-Pics : Herbert Joseph Menezes
BARKUR, August 22, 2024 - The historic St. Peter's Church in Barkur witnessed an outpouring of love and reverence as the community gathered to pay tribute to one of its most cherished spiritual leaders, the late Very Rev. Fr. Valerian Mendonca. The event, marked by a solemn Mass and a commemorative ceremony, celebrated the life and legacy of a man who touched countless lives during his tenure as Vicar from 2012 to 2017.
A Mass of Remembrance
The day's proceedings began with a Holy Mass at 11:30 AM in the artistically rich and historically significant St. Peter's Church. Rev. Fr. Cyprian Henry D'Souza, SFX Pilar, a native priest of Barkur, served as the main celebrant. In his meticulously crafted sermon, Fr. D'Souza painted a vivid picture of Fr. Mendonca's divine qualities and his unwavering commitment to living the Gospel in both spirit and virtue.
The Mass was concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Sunil D'Silva, Parish Priest of St. Anthony Church, Sastan. Adding to the spiritual ambiance was the church choir, led by Mrs. Irene Pais, which delivered a soul-stirring performance featuring hymns composed by Fr. Mendonca himself.
A Community Gathers in Tribute
Following the church service, approximately 200 faithful assembled in the adjacent Sauharda Hall at 12:15 PM for a commemorative program. Mrs. Reshma, serving as the emcee, set the tone for the event with a poignant introduction, highlighting Fr. Mendonca's multifaceted personality and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life during his five-year tenure as Vicar of Barkur.
Fr. Cyprian Henry, in his emotionally charged welcome address, expressed joy at the spontaneous turnout of parishioners, a testament to how deeply Fr. Mendonca was loved and integrated into the community fabric.
Family's Gratitude
Sr. Rose Agnes, AC, Fr. Mendonca's younger sister, offered a heartfelt speech that moved many to tears. "This tribute is possibly the first of its kind in the Diocese," she remarked, expressing 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, emphasizing his early calling to serve God and humanity.
Remembrances and Tributes
The event featured several speakers who shared personal experiences and tributes:
- Mr. Alwyn Andrade, a prominent social and cultural figure in the locality, recounted nostalgic experiences with Fr. Mendonca, crediting him for shaping his career as a photographer and videographer.
- Mrs. 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.
- Rev. Fr. Sunil D'Silva, the chief guest, offered 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. Fr. D'Silva described Fr. Mendonca as "a devout life, of nobility, knowledge, and concern for the needs of priests... one in a million."
Book Launch: A Lasting Tribute
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. Notably, the book includes four precious write-ups 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.
Gratitude and Conclusion
Prof. Jude Alfred Furtado delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging everyone who contributed to this unique event. Special recognition was given to Mr. 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 Mrs. Irene Pais and the choir team, followed by the distribution of the commemorative book to attending families and a communal lunch.
As the community dispersed, there was a palpable sense that Fr. Valerian Mendonca's legacy would continue to inspire and guide the people of Barkur for generations to come. This event not only honored a beloved spiritual leader but also reinforced the strong bonds of community and faith that he had worked so tirelessly to nurture during his lifetime.
