Media Release
Mangaluru, May 14: On April 7 and 14, the Neermarga Parishioners bid a loving farewell to their beloved parish priest, Fr Anil Canute D’Mello who will be leaving on May 15 to take up his new posting as parish priest of Mother of God Church, Mogarnad.
After the 7.30 am mass the farewell programme comprised of an introduction, reading of the citation, song, offering of mementoes and speeches by Francis Gonsalves and Zita Usha Fernandes, vice president and secretary of parish pastoral council, Maurice Renjal, coordinator of 21 commissions and representatives of different associations.
The common refrain that was heard from the speakers on the contribution of their shepherd was that he had a big heart, a sympathetic ear. a clear mind and his genuineness and commitment to work coupled with amiable and adaptable dispositions and an unmatched dedication and devotion to serve the flock entrusted to his care. In Fr Anil, is found a model of someone sincerely and profoundly tapped into the richness of the Catholic faith, which in turn, made the parishioners want to deepen their relationship with Christ. The Pastor is also feted for his consistency and congeniality, thought provoking homilies, a friend to the sick and needy but would stand like a rock on matters of principle, whenever tragedy befell to anyone, he was always there for them, though he faced several setbacks he continued his task with endurance and forgiveness and worked as hard for the welfare of his extended family.
The important achievements of Fr Anil with the assistance of supportive PPC included: Construction of the Presbytery, laying of the interlocks in front of the parochial house , installed electric powered pendant lights inside the church, construction of new washrooms and compound wall of the church, renovated the cemetery and the sacristy, erection of the stations of the cross plaques and grotto of St Joseph and St Antony by the side of the road in front of the church, installation of CCTV cameras and new sound system, created new parish What’s up group and website speak a lot about his mission, hard labour and vision.
Fr Anil in his message ,looking back on his six years in Neermarga Parish shared his deepest sentiments of gratitude to his flock by citing the scriptural reference 1 Corinthians 1:4, 1 Thessalonian 5: 12,13,16-18 and insights that was indeed touching. The programme ended by capturing memories with photo sessions.
St Joseph the Worker Church, Neermarga remain ever grateful to the selfless noble endeavours and relentless services of their pastor Fr Anil Canute D'Mello from June 2017 to May 2023.