Farewell to Fr Richie Vaz, SVD – MKCA, USA Chaplain
Chicago: The Mangalorean Konkan Christian Association gave a wonderful farewell to Fr Richie Vaz, SVD, who was their chaplain for the past 9 years in Chicago. He was the director at Techny Towers, Northbrook for SVD World Headquarters. He went back to India to continue his mission in Orissa where he started his mission work for 30 years.
Mercy Concesso, Roshini Carvalho, Dorothy Rego, Fr. Richie Vaz, Vissia D’Souza and Queenie Mendonca
MKCA President Vissia D’Souza welcomed the gathering after Holy Mass offered by Fr Richie Vaz, SVD and Fr Francis Xavier, SVD. Vissia praised his guidance, mentoring and leadership qualities in taking MKCA to higher heights. Whenever MKCA needed him, he was there as a helping hand and guide-mentor. Recently MKCA raised more than $14000 in one event and the main pillar to achieve this goal was none other than Fr Richie Vaz. She said MKCA will be missing his guidance, mentoring and advise. Following her Dr Austin Prabhu, Stany D’Souza, Queenie Mendonca, Roshini Carvalho, Ashok Monteiro, Roopa Misquita, Lig Martis, etc., spoke about Fr Richie’s gifted talents and his vision and mission in helping one another. All expressed that his absence will be a huge loss to MKCA.
MKCA Executive Committee headed by president Vissia D’Souza, vice president Roshini, secretary Queenie Mendonca, joint secretary Mercy Concesso and treasurer Dorothy Rego presented Fr. Richie a plaque for his services to MKCA and community at large.
In his reply, Fr Richie thanked all well wishes and good things spoken by leaders of MKCA. He said that this is not a permanent farewell, but a small goodbye. Let us meet and greet each other when you visit India and keep up our friendship; I learned a lot from you too, we are all learners and by learning we can achieve more he said.
After the short program, there was a wonderful potluck dinner and all sang laudate.