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Mount Rosary Church Bids a Heartfelt Farewell to Rev. Fr. Oliver Nazareth

It was a morning filled with emotion, gratitude, and deep affection at Mount Rosary Church, as the parish community came together to bid farewell to their beloved Assistant Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Oliver Nazareth, after two years of dedicated and inspiring service.

In a unique gesture of love and respect, the faithful remained in the church after the 8:00 am Holy Mass celebrated by Rev Fr Oliver—not out of obligation, but from the desire to honour a priest who had truly touched their lives. The farewell programme began with the brief introduction by Mrs Priya Furtado, Secretary of PPC and a felicitation cum heartfelt farewell address by Mr Luke DSouza, Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council, highlighting Fr. Oliver’s contributions and the lasting impact of his ministry.

Rev. Dr. Roque D’Souza, Parish Priest, spoke warmly of Fr. Oliver’s time at Mount Rosary, describing him as “a wonderful co-worker, a man of prayer, and a shepherd who served with humility, wisdom, and a heart for the people.” He commended Fr. Oliver’s new role as Principal in Kottayam in Kerala, affirming that this responsibility perfectly aligns with his qualifications, experience, and love for nurturing young minds.
The Church leaders joined parish priest Fr Roque DSouza along with Superior of the SRA Convent Sr Jane a vibrant bouquet, as Mr. Luke D’Souza, Vice President, Mrs Priya Furtado of the Parish Council along with others adorned Rev Fr Oliver Nazareth with a traditional shawl and garland, bouquet of flowers and statue of patroness Our Lady of Rosary the memento, as a mark of esteem

The celebration became more vibrant as representatives from various pious associations of the parish came forward—ICYM, Catholic Sabha, Stree Sanghatan, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Tertiary Order, especially YCS, Altar Servers as Fr Oliver was in charge of them, followed by Senior Citizens’ Club, Team Rozaricho Gaanch, Sisters of the Goretti Convent, and a few more—each expressing their gratitude through garlands, bouquets, and kind words, creating a wave of appreciation that echoed throughout the church. The Choir of the Church sung a well-worded song especially composed for the occasion – both to thank and wish Fr Oliver all the very best….

In his emotional Thanksgiving address, Fr. Oliver humbly remembered every individual, especially his mentor and guide, the Vicar, for the unwavering support, companionship, and love showered on him during his pastoral journey at Mount Rosary, a large cosmopolitan parish, “I carry you all in my heart and remembered in my prayers…” he said, “as precious gifts to cherish for a lifetime.”

The programme concluded with the presentation of a memento and a purse by the Pastoral Council leaders, on behalf of the entire parish family. It was a poignant moment, marked by teary eyes and grateful hearts, as the congregation rose to their feet in a standing ovation—a fitting tribute to a priest who had sown seeds of faith, hope, and love in every soul he encountered.

As Fr. Oliver embarks on a new mission, as Principal of a College run by CHC Fathers in Kottayam Kerala, as Mount Rosary bids him farewell—not as a goodbye, but with prayers and blessings for his continued journey in the vineyard of the Lord.

Thank you, dear Fr. Oliver, for being a guiding light. You will always remain a cherished part of our Mount Rosary family.

Reported by P. Archibald Furtado
Photographs: Mr Praveen Cutinho.