Media Release
Udupi, Aug 22: St Peter's Church in Barkur was filled with an outpouring of love and reverence as the community gathered to honor the late Very Rev Fr Valerian Mendonca, a cherished spiritual leader who served as Vicar from 2012 to 2017. The tribute, which included a solemn Mass and a commemorative ceremony, celebrated Fr Mendonca's life and enduring legacy.
The day's events began with a Holy Mass held in the artistically rich and historically significant St Peter's Church. The Mass was led by Rev. Fr Cyprian Henry D'Souza, SFX Pilar, a native priest of Barkur, who delivered a moving sermon reflecting on Fr Mendonca's divine qualities and his unwavering commitment to living the Gospel.
The Mass was concelebrated by Fr Sunil D'Silva, parish priest of St Anthony Church, Sastan. The church choir, under the direction of Irene Pais, added to the solemn atmosphere with a soul-stirring performance of hymns composed by Fr Mendonca himself.
Following the Mass, approximately 200 faithful gathered in the adjacent Sauharda Hall at 12:15 PM for a commemorative program. Reshma, serving as the emcee, set the tone with a poignant introduction, highlighting Fr Mendonca's multifaceted personality and his deep connection with the community during his tenure as Vicar.
Fr Cyprian Henry, in an emotionally charged welcome address, expressed his joy at the spontaneous turnout of parishioners, which he said was a testament to how deeply Fr Mendonca was loved and respected.
Sr Rose Agnes, AC, Fr Mendonca's younger sister, delivered a heartfelt speech that moved many to tears. She expressed the family's deep gratitude for the exceptional arrangements, which included a requiem Mass, a 'Nudinamana' (word of honor), and the release of a comprehensive book about Fr Mendonca's life. Sr Rose Agnes also shared touching anecdotes from Fr Mendonca's childhood, highlighting his early calling to serve God and humanity.
The event featured several speakers who shared personal experiences and tributes. Alwyn Andrade, a prominent social and cultural figure in the locality, credited Fr Mendonca for shaping his career as a photographer and videographer. Eugene Quadrus, former vice president of the Parish Pastoral Council, praised Fr Mendonca's involvement in church activities and his pivotal role in celebrating the 150th Post Centenary Golden Jubilee of the Parish in 2013.
Fr Sunil D'Silva, the chief guest, provided a comprehensive overview of Fr Mendonca's journey, from his days as an English teacher and principal to his recent role as dean of Kallianpur varado. He described Fr Mendonca as "a devout life, of nobility, knowledge, and concern for the needs of priests-one in a million."
A highlight of the event was the release of a commemorative book about Fr Mendonca's life. Prof P Archibald Furtado, the editor-in-charge, provided an overview of the 136-page volume, which features contributions from over 40 renowned writers, primarily from Barkur, in Konkani, Kannada, and English. The book also includes contributions from Fr Mendonca's Hindu friends and admirers, underscoring his broad impact across communities.
The book's artistic cover, designed by Kishoo Barkur, received special mention for its meaningful representation of Fr Mendonca's life and work.
Prof Jude Alfred Furtado proposed a vote of thanks, acknowledging everyone who contributed to the event. Special recognition was given to Walter D'Almeida, a native of Barkur now settled in the UAE, for his generous sponsorship of the book project.
The program concluded with a musical tribute by Irene Pais and the choir team, followed by the distribution of the commemorative book to attending families and a communal lunch.