New Delhi, Okhla, September 18, 2018: The funeral Mass was held at Don Bosco Technical Institute Chapel, Okhla at 4.30 p.m. The mortal body of Fr. Brian Diamond was brought to the chapel at 3.30 p.m. for public homage.
Before the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, Fr. Babu Varghese, the Rector and Principal of Don Bosco School Alaknanda invited various groups to pay their last homage.
The Holy Eucharist was presided over by Arch Bishop Emeritus Vincent Concessao and con-celebrated by 60 priests. About 350 people from all walks of life gathered for the requiem Mass.
Fr. Jose Mathew, the provincial during his sermon shared the following reflections – “We have gathered here to celebrate the life of a valiant and faithful son of Don Bosco. Our constitution Art 54 says” Death for the Salesian is made bright by the hope of entering into the Joy of the Lord and when it happens that a Salesian dies working for souls, the congregation has won a great triumph”- Today we can truly be proud of the achievement of this brave and committed son of Don Bosco. While Fr. Brian hasn’t been in the best of health these past few weeks or months, his quick demise has taken all of us by surprise. Life’s fragility is manifested again. Today he leaves behind a great legacy of simple holiness, dedication, serene commitment, trusting obedience, nobility of character, deapth of spirituality, sensitivity to the disadvantaged. The spark of divine call made him deeply pious like his parents and very hard working. His fulfilled life is a call to each one of us, particularly the younger generation to take to heart his invitation, to allow the Spirit of the Lord to set us on fire with love for Jesus and follow Him after the example of Don Bosco. He was convinced that fidelity to the spirit of Don Bosco is a sure means to lead youth to Jesus in this new millennium.”
After the Mass mortal remains of Fr. Diamond was taken to the Salesian cemetery in the Don Bosco Provincial house campus. The funeral rite was conducted by Fr. Jose Mathew, the provincial of New Delhi. After which Fr. Bhushan Barla, the Vice-Rector and Vice-Principal of Don Bosco School Alaknanda invited everyone to the provincial house for refreshment.