Mumbai:The funeral of fifty-eight-year-old Michael Leo Serrao, a native of Kinnigoli in Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka who passed away in the suburban Bhayandar, a few days ago was held as per Catholic rites at St Josephs parish, Mira Road (East) here on Thursday October 10 at 4.30pm.

Michael was a bachelor who was working in metro since the past 18 years.He was shunned by his five brothers and one sister because of his wayward nature.  He passed away in the sleep when he returned to his staff quarters while working as waiter at Hot Sip Bar, located at Gokuldham, Bhayandar (East).

The Bar owners Ravindra Shetty and Uday Shetty Simantoor, social activist Nancy I Sequeira, Roland Noronha, Harry R Sequeira, John Serrao, Alwyn Ranipura and others interested in humanity joined in the final journey of Michael on the occasion.

Mira Road (East) parish priest Fr Dominic Vas and assistant parish priest Fr Michael Moras conducted the funeral service.

Humanity prevails in funeral service

As per the wish of Bar owners who wanted to give Catholic burial rites to orphaned Michael, led by Rons Bantwal, while Muslim brethrens offered the flowers. The Hindu brethrens carried the coffin of Michael at the cemetery, amidst Catholic rites performed by clergies, the Muslim brethrens dropped a handful of soil grave after the coffin was lowered into it.  It was indeed a gesture of humanity.  Nancy I Sequeira transported the coffin supplied by Mira Road (East) parish to the morgue of Bhagavati Hospital, and dressed the mortal remains of Michael with the clothes brought by her, to show women also hare humanity in the midst of chaotic world.