Thirty years ago at a house in Sector 8, Chandigarh, the journey of St. Stephen's School began with a formal blessing by Bishop Gilbert Blaize Rego - Bishop of the Diocese of Simla-Chandigarh at that time. Bishop Gilbert was a member of the St. Stephen's Educational Society and Patron of St. Stephen's School. He was the epitome of humility, simplicity and good will and exemplified the love of Jesus Christ for the poor and down trodden. A loving friend, an excellent mentor, this true gentleman was all that St. Stephen's needed to be blessed with on its journey through the ages.
Bishop Gilbert retired in November 1999. Sometime later he returned to Bombay where he had been ordained. Thereafter he resided at Clergy Home, Bandra. The good, gentle and humble shepherd was afflicted by Alzheimers which finally overtook him on June 21, 2012 as he passed on to be with his Lord and Master.
I had the opportunity and was blessed to be part of the choir at his consecration on September 11, 1971. I was further blessed to lead the choir and speak words of salutation to commemorate his Silver Jubilee as Bishop of the Diocese and I mustered courage to lead the choir at his final farewell in the Cathedral at Sector 19, Chandigarh on June 24, 2012. Bishop Gilbert had asked me to read his obituary and I shall always regret that this was not possible due to the limitations of the powers that be !
In the passing of Bishop Gilbert we have lost the physical presence of one who was loved and respected by all. He touched and influenced the lives of countless members of humanity and his touch was always personal and memorable. This memory will be carried forward and all at St. Stephen's, Chandigarh and Togan will remember him in perpetuity.
`You are with God, Bishop Gilly. He will nurture you and care for you eternally in His mansions in heaven�
