SBS Khumancha: created a article

2026-01-14T18:56:22Z

created a article

New page

{{short description|Indian Catholic priest and playwright (1964–2022)}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Nevel Gracias
| othername = Fr. Nevel Gracias
| image = Fr. Nevel Gracias (cropped).jpg
| caption = Gracias during a ''[[tiatr]]'' production, 2013
| birth_name = Nevel Lourdes Sacramento Gracias
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1964|2|11|df=y}}
| education = [[St. Xavier's High School, Velim, Goa|St. Xavier's High School]] ([[S.S.C]])
| alma_mater = [[Rachol Seminary]] (1991)
| death_date = {{Death date and age|2022|5|13|1964|2|11|df=y}}
| death_place = [[Porvorim, Goa]], India
| burial_place = St. Francis Xavier Church cemetery, Velim, Goa, India
| birth_place = [[Velim, Goa]], India
| years_active = 1976–2022
| occupation = {{hlist|Actor|singer|composer|director|playwright|editor|catholic priest}}
| module = {{Infobox Christian leader
| embed = yes
| type = Priest
| church = [[Roman Catholic Church]]
| other_post = {{plainlist|
* [[Spiritual director]] of the [[Legion of Mary]] of [[Loutolim]] [[Curia]]
* Parochial administrator of the Parish of [[Chaudi]], [[Canacona]] (1999–2000)
* Spiritual director of the Legion of Mary of Canacona Curia
* [[Dean (Christianity)|Dean]] of Canacona [[deanery]] (2004–2006)
* Assistant director of Lar de Santa Terezinha (2007–2009)
* Assistant director of the Diocesan Catechetical Center
* Director of [[Lay apostolate]]}}
| ordination = 30 April 1991
| ordained_by = [[Raul Nicolau Gonçalves]]
| rank = Diocesan priest}}
}}

'''Nevel Lourdes Sacramento Gracias''' (11 February 1964 – 13 May 2022) was an Indian [[Catholic priest]], playwright, actor, singer, composer, director, and [[literary editor]] who primarily worked on the [[Tiatr|Konkani stage]], best known for his [[lenten]] ''[[tiatr]]s''. He was regarded as a [[one-man show]] and served in the general council of the [[Tiatr Academy of Goa]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tribute to Fr Nevel Gracias |url=https://www.thegoan.net/goa-news/%EF%BB%BFtribute-to-fr-nevel-gracias/83976.html |access-date=2022-10-13 |website=The Goan EveryDay |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Pires |first=Mario |title=Remembering Fr Nevel: A prolific writer, dramatist |url=https://www.gomantaktimes.com/my-goa/art-culture/remembering-fr-nevel-a-prolific-writer-dramatist |access-date=2022-10-13 |website=Gomantak Times |date=16 May 2022 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=K-1PAQAAIAAJ&q=%22Nevel+Gracias%22 |title=100 Years of Konkani Tiatro |date=2000 |publisher=Government of Goa, Directorate of Art & Culture |language=en}}</ref>

==Career==
===Priesthood===
Gracias was described as a diligent [[altar server]] who aspired to be a priest. He joined at [[Rachol Seminary]] in June 1984. Through his years at the seminary his love for ''[[tiatr]]s'' and volleyball persisted. He was ordained as a priest on 30 April 1991 at St Francis Xavier's Church in [[Velim, Goa|Velim]] by then, Archbishop Emeritus [[Raul Nicolau Gonçalves]]. He served as an [[assistant priest|assistant]] to [[parish priest]] at the [[parishes]] of [[Taleigao]] and [[Piedade, Goa|Piedade]] in [[Divar]].<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" />

In 1996, he was appointed as an assistant parish priest of [[Loutolim]] and later went on to be the [[Spiritual director]] of the [[Legion of Mary]] of Loutolim [[Curia]]. Gracias was assigned as the Parochial administrator of the Parish of [[Chaudi]] in [[Canacona]] in 1999. He was then made the Spiritual director of the Legion of Mary of Canacona Curia, within a year of his service he was appointed as the parish priest. In 2004 he was assigned as the [[Dean (Christianity)|Dean]] of Canacona [[deanery]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=A Tribute to Fr. Nevel Gracias |url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/Cafe/A-Tribute-to-Fr-Nevel-Gracias/189598 |access-date=2022-10-13 |website=oHeraldo}}</ref>

In 2006, Gracias was appointed as the parish priest of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Utorda but within a year, he was summoned back due to his health issues. In 2007, he was promoted to Assistant director of Lar de Santa Terezinha, two years later in 2009 he was appointed as an Assistant director of the Diocesan Catechetical Center and then later as a Director of [[Lay apostolate]], where he was an editor for religious [[bi-monthly]] booklets, ''Jivitacho Prokas'' and ''Daily Flash'', that included daily reflections on the word of God. Gracias also served in the parishes of [[Tivim]], [[Panjim]] and [[Caranzalem]].<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" />

In 2014, Gracias was then assigned to St. Diogo Parish in [[Guirim]]-[[Sangolda]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Transfer of priests announced |url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/The-Sunday-Roundtable/transfer-of-priests-announced/65007 |access-date=2022-10-15 |website=oHeraldo}}</ref> but due to his declining health he was summoned back in 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Archbishop announces appointments of parish priests |website=The Navhind Times |date=13 May 2018 |url=https://www.navhindtimes.in/2018/05/13/goanews/archbishop-announces-appointments-of-parish-priests/ |access-date=2022-10-15 |language=en-US}}</ref> He was then sent to a [[Clergy house|clergy home]] ({{langx|pt|Lar Dos Sacerdotes}}), at Casa Urbina in [[Porvorim]] and resided there till his death.<ref name=":1" />

===''Tiatrs''===
[[File:Fr Nevel Gracias performing at Maim Tuka Khoim Sodum?.jpg|thumb|From left; Felcy, Tari, Chitra, Gracias and Comedian Michael performing at ''Maim Tuka Khoim Sodum? tiatr'' in September 2013]]
Gracias had a keen interest for ''[[tiatr]]s'' since the young age of 9. He didn't have a smooth start at his initial career on the [[Konkani language|Konkani]] stage but would keep up a positive zeal. He wrote the script for his first ''tiatr'', ''"Ek rukachim tin follam"'' at the age of 12 in 1976, it didn't help him succeed as he had to face many hardships but it didn't let his love for ''tiatrs'' die down. He took part at a local seniors auditions that were selecting casts and singers for a village ''tiatr''. He went on to perform many [[traditional songs]].<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=July 3, 2013 |title=In the name of the father |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/in-the-name-of-the-father/articleshow/20838246.cms |access-date=2022-10-15 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Lenten reflection and introspection during Lent |url=https://www.thegoan.net//lenten-reflection-and-introspection-during-lent/3065.html |access-date=2022-10-18 |website=The Goan EveryDay |language=en}}</ref>

Unfortunately young Gracias couldn't secure a spot for himself at the auditions and was never told why he was rejected. This didn't let him down, on the contrary he continued with his work, showcasing ''tiatrs'' in a distinguished and unique perspective. Gracias initially chose the Konkani stage as a medium to spread the word of God. He didn't intend to start out his ''tiatrs'' based on lenten or having religious concepts, instead his initial ''tiatrs'' storylines were based on family values, women's liberation, patriotism, and social life.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Fernandes |first1=Paul |last2=Esteves |first2=Pio |date=February 19, 2015 |title=Religious tiatr traces its roots back to the 1960s |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/religious-tiatr-traces-its-roots-back-to-the-1960s/articleshow/46292164.cms |access-date=2022-10-15 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref>

Since 1997 Gracias started with his lenten [[Play (theatre)|plays]] that drew mass attention mainly at the village church squares during the 43 days [[lenten]] season. He presented all of these ''tiatrs'' under the "''Vell’lekar Nirmiti"'' banner and shared little of his profits to charity. Prior to his death, he told [[Times of India]] that "the ''tiatr'' medium is more impactful than preaching", as it helps convey a strong message to mass audiences since it's a visual form of art, it's more effective.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite news |title=Konkani play on life of St Francis Xavier - Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/konkani/konkani-play-on-life-of-st-francis-xavier/articleshow/43981447.cms |access-date=2022-10-15 |website=The Times of India |date=October 2014 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Lenten tiatrs: Solemn messages through entertainment |url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/Voice-Of-Tiatr/Lenten-tiatrs-Solemn-messages-through-entertainment/127400 |access-date=2022-10-15 |website=oHeraldo}}</ref>

In a career span of more than 45 years as a [[dramatist]], Gracias has written and staged about 47 tiatrs and 24 lenten plays. His last show, "''Tim Dogaim Ek Zatolim''" was staged just before the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], two years later in 2022, the same production was rescheduled in villages and completed 25 shows. "''Mhaka Nitoll Kor''", his [[silver jubilee]] show was scheduled in the next lent season in 2023 which included noted tiatrist, [[Prince Jacob]] in a stiff role.<ref name=":2" />

On 6 January 2009, Gracias was nominated as the council member of [[Tiatr Academy of Goa]]. He was a [[Screenplay|script]] judge at the [[Kala Academy]]'s 42nd tiatr ‘A’ group competition. He was also a regular contributor in writing for articles, ''Vauraddeancho Ixtt'', ''Dor Mhoineachi Rotti'', ''Gulab'' and ''Renovacao''. Until his death in 2022, Gracias has composed over 300 songs that were featured in his lenten plays. He has also published a book, ''Goychem Kantar (Konknni Kantaram)'', which includes 354 songs of various categories, lyrics were written by Gracias and music done by Nolvert Cota.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=October 5, 2016 |title=Chotrai: Kala Academy's group 'A' tiatr competition awards on Thursday |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/chotrai-kala-academys-group-a-tiatr-competition-awards-on-thursday/articleshow/54684286.cms |access-date=2022-10-15 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title='Dista Toxem Nasta' tops tiatr contest |url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/%E2%80%98Dista-Toxem-Nasta%E2%80%99-tops-tiatr-contest/107117 |access-date=2022-10-15 |website=oHeraldo}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Nevel Lourdes Sacramento Gracias was born on 11 February 1964 in the [[Ward (electoral subdivision)|ward]] of [[Naik-Caiero, Silvas and Ubdando|Naik-Caiero]] in the village of [[Velim, Goa]]. He completed his primary and high school education at [[St. Xavier's High School (Velim)|St. Francis Xavier High School, Velim]]. He later graduated from Damodar College of Commerce, [[Margao]]. Gracias had one of his leg below the knee amputated due to diabetes in 2006 and was bedridden at [[Goa Medical College]] in [[Bambolim]], however ensured that his [[lenten]] ''[[tiatr]]s'' saw the light of the day.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Fr Nevil turns 50 today |url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/The-Sunday-Roundtable/fr-nevil-turns-50-today/61639 |access-date=2022-10-15 |website=oHeraldo}}</ref><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0" />

==Awards==
In July 2013, Gracias was awarded the "''Gulab Award''" as the Best director for his work in "''Taka Khursar Mar''" in the ''[[tiatr]]'' category.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 21, 2013 |title='Meet on Monday to discuss GTP for south Goa' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/meet-on-monday-to-discuss-gtp-for-south-goa/articleshow/21210568.cms |access-date=2022-10-18 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref> The same year he was the recipient of "''Maria Afonso Konknni Puroskar''" for his contributions in the ''[[Romi Konkani]] language''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Margao: Gulab award conferred on Manohar Parrikar |url=https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay.aspx?newsID=180621 |access-date=2022-10-15 |website=www.daijiworld.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr |url=https://www.tskk.org/award_disp.php?id=6# |access-date=2022-10-18 |website=www.tskk.org}}</ref>

In 2020, Gracias was awarded the "''Gulab Award''" as the Gulab writer of the year.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fr. Freddy J Da Costa Memorial 'GULAB AWARDS 2020'conducted |url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/Cafe/Fr-Freddy-J-Da-Costa-Memorial-%E2%80%98GULAB-AWARDS-2020%E2%80%99conducted/177562 |access-date=2022-10-18 |website=oHeraldo}}</ref>

In 2021, he was awarded the "''[[Dalgado Konkani Academy]] Award''" for the year 2020 in the cultural category.<ref>{{Cite web |title=TAKE A BOW DALGADO AWARD WINNERS! |url=https://www.goanobserver.in/2021/04/02/letter-to-the-editor-for-issue-dated-april-03-2021/dalgado-2020/ |access-date=2022-10-15 |website=Goan Observer |date=2 April 2021 |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Death==
Gracias ailing to his health died in his sleep from an apparent [[heart attack]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cause for concern among tiatrists! |url=https://www.thegoan.net/goa-news/cause-for-concern-among-tiatrists/97813.html |access-date=2024-08-10 |website=The Goan EveryDay |language=en}}</ref> at the clergy home, Casa Urbina in [[Porvorim]], aged 58.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |author=Marcus Mergulhao|date=May 14, 2022 |title=Goa: 'One-man show' Fr Nevel Gracias passes away at 58 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/one-man-show-fr-nevel-gracias-passes-away-at-58/articleshow/91550471.cms |access-date=2022-10-13 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref>

===Reactions===
[[Mario Menezes]], a ''[[tiatr]]'' director expressed his condolences via a social media post and wrote that he was sad and shocked to hear the news of Gracias's sudden demise and further stated that he was a great priest, actor, singer, composer, writer and director, a great friend and advisor. Rupesh Jogle, who played the role as an acting director while Gracias was bedridden said that one of Gracias's special traits was that he would work with a small troupe of 8 artists and get them do everything from biblical scenes, songs and regular roles. He also states that Gracias managed the tiatr so well that none of his cast felt any burden while working with him.<ref name=":0"/>

==Selected stage works==
{|class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year
! Title
! Role
! Ref
|-
| 1976
| ''Ek Rukachim Tin Follam''
| Writer
|
|-
|2011
| ''Mhojea Somia Ani Mhojea Deva''
|Director & Actor
|<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 18, 2011 |first1=Pio |last1=Esteves |title=Theme to help ponder on one's faith |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/theme-to-help-ponder-on-ones-faith/articleshow/8009348.cms |access-date=2022-10-15 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|2013
|''Taka Khursar Mar''
| Writer, Director & Actor
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=One Part Catholic, Three Parts Fun: The Making of the Goan Tiatr |url=http://natgeotraveller.in/one-part-catholic-three-parts-fun-the-making-of-goas-raucous-tiatr/ |access-date=2022-10-15 |website=National Geographic Traveler India |language=en}}</ref>
|-
| 2014
| ''Dhorm Porgottnnar Za''
| Writer & Director
| <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://tiatr.in/tiart/dhorm-porgottnnar-za/|title=Dhorm Porgottnnar Za – Tiatr}}</ref>
|-
|2015
|''Devachem Tem Devak Diyat''
|Director
|<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 3, 2015 |first=Marcus |last=Mergulhao |title='There's a difference between Lenten tiatrs & tiatrs during Lent' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/theres-a-difference-between-lenten-tiatrs-tiatrs-during-lent/articleshow/46788551.cms |access-date=2022-10-15 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|
|''Amche Ghorabe Kosbeleat?''
|
|
|-
|
| ''Dev Kallzant Asa''
|
|
|-
|
|''Futtleli Boxi''
|
|
|-
|
|''Hanv Taka Vollkhoch Nam''
|
|
|-
|
|''Hi Porza Onttanim Vakhanntta''
|
|
|-
|
|''Hi Tuji Avoi''
|
|
|-
|
|''Hi vatt khursachi''
|
|
|-
|
|''Ho Amcho Bhavart''
|
|
|-
|
| ''Khursachem Zoit''
|
|
|-
|
|''Koxtt Ani Sontos''
|
|
|-
|
| ''Maim Tuka Khoim Sodum?''
|
|
|-
|
|''Mhaka Tan Laglea''
|
|
|-
|
|''Mhojea Mogant Ravat''
|
|
|-
|
|''Mon’xa, Tum Dhull''
|
|
|-
|
| ''Oniticheo Sanklleo Moddat''
|
|
|-
|
|''Padri Mogan Poddla…''
|
|
|-
|
| ''Patki Bhagevont''
|
|
|-
|
|''Tallnent Poddunk Dium Naka''
|
|
|-
|
| ''Tim Dogaim Ek Zatolim''
|
|
|-
|
|''To Amche Pasot Mela''
|
|
|-
|
|''Tuji Khuxi Zaum''
|Director
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fr. Gracias, known for Lenten tiatrs, no more |website=The Navhind Times |date=14 May 2022 |url=https://www.navhindtimes.in/2022/05/14/goanews/fr-gracias-known-for-lenten-tiatrs-no-more/ |access-date=2022-10-15 |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
|
| ''Tuji Xokti Dhi''
|
|
|-
|
|''Tumche Khatir Roddat''
|
|
|-
|
|''Voch… Anik Patok Korum Naka''
|
|
|}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://tiatr.in/tiatrist/fr-nevel-gracias/ Nevel Gracias at Tiatr.in]
* [http://goanchurches.info/priests/fr-nevel-lourdes-sacramento-gracias/ Nevel Gracias at Goan Churches]
* [https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6m-sMb2vx3k&feature=youtu.be Funeral service of Fr. Nevel Gracias]
* [http://stdiogoschurch.in/?s=Nevel+Gracias+#.Y00ibeHhVPw Nevel Gracias at St. Diogo Church, Guirim]
* [https://www.artandculture.goa.gov.in/general-council-1 General Council of Establishment in 2009]

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gracias, Nevel}}
[[Category:1964 births]]
[[Category:2022 deaths]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian Roman Catholic priests]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian Roman Catholic priests]]
[[Category:Indian dramatists and playwrights]]
[[Category:Indian male actors]]
[[Category:Indian theatre directors]]
[[Category:Indian producers]]
[[Category:Indian male singers]]
[[Category:People from South Goa district]]
[[Category:Dramatists and playwrights from Goa]]
[[Category:Tiatrists]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian composers]]

Nevel Gracias - Revision history

SBS Khumancha: created a article