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‘FR VALERIAN MENDONCA’  YOU WILL BE AN ALL TIME INSPIRATION FOR OUR LIFE….

What a towering personality, handsome looks, and that immaculate smile – his very exterior appearance had that magnetic attraction – whether he was in the Holy Altar of God, may be in the classroom, pulpit, any public stage, Principal’s cabin or in his parish office - the dignity and decorum, neatness and accommodation to visitors, you see it from any angle, always graceful and divine….

Then, it will be an experience of different kind, once you meet him, it’s a pleasure to talk or converse with him. The way he makes you comfortable, with his most beautiful smile, incubate you to open up freely for the purpose you arrived…..

The lifeless mortal remains of Very Rev Fr Valerian Mendonca reminds and rewind pleasant memories in his company over the years – As a student, a parishioner, a well wisher, a counsellor, a family friend… thousands have innumerable experiences to cherish, things and events… who has seen or come in contact with him, undoubtedly -  influenced, encouraged, motivated…

We have seen him in social gathering and family celebrations – he used to recognise and greet all around and at times, specially notice the presence of elderly in the audience and before they join hands to seek blessings from their Vicar, he used to hold their hands and whispering,’ please keep me in your prayers…..’!

I find no fault in him, to complain, after tracing time and again, to pick his short coming, temperament – No; it’s astonishing to have such people precisely, a gentleman, holy man, and helpful man - around us till yesterday 3rd July, 2024. Yesterday he breathed his last, on duty at the feet of Mother Milagres, probably who was his first love, now leaving a vacuum, no one can fill…. !

Though Fr Valerian served in many Churches and Colleges, both in the Diocese of Mangalore and Udupi,  including my own home town Barkur, 2012 -17, he had an unique place for Milagrians – His 4 years as Assistant to Fr GL DCruz in 1980 to 83, during an all important time, the parish celebrating Tri-centenary of the Milagres Church, later as Lecturer, 1988 – 95, Vice Principal 1995-97, Principal of prestigious Milagres College 1997 – 2003, and now the Rector, Parish priest and Correspondent of Milagrian Educational Institutions…more than 2 decades rather  a record 22 years he lived with Milagrians – undoubtedly the most fruitful years in his life…It must a divine providence, on Monday, July 8th  his final rites will be held here and his burial place will be site to find peace, solace to all of us…!!

A intense life of the spirit of prayers, he was a reservoir of rare talents – a man of letters, musician, composer, professor of English language, administrator, a public speaker with apt quotes flowing from famous poets and writers and all he utilised to praise the glory of Lord, by way of hymns, sermons, teaching, preaching, distribution of Sacraments….His whole life to the extent we know is like that – holy and spotless….
Truly my fingers not moving, when I come to senses as he is no more with us physically… Thank you Lord you sent Fr Valerian – personifying  all that is good to be a true pastor and gave an opportunity to us, in thousands to be touched, blessed, taught…… by a ‘Saintly Priest of our time Very Rev. Fr Valerian Mendonca….!!

May Almighty Lord grant him eternal peace in heaven and strength to all – students and teachers, parishioners and friends, family and relatives to bear this grief and sorrow.

P. Archibald Furtado.