Media Release
Udupi, Oct 27: The management and staff of St Mary's English Medium School bade a hearty farewell to Fr Valerian Mendonca, who is officially transferred to Milagres Cathedral, Kalianpur for his new mission after rendering 3 years 4 months of commendable educational leadership as the correspondent of St Mary's Educational Institutions.
He was traditionally welcomed at the entrance with arathi, peta and garland and gracefully brought to the farewell assembly with the beats of chande and thala. The formal programme began with a special prayer service wishing him good health, peace and success in his future journey of life. A short documentary film featuring the milestone, achievements of Fr Valerian Mendonca were screened before the august gathering as a tribute to his visionary leadership at St Mary's. The vice-principal, Rita Quadros in her welcome note acclaimed the correspondent as a noble personality of great thoughts and simple living. The beautiful wishing words expressed by Eunice Anchan, the academic coordinator of the secondary section highlighted the most influential role played by Fr Valerian in the overall progress of the school.
Benedicta Fernandes, the honorable member of the school management committee commended him as a distinct educationist who passionately strived to empower the capabilities of the staff and students. St Mary's teachers' choir led by Sweeny D'Silva presented a spellbinding farewell song bidding the most loving farewell to the dearest correspondent. The heart touching words shared by the principal, Fr Johnson Sequeira stirred the emotions of St Marians when he turned tearful recollecting the affectionate, patient, humble and inspirational personality of Fr Valerian.
Fr Valerian's sister, Sr Rose Agnes AC, the head of Carmel convent, Ashaniketan, here was specially invited to the programme as a surprise guest. Expressing her joy at the immeasurable love and respect earned by Fr Valerian she said, "He has influenced every person he has met in the journey of teaching and priesthood. His humble ability to find goodness in others made him leave behind not just footprints but heart prints in St Mary's family. "She congratulated her brother for making an indelible impact in the lives of the students and staff at St Mary's. Later, during the formal felicitation programme Fr Valerian was grandly honoured by the management, principal and staff with a shawl, peta, garland, citation, memento and fruit bowl. A beautiful portrait was drawn by Jagadeesh Acharya, the Art teacher was also gifted to him. Bouquets aplenty and bountiful good wishes were offered to him by the dignitaries, teachers, office staff and other support staff with hearts full of gratitude. The teachers' choir led by Amratha Shetty presented a famous devotional melody composed by Fr Valerian as a musical tribute to his exorbitant poetic and musical artistry. The 2020 edition of the school annual magazine, 'Marian Panorama and the newly drafted constitution of 'Symphony'-St Mary's teachers' club were also released by Fr Valerian on this historical occasion. Accepting the felicitation, Fr Valerian fondly remembered the bond of an affectionate relationship with St Mary's family. He profoundly appreciated Fr Johnson Sequeira for leading the innovative reformations in St Mary's and creating a fabulous spirit of togetherness in the school system. He appealed to the staff to keep up the family spirit and to march ahead with cumulative strength to make the flag of St Mary's fly high in the days to come. Gerald Pinto, the Physical Education director extended words of gratitude.
The formal programme ended with the enthralling school anthem composed and sung by Fr Valerian Mendonca denoting the everlasting legacy of his musical and poetic genius. The dignitaries, guests and staff joined in the special fellowship meal arranged at St Mary's auditorium. Fr Ashwin Aranha said grace over the meal. The members of the school management committee, Gracian Bothelo, Maxim D'Souza, Irwin Alva, Dr Hermon D'Souza, Janet D'Souza were present on the occasion. Senior priést, Fr William Martis graced the occasion.