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Udupi : The parishioners of Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur of Udupi diocese held a farewell programme in honor of assistant parish priest Rev Fr. Joy R Andrade on Sunday, April 14, 2024.

The 8 am mass was celebrated by the outgoing assistant parish priest Rev Fr. Joy R Andrade along with Very Rev Fr. Valerian Mendonca, Rector of the Cathedral as usual.

After the mass a formal felicitation and farewell ceremony was held in the Cathedral. Very Rev Fr. Valerian Mendonca, Rev Fr. Joy R Andrade, Melwyn Sequiera, vice president of parish pastoral council, Eugene Rebello, Secretary of the parish pastoral council and Preema Lewis, Coordinator of parish pastoral commissions present on the dais.

Parish Pastoral Vice President Melwyn Sequiera welcomed the Rector, Asst parish priest, pastoral secretary, coordinator of pastoral commission and parishioners at large.

Former Vice President of the parish pastoral council Jeffrey Dias gave an introductory speech on departing assistant parish priest Fr. Joy R Andrade and appreciated his services for the cathedral and the faithful people for three years. Fr. Joy Andrade was the assistant parish priest for the Cathedral for three years who arrived from Shivmogga diocese during the Covid time. He was amongst the youths, with the parish various organizations and faithful at large. His sermon and affection with the people of Kallianpur has been appreciated. He served with his mission to God for the people with honesty, vigor and faith. He was a successful and dynamic priest who won the hearts of all the parishioners with all simplicity of his heart, said Jeffrey Dias.

Preema Lewis read out the felicitation message (Man patr). Fr. Joy Andrade was felicitated with a shawl, jasmine flower, fresh garland, basket of fresh fruits, flower bouquet, a cover of cash and Man Patr by Fr. Valerian, Melwyn Sequiera, Eugene Rebello, Preema Lewis and finance committee members Ophelia Lewis along with Owin Rodrigues. Farewell song was sung by the parish choir team that was so apt to the personalities and his good services of Fr. Joy which was composed by Fr. Valerian Mendonca.

In his felicitation speech, Fr Joy Andrade thanked everyone for the love and affection he had received from Rector, parish pastoral council officials and members, office staff, choir, all the parish organizations and people and assured them of his prayers. He shared his experience in three years and feelings about the Rector Fr Valerian Mendonca who was seen as his brother or his father during his mission for the Cathedral which was not forgotten one. The love and affection during his presence in the cathedral by the people were also not forgotten one when he was sick or other ways.

Fr. Valerian Mendonca was also honoured with a shawl and flower bouquet by the outgoing assistant parish priest Fr. Joy Andrade as a mark of respect and gratitude towards his vicar Fr Valerian Mendonca.

In his remark, Fr Valerian Mendonca appreciated Fr Joy Andrade towards his mission of God in the Cathedral for 986 days. During his tenure in the Cathedral his services towards youths, altar boys, various sodalities and associations were remarkable. Fr. Valerian thanked Fr Joy for his whole hearted cooperation in all the parish activities and assured Fr Joy of his prayers.

Finance committee member Owin Rodrigues proposed a vote of thanks while Secretary Eugene Rebello compared the programme. Refreshments were served to all the parishioners present. Fr. Joy Andrade left the Cathedral in the morning of Tuesday after the brief prayers held in the Cathedral which was conducted by Fr. Valerian Mendonca. Some of the parishioners accompanied Fr Joy to Shivamogga diocese at 8.40 am today on Tuesday.