Udupi : The parishioners of St Antony’s Church, Sasthan held a farewell programme in honour of Fr Valerian Fernandes in the church on Sunday, May 17. Fr Fernandes, who has completed his five-year tenure, is scheduled to take charge as editor of Raknno Konkani Weekly.
The 7.30 am mass was celebrated by the outgoing priest. After the mass, a formal felicitation and farewell ceremony was held. The members of the Administrative committee felicitated Fr Valerian with a memento, garland and citation. Jacintha Pinto, Gurkar of St Joseph ward, read the felicitation message.
All the ward leaders and heads of the church associations offered flowers and bouquets to Fr Valerian Fernandes and wished him all the best in his future endeavors. Robert Furtado of the administrative committee delivered the farewell remarks. Fr Valerian Fernandes will take charge as Editor of Raknno Konkani Weekly on Saturday, May 23.
Fr Valerian thanked all parishioners for their co-operation in parish activities and assured his prayers.
The heads of the schools under the church Sr Laveena, Genevieve Lewis, Elsi Lewis, Convent superiors Sr Elizabeth, Sr Mary, guest priest Fr Steevan D’Souza, committee members Arun Lewis, Gerome D’Souza, Valerian D’Souza, Felix Rodrigues, Michael Lewis, Mark Alva, Edward Lewis and others were present.
Joseph Banz compered the programme. Jacintha Serrao welcomed the gathering. Administrative Secretary William Saldanha proposed vote of thanks.