First Death Anniversary of Fr Valerian Mendonca – A Loving Tribute

  •   Wed, Jun 25 2025
  •   By Perdita Hilda D'Silva

June 25, 2025

“It is not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived.”

Gone, but not really gone, dwelling into the hearts and minds of thousands of his friends, former students, family, parishioners, music lovers, colleagues and well-wishers. Scattering love, kindness, human touch, respect, understanding, smiles and joy in his seventy-five years, Fr. Valerian Mendonca just disappeared from his temporary shelter to his heavenly abode on 3rd July, 2024, the feast of St. Thomas the apostle. It was a beautiful Passover, magical of a musician who always loved Jim Reeves, “Across the bridge”

“Across the bridge, there’s no more sorrow
Across the bridge, there’s no more pain
The sun will shine across the river
And you’ll never be unhappy again”

Born in Pilar Parish, Shirva on December 9, 1949 to late Gabriel Mendonca and Seraphine Mendonca, ordained as a priest on May 7th 1976. Fr. Mendonca was an embodiment of all virtues. Serving as Asst Parish Priest, Parish Priest, Lecturer, Vice Principal, Principal and finally as Rector of Milagres Kallianpur Cathedral, his second home was Milagres Kallianpur. With his heartwarming smile, the handsome priest entered Kallianpur Parish in 1980, serving as Assistant Parish Priest for three years. During the tri-centenary celebrations of the parish, his music resonated in the hearts of people far and near. Milagres College Kallianpur welcomed him again joyfully in 1988, when he joined as a lecturer, then assumed office as Vice Principal, a full-fledged Principal till 2003. Milagres Cathedral was lucky to have him as a Rector and Correspondent of Educational Institutions in the year 2020, never in our wildest dreams, guessing that his life’s journey would end in Milagres Cathedral. He is near to our hearts in his death too, sleeping in our Cemetery.

A unique person with a golden heart and beautiful smile, spreading love and affection to one and all, irrespective of caste, creed, status and language created a lasting impact on people of all religions. A priest of God in his white cassock attended functions, festivals, celebrations and shared his priceless words on all occasions. Mother Theresa’s words, so apt to our late rector, “Spread love wherever you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” People loved to meet him without inhibitions because they knew however busy or tired, they would see a priest happy, with kind words enquiring about their health and wellbeing.

Fr. Valerian Mendonca was my Principal. A gold medallist in English literature, a diploma holder in mass communication, he was a perfectionist. His speeches, messages, homilies filled with values and life stories pierced the hearts of students, teachers, educationists, parishioners and the general public. He touched the hearts of youth, never angry or irritated, disciplining them with his warmth and calmness. At his funeral, his former students whom we had not met in decades in the midst of torrential rains, paid their loving tribute. Can I ever forget the years spent with our dear Principal and Rector? Definitely not. My prayer is for him to come back for a minute which will never happen because he is in the midst of angels in heaven.

A choir master, born musician with his Accordion, Guitar and Piano, Fr. Mendonca lives on in his cassettes, melodious and meaningful. Fr. Mendonca’s musical contributions have enriched the spiritual lives of many, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of music. Many educational institutions are deeply indebted to him for their anthems with choice of meaningful words. At the inception of Udupi Diocese, Fr. Mendonca was leading a choir of more than 300 singers. Udupi Diocese has really lost a simple, kind priest, a musician thereby creating a big vacuum, almost impossible to fill.

Father, you were a pure soul without malice, anger, jealousy, super ego and hatred. A perfect priest with sound Christian values. No judgement, no criticism, you lived by the words of Jesus, not to judge and condemn. Your angelic smile, you carried with you to heaven. A big thank you Father for being who you were, a role model, a person so, so human. I am reminded of the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” That was you Father.

You will never be forgotten Father. You live in our hearts. Celebrate your anniversary in heaven with the angels spreading joy and happiness.

Bye, till we meet again.

 

 
By Perdita Hilda D'Silva
Perdita Hilda D'Silva is a retired professor of MIlagres College.
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Comment on this article

  • Roshni Monis, Mangaluru

    Wed, Jun 25 2025

    Fondly and gratefully remembering Fr Vally, my best teacher, guide, encouraging person and model. Juat an amazing priest who cannot be forgotten at any cost. I thank God that i could get to know him, learn from his life many values and be his student. To be frank i understood him in the class and had no ned to study more. whatever he taught was just clear to my mind. May he rest in peace.


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Title: First Death Anniversary of Fr Valerian Mendonca – A Loving Tribute



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