Mangalore: Fr Henry Castelino laid to rest amid sea of mourners
Pics: Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore
With Additional Pics by Nikhil Studio
Mangalore, Jun 14: A sea of family, friends, well-wishers and former students of Fr Henry Castelino bid him a tearful farewell at St Vincent Ferrer Church, Valencia, here on Friday June 14.
Fr Henry Castelino passed away at the age of 80 on June 11 owing to ill health and old age. His last days were spent at Senior Priests’ Home, Jeppu.
Bishop of Mangalore Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza was the main celebrant of the mass. Bishop of Udupi Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, retired Archbishop of Delhi Dr Vincent Concessao along with several other priests concelebrated the Eucharistic mass, which began at 10 am at Valencia Church. The mortal remains were interred at priests’ cemetery in Valencia.
In his sermon Fr Anthony Serrao, parish priest of Bendore church, said, "We must all accept God as he has shown us the right path. We must follow the values of Jesus to receive God's blessings. Charity is important, giving to the needy and poor is what we must inculcate in our lives."
"Fr Henry, an educationist and also principal at various colleges always helped children in need by paying their fees without their knowledge. A kind hearted priest, he was very religious and dear to all. We must learn from him," he said.
During the mass Bishop Dr Aloysius prayed for the departed soul of Fr Henry who devoted his life to serve the needy.
Fr Henry Castelino rendered his services to all sections of the church as well as a principal and lecturer helped educate many youth. He retired from the religious ministry at the age of 75.
Fr Norbert Dsouza, a close friend, who lived next door to Fr Henry at the Senior Priests' Home, Jeppu delivered a meaningful eulogy.
"During his platinum jubilee Fr Henry asked me to speak and I was very proud to speak of my friend, but today I miss him and my heart cries for my dear friend. As a roommate I knew his struggle for the past one-and-a-half years. I am sure he is at peace at last."
"His students at St Mary's College, Shirva where he resided for 10 years adored Fr Henry. Fr Henry was a devotee of God and had a special respect for Mother Mary. He never showed his religious self to anyone. He believed in being humble, simple and in the principle of humanity," he added.
Former chief minister Sadananda Gowda and MLA J R Lobo, both his former students, were among those who paid their last respects.
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