Report by: Ashwin D’Silva
Our Lady of Miracles Cathedral, Kallianpur, mourns the loss of its beloved rector, V. Rev. Fr Valerian Mendonca, who passed away on July 3 due to a cardiac arrest. The entire cathedral community, along with thousands of well-wishers, gathered to pay respect, honour and tribute to his memory.
The mortal remains of V. Rev. Fr Valerian Mendonca were brought to the cathedral on July 8 at 12 noon. Msgr. Ferdinand Gonsalves, Vicar General of Udupi Diocese, and Fr Pradeep Cardoza, Assistant Priest of Milagres Cathedral, conducted a prayer service at the portico, accompanied by other priests.
From 12 noon to 3:15 pm, the remains were kept at the portico for public viewing. Thousands of people, including priests, nuns, and the students and staff of all Milagres educational institutions, gathered to pay their last respects. The members of all 15 wards participated in the prayers, rosary, and hymns, creating a heartfelt tribute to Fr Valerian Mendonca. The choir played and sang songs composed by Fr Valerian Mendonca, adding a personal touch to the ceremony.
The funeral Holy Mass began at 3:30 pm, offered by Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Henry D’Souza, Bishop of Bellary Diocese, and many other priests. Most Rev. Dr. Henry D’Souza, delivered a touching homily, reflecting on Fr Valerian Mendonca’s dedication and contributions to the church and the community.
After the mass, Fr Denis D’Sa, Mrs. Eugene Rebello, Dr. Vincent Alva, and Sr. Rose Agnes shared their heartfelt condolences and memories of Fr Valerian Mendonca. Msgr. Rev. Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves expressed the vote of thanks with deep gratitude to all who came to honour the late rector.
The mortal remains of V. Rev. Fr Valerian Mendonca were then taken to the church cemetery. The funeral rites were led by Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo. The community united in their sorrow, bid their final farewell as Fr Valerian Mendonca was laid to rest.
Fr Valerian Mendonca’s legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew him. His dedication, compassion, and spiritual guidance will be remembered and cherished by the entire Our Lady of Miracles Cathedral, Kallianpur.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
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