Fr Richard Coelho takes charge as Director of Fr Muller Charitable Institutions
Mangaluru: Following in the footsteps of dynamic and energetic Former Director of Fr Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI) the Late Fr Patrick Rodrigues, who through his unique plans and initiatives had raised the institution to greater heights, today Fr Richard Coelho, who was administrator of FMCI until now took over as Director of FMCI effective 22 May 2017- Fr Coelho was appointed by the Bishop of Mangaluru diocese Rev Fr Aloysius Paul D’Souza. The post was vacant after the demise of former director Fr Patrick Rodrigues. Though Fr Coelho was given the responsibility of in-charge director after Fr Patrick’s demise, he is now a full-fledged director.
Fr Richard Coelho – Director, FMCI
The installation ceremony of the newly appointed Director of FMCI-Fr Richard Coelho; Administrator of FMCI- Fr Rudolph Ravi D’Sa; and Administrator of Fr Muller Medical College-Fr Ajith Menezes took place at the St Joseph Chapel, inside the hospital premises on May 22. 2017 at 4 pm. The introduction and welcome address was delivered by Fr Roshan Crasta-Administrator-Fr Muller Hospital-Thumbay, followed by a hymn sung by the institution choir. Reading of the scripture was done by institution Chaplin Fr George, followed by giving the stole by Vicar General of Mangaluru Diocese-Monsenger Denis Moras Prabhu.
Fr Ajith Menezes (Administrator-FMMC), Fr Richard Coelho and Fr Rudolph D’Sa (Administrator, FMCI)
The profession of Faith was said by Fr Richard Coelho, after which he took the oath on being the Director of FMCI- the tabernacle key was handed over to him by Vicar General. Sr Janet- Chief Nursing Officer at Fr Muller’s said the prayers of the faithful, followed by the Lord’s Prayer by Vicar General. The Vicar General delivering the concluding prayer then garlanded the new director, and also installed the two new administrators. Bouquets were presented to the Director and the Administrators by Vicar General.
In his acceptance speech as Director of FMCI, Fr Richard Coelho said, “This is really a big responsibility. These are really challenging times for health care, especially for major hospitals and medical colleges, but by the grace of God, I am hopeful of taking Father Muller further in the path of progress. Being an administrator of this great institution for the last seven years, I promise to do my duties to the best of my abilities as the Director now. I am grateful to the Bishop and Vicar General for having faith in me and giving this prestigious post. I am looking forward to work with my colleagues and in unity to raise this institution to greater heights. I am glad to have my mother to grace this occasion- although she was hesitant to come because she didn’t wanted to miss her regular evening mass at Urwa Church- but she came to bless me on this great occasion.”
“I need your prayers and support to carry on with my duties, and follow in our motto of “Heal and Comfort”, which is committed to bringing healthcare solace to the suffering humanity. Impossible is a nonexistent word in the Father Muller dictionary. Our hospitals focus on installing sophisticated precision equipment, non-invasive diagnosis and surgeries and other state-of-the-art techniques with quality and ethical service. It provides super specialty treatment with state of the art facilities with experienced doctors following world class health care practices. Together we can make a difference in the community through the services rendered by FMCI. Thanking you all for your prayers, I look forward to your continued support in the days to come” added Fr Coelho.
Fr Richard Coelho with his Family Members
Vicar General Mnsgr Denis Prabhu said, “The Bishop is very happy that he had appointed Fr Richard Coelho as Director of FMCI, since he was a dedicated, committed and sincere administrator all these years at FMCI. The Vision of FMCI is to heal and comfort the suffering humanity with compassion and respect, and to be recognized as a global leader in medical education and research; and the Mission is To be progressive in providing holistic health care services to all; to ensure global standards in medical education.; and to create and foster centre of excellence for medical research. With Fr Richard at the helm as new Director of this prestigious medical institution, the Mangaluru Diocese has full faith and confidence in him, that he will do his duties to the best of his abilities and raise this institution to greater heights. We wish all luck and success in his duties”
The formal function ended with the Director, and the two administrators being greeted with flower bouquets from the heads of various departments, and hospital management; and also family members, friends, and well-wishers. The programme ended with a hymn, and fr Roshan Crasta the compere of the programme thanked everyone, and ended with a thought-provoking quote by Pearl Bailey ” A Man without ambition is dead, a Man with ambition but no love is dead, a man with ambition and love for his blessings here on Earth is ever so Alive…”.
The clergy who joined in the ceremony at the altar were- Fr J B Crasta- Rector-Rosario Cathedral; Fr Peter Noronha- former Director, FMCI; Fr George- Institution Chaplin; Fr Vincent Saldanha- Administrator and asst. Administrator of Father Muller Homoeopathic Medical College, Deralakatte respectively; Fr Melwyn D’souza- Institution Chaplin; and Fr Felix Monteiro- Institution Chaplin.
About Fr Richard Coelho:
56-year-old Fr Richard Coelho hails from Attur-Karkala. Born to Salvador and Maria Philomena Coelho on 14 June 1961, he completed his SSLC at Karkala St Lawrence High School and continued his PUC and graduation at St Aloysius College, Mangaluru. He then obtained PG diploma in business administration from St Aloysius Evening College of Business Management. He was ordained on 3 May 1988. Fr Coelho has served as administrator of Father Muller College Hospital for the last seven years. Due to his personal relation and humble nature, Fr Coelho has earned popularity among the people of the community and beyond.
Fr Coelho joined the seminary in 1977 and was ordained priest on 3 May 1988. He has served for more than 29 years in various parishes as assistant and parish priest including
Parish Priest of Vittal Church 1988 – 1990; Asst PP Madanthayar (021990 – 1991); 031991 – 1993 Asst. Director Father Muller Institutions, M’luru; 041993 – 2000-Parish Priest, Nainad; 052000 – 2001-Directo rFamily Life Centre, Bajjodi; 062001 – 2008 Parish Priest, Udyavar; 072008 – 2010-Parish Priest, Shirva; 082010- 2017, Administrator, Father Muller Medical College Hospital, M’lore.
About Fr Rudolph Ravi D’Sa:
Appointed Administrator of Father Muller Hospital. 42-year-old soft-spoken, dynamic priest from Mangaluru diocese, Fr Rudolph Ravi D’Sa, hailing from Shirthady, has been appointed administrator in place of Fr Richard Coelho. Fr Rudolph has served Father Muller Hospital in various capacities for the past eight years. Ordained priest in the year 2004, Fr Rudolph holds a bachelor’s degree in theology (BTh) and also a masters in hospital administration (MHA).
Fr Rudolph D’Sa (Administrator, FMCI)
Prior to joining Father Muller in 2008, Fr Rudolph D’Sa served as assistant parish priest in Bendore and Belthangady parishes. Fr Rudolph has experience of serving as administrator of Father Muller Charitable Institute (FMCI), co-ordinator of MHA course at Father Muller, administrator of Father Muller Hospital, Thumbay, and administrator of FMMC.
About Fr Ajith Menezes:
Appointed Administrator of Father Muller Medical College. Young and energetic priest from Modankap, Bantwal, Fr Ajith Menezes, serving as assistant administrator, Father Muller Medical College Hospital, has been now appointed as administrator of Father Muller Medical College.
Fr Ajith Menezes (Administrator-FMMC)
A diploma holder in civil engineering and an MBA, Fr Menezes studied at St Joseph Inter-diocesan Seminary, and was ordained priest in 2008. He has also served as assistant parish priest in Bejai and Permannur churches, and as assistant administrator and director in-charge of St Joseph Engineering College, Vamanjoor.