don't regret this life I chose for me.
But these places and these faces are getting old,
So I'm going home.
Well I'm going home.

The miles are getting longer, it seems,
The closer I get to you.
I've not always been the best man or friend for you.
But your love remains true,
And I don't know why.
You always seem to give me another try.

So I'm going home,
Back to the place where I belong,
And where your love has always been enough for me.

I'm not running from.
No, I think you got me all wrong.
I don't regret this life I chose for me.
But these places and these faces are getting old,
So I'm going home.
I'm going home.

Be careful what you wish for,
'Cause you just might get it all.
You just might get it all,
And then some you don't want.
Be careful what you wish for,
'Cause you just might get it all.
You just might get it all, yeah.

Oh, well I'm going home,
Back to the place where I belong,
And where your love has always been enough for me.
I'm not running from.
No, I think you got me all wrong.
I don't regret this life I chose for me.
But these places and these faces are getting old.
I said these places and these faces are getting old,
So I'm going home.
I'm going home.

Saturday, December 15, 2007

Thousands Were Listening To The Stories Of One Man...

Last night Fr David went home to be with Jesus in heaven at 11.45pm,he said he was going home on the 14 of December,but he was early,as he always is.I will forever love and cherish my moments spent with Fr David(my godpa) and I will miss him dearly,but all is well now because he is in the safest hands there is,God's hands.

Not much needs to be said about Father David.His actions have shown us all what defines him.He was humble,reserved,loving and caring.He has truly done everything for God,his family and his friends in his wholesome 51 years of living and 8 years of priesthood.Such a short span of time I must say,but he did many great things in that time,many many great things that have left an enormous impact on countless lives.

Like many have commented,Father David is a man of few words,but these few words have touched many lives.I believe them.He was very reserved,and said meaningful things,he never wanted popularity but got it from his powerful homilies.Many of his parishioners have commented on his sermons being very passionate and enjoyable,even though Fr David was not a priest at my church I have been blessed to have heard his sermons,be it at Holy Spirit Church or at school when he came for mass,i agree that his sermons are mighty powerful.

Although Father David has passed on,I believe that he is in a better place and is now with Jesus(whom he has taught many about)and is in paradise.To me,i have lost a dear person,my Godpa,and I'll miss calling him that,we will all miss him,and he will never be forgotten,nor will his good deeds.I will miss the times when Fr David will play with his youngest niece and nephew and playfully tease his younger brother,Michael, by squeezing his hand whenever they greet each other.Those memories will be cherished and kept in our hearts.He will be missed by many,parishioners and friends alike,for different reasons.One thing is for sure,we will all miss the wonderful priest that he was.

I would like to thank all the parishioners,friends and priests for their support and concern during the period of time spent worrying in Mount Alvernia's Critical Condition Unit.It has been a very trying time,but with all your support we have gotten through it.

I would also like to thank all the visitors to this blog who have left comforting comments,you helped us get through too.

This blog will still be maintained by myself and SFA's Altar Server Jacob.
Do keep viewing and commenting.Thank you once again,we are truly appreciative.

vanessa

Day 1 of wake....

It has been a day since Padre David left us.

The voluminous turn out for his wake, the love, support, care and concern shown to the family is indeed generous.

The family is deeply touched and appreciates all these charitable gestures from people everywhere.

We would like to thank everyone who has taken time off to come and pay respects to our beloved Padre David.

May God bless you all.

Friday, December 14, 2007

A farewell message for Padre David Thexeira

Stairway to heaven:

A man of few words, many have said
A priest who was as good as bread
Padre David had so much to give
Chosen by God, a meaningful life he lived

He carried out his priestly duties with dedication
In doing so, Padre David helped build healthy relations
He was dynamic whenever he preached at each mass
Padre David, your teachings in our hearts will forever last

As a priest, he had compassion for the sick and the poor
And whenever anyone saw him, he would help, that’s for sure
On earth, Padre David did the best he can
But God had, for this kind-hearted priest, another plan
For the Good Lord wants him to serve in the Holy Land

My wife and I fully understand the sadness of the family
For the tears in your eyes, we can clearly see
And as you come to terms with his loss,
I urge all his family members to be strong
We will pray for you during this difficult period
So that your sorrow does not remain long
Be comforted that Padre David is with Jesus
A special feeling that perhaps, only pleases

Sincerely,

Raymond Anthony Fernando

Padre David has gone home...

Dearest brothers and sisters/friends,

Padre David Thexeira was called home to be with the Lord on Thursday, 13th December 2007 at 2340hrs.

Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, and let Perpetual Light shine upon him.

May he rest in peace.

The family humbly requests for everyone's continued prayers for Padre David's soul and for comfort and peace to be upon the family.

Thank you and God Bless.

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Please stop these rumors...

There has been rumors spreading around that our Beloved Padre David Thexeira has passed away.

The family would like to officially state that Padre David is still fighting for survival in the CCU of Mount Alvernia Hospital.

His condition however, has worsened and he is deteriorating.

The family would like to take this opportunity to strongly urge everyone not to speculate news about Father's condition as this would cause much unnecessary unrest and distress. Any updates on his condition will be officially posted in this blog.

The family deeply appreciates the continuous prayers and support given and humbly asks that it be continued.

Padre David today...

Father David's condition has worsened and he is deteriorating.

The family humbly asks for everyone's continous prayers.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Follow up of Padre David's Condition...

Doctors have reviewed Father David this evening. His prognosis is still grave BUT condition stable otherwise.

The family deeply appreciates the continuous prayers and support given and humbly asks that it be continued.

A get well message for Padre David...

In the midst of uncertainty

I are deeply sorry to hear that your are sick
But with the doctors and nurses care,
I am sure your recovery will be quick
When I heard that there was bleeding in your brain
Like the hundreds of Catholics, I felt your pain
Be comforted that our love for you, Father David
Will not waver, but will always remain the same

For in the midst of uncertainty,
The Lord will be there for you and your family
For sure, your struggles, HE can see
The Lord will help you and your family cope
And bring forth to all of you, renewed hope
Love from your parishioners will help you get well
And Jesus has compassion and that is a virtue, I can foretell

My wife will always remember your kindness
As you prayed for her before her knee operation
She believes that as a human being, Father David
You are one of the finest
We will pray for you each day at 3pm
Asking the Lord to let you have a speedy recovery
And when you are back on your feet again, Father David
Wouldn’t that be lovely?

Sincerely,

Raymond Anthony Fernando

Inside Room 7


As the hospital authorities have decided to restrict visitors to Father David in the CCU. The family empathises the sentiments of many who will want to have an insight into the situation.

Hence, this photo gives everyone an opportunity to be by his bedside

(photo circa 12/12/2007 1608hrs); person inside the photo is a close relative of Father David.

Statement by the family...

Doctors have assessed Father David this morning and have discovered that the sodium level in his body is high. Medication has been administered to address the problem. Doctors will review his condition again this evening.

His prognosis remains grave BUT his condition is currently stable.

There have been vast amounts of love, care and concern for Father David. This can be clearly seen from the overwhelming visits from people everywhere.

However, the Critical Care Unit (CCU) houses critically ill patients whose immunity is most likely to be weak and are at high risk of acquiring infections. The patients need rest and medical workers need to spend their time at the bedside caring for the patients.

The high influx of visitors streaming in and out of the unit is detrimental to the sterility of the unit and places the patients inside with higher risks of developing infections and complications. In addition, this high influx will impede the medical workers from doing their best to provide the highest standard of medical care to the patients.


Hence with immediate effect, the hospital authorities have decided to restrict visitors to Father David in the CCU. Only close family members will be allowed into the CCU to see Father David.

Friends/parishioners/well wishers are still welcomed by the family to the hospital to pray, support and journey with them in the waiting lounge. However, it should be noted that there will be strictly no access into the CCU to visit Father David.

There has also been rumors that Father David is brain dead. The family would like to inform everyone that Father David is NOT brain dead. This has been confirmed by the doctors.

The family would like to take this opportunity to urge everyone not to speculate news about Father's condition as this would cause much unnecessary unrest and distress. Any updates on his condition will be officially posted in this blog.

The family deeply appreciates the continuous prayers and support given and humbly asks that it be continued.

Thank you and God bless.

Padre's latest condition

Doctors have indicated that Father David's current prognosis is very grave.

However the family remains hopeful

The family requests for the continued prayers of everyone.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

A Message From The Family...

NIECES & NEPHEWS
Russell,14- Thank you everyone for praying for my uncle. Please continue to do so as we all wish to see him again.

James,10- Thank you everyone for praying for my uncle david.please pray more or pray the rosary as we want to see his happy face and see him serve as the celebrant in mass again.

Rachael,9- Please pray for our uncle david and help him to get better.

Vanessa,15-A big thank you to all who have posted comments on this blog,thank you for all the prayers,it is really appreciated,let us continue to constantly pray for him to wake up once more.

Timothy,17-Thank you for all the support for my uncle david, please help him to get better soon.

Ariel & Tristen,2 & 4-Wake up Uncle David!

Kenneth,19- Thank you to each and every one of you who have taken the time to spare a thought and a prayer for Father David,the family is sincerely grateful to all of you.Lets continue praying,hoping and never giving up faith in the fact that God can and will work miracles.

After the CT Angiogram

Father David underwent the CT Angiogram this morning. From the scan, doctors have found out that though the bleeding in his brain has stopped, the swelling remains.

In addition, it has been discovered that the sodium level in his body is too high. This could cause a side effect of the medications that were being administered to him. Doctors are deeply concerned about this situation and are currently doing their best to address it.

The family continues to seek everyone's charity in praying for Father David's well being.

Monday, December 10, 2007

The story so far..

After night's observation, doctors today have noted in the morning that Father David's blood pressure has stablised.

It was observed however that Father David is expelling a higher than usual amount of bodily fluids. Medication was hence administered to address the problem.

By the afternoon, nurses have observed that the medication was effective in reducing the amount of bodily fluid from being expelled.

However, doctors are concerned with the condition (i.e. cerebral fluid drainage) of his brain. Hence, they will be performing a CT Angiogram tomorrow (11th December 2007) at 0830hrs to more insights into his actual condition.

Overall, doctors have commented that he has shown slight improvement in his condition as compared to yesterday. His condition remains stable but critical.

The family requests for the continued prayers of everyone.

Prayer to the Star of David

We invite all to pray this prayer for Father David.

Dear Lord,

We ask your kindness to look upon Padre David Thexeira.
We ask you to HEAL Padre David:

(a) Continue to NORMALISE his blood pressure;
(b) RESTORE him to good sound health;
(c) REGAIN his Strength, Fortified to do Your Divine Will.

We ask you Dear Lord, to wake him when he has Sufficient Rest.

We INVOKE the Nine Choirs of Angels:

Seraphs!
Cherubs!
Thrones!
Dominations!
Virtues!
Powers!
Principalities!
Archangels!
Angels!

Hear our prayer!

All Saints,
All Holy Men and Women,

Pray for us!

All of creation, BLESS THE LORD!

Deo Gratias!

Thank you Jesus, for answering our Prayer.

Our Lady of the Way, Pray for us sinners!

Caritas Christi Urget Nos!

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says Yahweh, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope in your latter end." ~ Jer 29:11

What happened actually...

Father David Thexeira is known and loved by many.
He is a loving son to Rita and Lewis,elder brother to Michael, Christine and Robert,uncle to 7 nephews/nieces, friend to countless far and wide,unfortunately
he is lying in Mt Alvernia Hospital in critical condition!
He was flown back, on the 9th of Dec from Bangkok onboard an air ambulance
to seek neurological treatment from one of Singapore's renowned neurosurgeons, Associate Professor Doctor Keith Goh.

On the 2nd of December 2007,
Fr. David flew to Bangkok for a short stopover to visit some friends of the church, upon his arrival at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport at approximately 1930hrs he felt dizzy and collapsed after clearing immigration.

He was subsequently taken to Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital for attention, at the hospital, he was still conscious and had told the attending doctor that he felt nauseous, blacked out then collapsed!

Upon wheeling to the treatment table for observation Fr.David began to vomit and shortly after collapsed once again only this time to fall into a deep coma that has lasted till now.

An emergency operation was carried out, to stop the massive bleeding in his brain due to a suspected aneurysm (bursting of blood vessel), in order to save his life.

His distraught mother and brother Michael immediately packed their bags and took the first flight out of Changi to be by his bedside and thus began a week long vigil of constant prayer for his recovery.Fr. David's sister Christine, spouse Roger, brother Robert and wife Jenny would also fly down to be by his side. What shock awaited them to see their beloved brother/bro-in-law, once a man of such stature and an imposing physical presence, now befallen with this unexpected near fatal condition, looking frail, helpless and a shadow of the man they remember.

We are now keeping vigil at Mt.Alvernia hospital hoping and praying that he survives the treatment and operations that will follow in the coming days.
We now look forward till the time he opens his eyes and sees all those who love and care for him by his bedside. Till then, he is under the capable hands of neurosurgeons Associcate Professor Doctor Keith Goh and Doctor Tang Kok Kee

Many a tears would have fallen and many a heart will be broken, but we will persevere and our faith will not be broken.

Fr.David's family wishes to thank all his parishioner's, relatives and friends for their constant prayers.