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Rev. Fr. Valerian Mendonca – Priest, Teacher, and Friend of the Youth - Early Life and Priestly Vocation

Rev. Fr. Valerian Mendonca was born on 9th December 1949 into a devout Catholic family, Gabriel and Serphine Mendonca in Pilar part of Shirva parish.

Gifted in language, (II Place in SSLC Karnataka State level and later First rank in B.SC) literature, and music, he had a natural ability to inspire others from his young days. He discerned his vocation early and, after seminary formation, was ordained priest on 7th May 1976 for the Diocese of Mangalore. His priesthood became a harmonious blend of scholarship, creativity, and pastoral zeal.

Early Ministry and Education:
Fr. Valerian began his priestly ministry as Assistant Parish Priest at Milagres Church, Kallianpur, where his simplicity and youthful charm won hearts. At the same time, he was drawn into education—an area where his influence would be long-lasting.
Milagres College, Kallianpur – Served as Lecturer in English, Head of Department, Vice Principal, and Principal.
Pompei First Grade College, Kirem – Principal, where he strengthened academic culture and discipline.
Milagres College, Mangalore – Principal, remembered as a dynamic academician.
He was an educator who went beyond academics, inspiring students with values, music, and leadership.

Promoter of Culture – Director of Sandesha
As Director of Sandesha, Mangalore, earlier in CCC, he encouraged artists, writers, and musicians, giving cultural expression a spiritual dimension. His love for music and literature enriched countless programs, and he nurtured a generation of creative thinkers.
Brief time-line of Parish Leadership and Pastoral Care:
In short, Fr. Valerian also shouldered various pastoral responsibilities:
•    Immediately after Ordination 7-5-1976 he was sent to     St Anthony’s Ashram for two months and on 7 8. 1976 appointed as Assistant Parish Priest – Omzoor, Mera Majalu, for two years.
•    In Secundarabad AP, he obtained Diploma in Communications – Radio and AV Aids from Amrutavani Communication Centre.
•    Took charge earlier as Secretary and later as Director of Canara Communication Centre Mangalore and brought out Natalanchi Gitan first Audio Cassettes of hymns in Konkani in Dec 1979. 
•    Appointed as Assistant Parish Priest of Milagres Church, Kallianpur – 1980 to 1983, during a most auspicious time the Church celebrated Tri Centenary celebrations on 9th, 10th and 11th December, 1981.
•    Once he competed his MA in English literature with a first class, on 1-7-1983, begun his illustrious teaching career in Milagres PU College, Mangalore as Lecturer in English and then in charge Principal till 1985.

•    Parish Priest of Tallur St Francis Assisi Church – Served with devotion, building up the community 1986 – 87 as the Church and St Philomena School celebrated Golden Jubilee on 6-5-1987.
•    Took charge as Vice Principal of Milagres PU College, Mangalore till May, 1988.
•    A long innings in Milagres College Kallianpur – 1988 – 95, as Lecturer in English, 19995 97 as Vice Principal, 1997 to 2003 as Principal – a period always remembered as Golden Years.
•    Transferred to Pompei as Principal - First Grade College on 1-7-2003 and retires on 31-12-2007.
•    Took charge as Director of SANDESHA Mangalore – 2008 to 2012.
•    Arrives historical Barkur as Vicar on 3-6-2012 and serves for five great years till 8-6-2017. Also serves as Chancellor of newly erected Diocese of Udupi since 01-10 -2013.
•    Parish Priest & Dean of Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi – 9-6-2017 to 28-10-2020 guided one of the largest parishes with care and dignity.
•    As Rector of Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur on 29-10-2020 – In his later years, led the mother church of the diocese with pastoral zeal and respect.

In Barkur – Youth Priest and the Ruby Jubilee of CYM
Fr. Valerian’s tenure as Parish Priest of St. Peter’s Church, Barkur (2012–2017) is remembered with special affection, particularly for his closeness to the youth.
He walked with the Catholic Youth Movement (CYM), Barkur, encouraging their talents in liturgy, leadership, sports, cultural activities, and social outreach.

Under his leadership, CYM Barkur celebrated its Ruby Jubilee (1976–2016) with grandeur—a historic event in the annals of the parish youth.
To commemorate the occasion, a special souvenir titled “Yuva Chetan” was released, capturing four decades of youth energy and service. Fr. Valerian’s guidance and inspiration were pivotal in bringing this milestone celebration to fruition.
His presence ensured that the youth felt empowered, respected, and motivated. Many still recall how his faith in them instilled confidence and courage.
For the Barkur youth, he was not just a parish priest but a mentor, motivator, and friend who believed in their potential.
Unique Service to the Religious Music in Konkani and other languages and the Diocese
His talents were recognized at the diocesan level as he composed dozens of CDs of religious Music and hymns with his associate and friend Rev Fr Clement Muscarenhas.
Appointed the First Chancellor of the newly created Diocese of Udupi, where he laid strong foundations of governance.
Remembered as a wise, organized, and approachable leader at the diocesan centre.

Final Years and Legacy
Fr. Valerian continued to serve with dedication until he was called to eternal rest on 3rd July 2024, aged 75. His funeral witnessed clergy, parishioners, former students, and especially youth—a testimony to the impact he had across generations.

Legacy
Rev. Fr. Valerian Mendonca’s life was like a well-composed symphony—blending faith, education, culture, and youth empowerment.
As a teacher, he shaped minds in all the three great Colleges he served – Mialgres Mangalore & Kallianpur, Pompei College, Kirrem.
As a priest in Mera Majalu, Milagres Kallianpur, Tallur, Barkur, Udupi etc he built communities.

As a cultural leader, in CCC and Sandesha he promoted creativity.
And as a youth motivator, especially in Omzoor, Kallianpur and Barkur etc, he made faith lively, responsible, and future-focused.
For Barkur CYM, the Ruby Jubilee under his guidance remains a shining chapter of inspiration, and for countless others, he will always be remembered as the priest who believed in the strength of the young.
As we fondly remember him on his death anniversary service, on 17th September, 2026 in a place he spent creamy years of his life in the service of God and His men in Milagres Kallianpur, pray to the Patroness Our Lady of Milagres to grant the highest reward in Heaven and solace to all his loved one’s strength to overcome Fr Valerian’s absence physically midst of us.

P. Archibald Furtado.