Farewell Programme of Fr. Edwin Monis - 1 June 2014 Back

Adios ……. Pastor, Friend, Brother, Guide was the thought for the last couple of days in the minds of every parishioner when it was announced that our Dear Assistant Parish Priest Fr. Edwin Monis was getting transferred to the Church of Our Lady of Dolours, Vittla after serving 2 years in the service of parishioners at the Most Holy Redeemer Church, Derebail.

Fr. Edwin joined the Derebail Parish family on the evening of July 2^nd 2012 accompanied by his family members.  A newly ordained priest from St Pius X Seminary Goregoan, Mumbai, Fr. Edwin was born to Mr. Cyril and Benedicta Monis and was brought up in the Holy Redeemer Parish in Belthangady.   It was indeed God’s providence that his first posting too should be in our parish which has the same patron.  His humble and pious upbringing under the guidance of his grandfather Mr. Ambrose Monis helped to shape his humble character which is evident and appreciated by everyone who meets him.  Fr. Edwin did his M.Sc in Electronics from Mangalore University and analytical thinking is one of the very strong traits that you come across when you meet him.

Speaking on the occasion of his farewell, Mr. Anil Patrao, Vice-President of the Parish Pastoral Council beautifully narrated his experience of not only working with Fr Edwin but also watching him closely for two years.   He said Fr. Edwin is a man of few words, silent in nature, known for his deep thinking and meaningful homilies.

Whenever any responsibility was given to him, he analyzed it and in no time, was in control of things. He praised him for his dedication especially during the Platinum Jubilee celebration year where many programmes were scheduled throughout the year and especially for his special interest in the spiritual programmes organized during the Jubilee year such as the Journey of the cross, the Youth Retreat, Retreat for all the parishioners, and the dedication of the cross in the homes of the parishioners. He said what impressed him most was when he saw a highly educated, young priest get down to physical work during the renovation work of the church roof.  Fr. Edwin was there amidst all the parishioners lifting and passing the tiles just like the other workers who had gathered to complete the work of the renovation of the Church roof.  Fr. Edwin is also credited for reviving the Derebail parish website with a small team of parishioners in no time when this task seemed impossible to many.

In his message on this occasion, Fr. Peter said that living with a person is the best way to know a person.  While he too appreciated Fr. Edwin’s humble and deep thinking, what truly touched him was the way Fr. Edwin connected with the children, youth and the elders of the Parish.  He said whatever the problem, he saw him coolly solving it. Fr. Peter said that Fr. Edwin was like a younger brother who took every correction with humility.

When it was his turn, Fr. Edwin praised God for choosing him for his ministry and for blessing him with such a vibrant parish and loving parishioners. With all humility he gave credit to the parishioners, the Gurkars, Parish Pastoral council members and the youth for all the support extended to him to carry out the good work he could do. Holding back his tears he promised to pray for us and requested our prayers so that he could continue his service in the new parish for God’s glory. Every parishioner who had gathered for the Eucharistic celebration this morning tried to hold back their tears on this emotional moment but few did roll down. Mr. Edward Coelho, Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council compeered the short and meaningful farewell programme

The hearts he touched in just two years could be measured by the number of parishioners who travelled to see him off all the way to his new mission and home at the church Our Lady of Dolours, Vittla