Adieu to my Parish: A Note of Gratitude Back

Adieu to my Parish: A Note of Gratitude

Bidding farewell to a loved one, friend, relative, neighbor is always an arduous task. The time has come for my family to shift from the parish of The Most Holy Redeemer Church, Derebail, Mangalore. We are bidding good bye due to my sister's and my old age and ill health. It is but natural to reminisce upon the events that have taken place during my life from the time I was born until today in this beautiful parish . Most of the memories are still vivid in my mind.
I was born as the youngest child of Late Joseph Noronha and Late Florine Pinto. I received my First Holy Communion on 2nd October 1950.
I remember the priests whom I have encountered during their duty in the parish. I remember very well our Fr.Lawrence D'Souza (Fr. Laws) with his diminutive figure chasing the boys with a stick in hand to go to the catechism class. 

I have witnessed and have heard of how our priests live a frugal and hard life. I remember my son in law's grandfather Late Joseph Pinto (Zuzhe mestry) from Kirem, telling me that Fr. Farias had himself carried stones for the construction of a new chapel in Balkunje.

At the age of 18 I became a member of the society of St. Vincent De Paul. There were hardly 8 to 9 members, most of them students. 

Having a job in Mangalore allowed me to actively participate in church activities.Here I must remember Late  brother Lawrence DSouza who unwaveringly took active part especially even after his retirement in the society of St. Vincent De Paul. Fr.Robert  Pinto was instrumental in rejuvenating various church associations.  Over the years the parish has achieved tremendous social, spiritual growth including other areas. Our youngsters have been at the forefront of dramatics including Konkani Natak Sabah. I can recollect the stalwarts like Cyprian Fernandes, Cyril Menezes, Inas Lobo, Late Felix Saldanha, Charles Sequeira, the indefatigable backstage prompter Raymond Lobo and many others. Because of the work of our stalwarts we are thriving in this field. Fr.Mark Castelino was instrumental in starting Small Christian Community in our parish. Being one of the only few parishes in the city, the activities of SCC remains strong with most of the families.
I must also mention about Society of St. Vincent De Paul. They are very active and a call to the president of Derebail Conference brought them to me and helped me to secure a caretaker in no time, to look after me and my sister.

I want to appeal to all youngsters to join various parish associations and take active part in all the activities.

Finally, dear Fr. Joseph Martis, Fr. Kevin DSouza, the members of all associations, dear parishioners and ward members, my sister and family members thank you for all the prayers, support and for helping us in our difficulties during the past years of our life in Kottara ward (earlier church ward). Keep us always in your prayers as we promise to remember you all in our prayers.

Article by: Patric Noronha / Kottara ward