Media Release
Mangaluru, May 27: It was an occasion of immense joy, warmth and thanksgiving for the faithful of Valencia parish, as they gathered in a spirit of great enthusiasm and unity to warmly welcome their new parish priest, Fr Cyprian Pinto, on May 26, making it a truly memorable and grace filled moment of celebration for the entire parish.
The new parish priest was accorded a warm and cordial welcome by the outgoing parish priest, Fr Roque D’Sa, along with assistant parish priest Fr Pradeep Rodrigues, Parish Council vice president Ronald Rodrigues, secretary Leeda Aquinas and 21 Commission coordinator Julian D’Souza. He was greeted with floral garlands as a mark of love, respect and heartfelt goodwill. Together with a large gathering of parishioners.
The formal handing over ceremony was presided over by Fr Walter D’Souza, parish priest of St Sebastian Church Bendur, who represented the bishop of Mangalore.
During the sacred ceremony, Fr Cyprian Pinto formally assumed charge as parish priest of Valencia church. As a part of the liturgical and symbolic rites, he took the oath of office and received the stole from the outgoing parish priest, signifying the transmission of pastoral authority and priestly responsibility. He was then presented with the Holy Bible, from which he proclaimed the Word of God, symbolising his mission to faithfully preach the Gospel and shepherd the people of God. Subsequently, he professed his faith in the Triune God and reaffirmed his commitment to the teachings of the Holy Catholic Church. The outgoing parish priest handed over the parish family records, representing the pastoral care and spiritual responsibility of the parish. The financial records were formally entrusted by vice president Ronald Rodrigues, signifying stewardship over the temporal goods of the parish. The keys of the Tabernacle were then solemnly handed over to the new parish priest by the bishop’s representative, marking his sacred duty in the reverent care of the Blessed Sacrament. Members of the Parish Pastoral Council lit candles from the candle held by the Parish priest, beautifully symbolising their unity and shared participation in the mission of the Church. The ceremony concluded with Fr Cyprian Pinto imparting his solemn blessing upon all gathered faithful.
Following the liturgical programme, a brief welcome ceremony was organised which was compered by Dolphy Saldanha.
Parish Council vice-president Ronald Rodrigues welcomed the gathering, introduced Fr Cyprian Pinto and presented a brief yet insightful overview of Valencia Parish. He highlighted the parish’s pastoral activities, spiritual growth, active participation of various commissions and associations and the progress achieved over the years. He also shared key details about the parish structure, including the families, convents and institutions under its jurisdiction.
Outgoing parish priest Fr Roque D’Sa said the parishioners of Permannur bid farewell to Fr Cyprian Pinto with mixed emotions and described his appointment to Valencia as a blessing from God. He noted that transfers are a natural part of a priest’s journey and shared his joy that both he and Fr Cyprian belong to Shirthady parish. Recalling their childhood, he fondly mentioned that they often played kabaddi together during their school days. He also expressed pride that three priests from Shirthady, including Fr Bonaventure, had the opportunity to serve at Valencia Church. Describing Fr Cyprian as loving, cheerful, approachable, intelligent and a unique gift from God, Fr Roque said he always contributes meaningfully wherever he serves. Referring humorously to the parish signboard listing the church facilities, he prayed that Fr Cyprian would accomplish many more worthy works before leaving Valencia. Concluding, he invoked the blessings of St Vincent Ferrer and St Sebastian, praying that their intercession would make Fr Cyprian’s mission fruitful and bless the parishioners of Permannur and Valencia.
Speaking on the occasion, new parish priest Fr Cyprian Pinto shared that when people heard about his appointment to Valencia parish, a friend remarked, 'Valencia’che Vaare Jeevak Borem' (The air of Valencia is good for health). He described Valencia as a historic and vibrant parish with 91 years of history, blessed with talented and devoted parishioners who deeply love and support their priests. He noted that he is the 21st parish priest of the parish and said the successful completion of terms by all his predecessors reflects the affection and respect of the people towards their pastors.
Fr Cyprian thanked God for the opportunity to serve the parish and appreciated the dedicated service of Fr Roque D’Sa and Fr Pradeep Rodrigues for the growth of the church. Recalling his bond with Fr Roque and Fr Bonaventure, both from Shirthady parish, he expressed pride in their shared service to the church and highlighted the close friendship between their families. Thanking the parishioners for their warm welcome and vice president Ronald Rodrigues for his support, he appealed for everyone’s love, prayers and cooperation in working together for the betterment of the parish. He also expressed gratitude to Fr Walter D’Souza, the priests, office-bearers and parishioners of Valencia and Permannur for their presence and support during the installation ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion, bishops’ representative and Bendur parish priest, Fr Walter D’Souza congratulated Fr Cyprian and praised his vast experience in pastoral ministry. He noted that Fr Cyprian had completed his full term of service in every parish he served, except at Udyavar, where he returned after one year when Udupi became a diocese. He also appreciated the good work carried out by Fr Cyprian in every parish and expressed confidence that his experience would greatly benefit the Valencia parish. Speaking about Fr Roque, Fr Walter said that during his six years of service, he won the hearts of the parishioners through his simplicity and friendly nature. As Fr Roque takes charge of the Gantalkatte parish, he extended his best wishes for his new mission. Concluding his speech, Fr Walter wished Fr Cyprian all the very best and expressed hope that, under his guidance, Valencia parish may continue to grow and soar to greater heights.
Among those present on the occasion was outgoing parish priest Fr Roque D’Sa, assistant parish priest Fr Pradeep Rodrigues, Parish Council vice-president Ronald Rodrigues, secretary Leeda Aquinas, bishop’s representative and parish priest of Bendur Fr Walter D’Souza, parish priest of Permannur Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, assistant parish priest of Permannur Fr Melwin D’Souza, vice-president of Permannur parish Arun D’Souza, along with a large gathering of faithful from both Permannur and Valencia parishes. Priest present for the occasion where Fr Lawerence Mascarenhas (parish priest Vamanjoor), Fr Jeevan Lobo (Assistant parish priest Vamanjoor), Fr Victor D'Mello (parish priest Panir), Fr Antony Lasrado (parish priest Jeppu), Fr Praveen D’Souza (designate director ICYM Mangalore diocese), Fr Valerian Pinto (Chaplain Nirmala Convent Ullal), and Fr Joseph Mascarenhas (parish priest Fajir).
The event concluded on a warm and fraternal note with refreshments served to all present. A significant number of parishioners from Permannur accompanied Fr Cyprian Pinto, extending their heartfelt farewell and prayers as he assumed his new pastoral responsibility at Valencia parish.