Andrea, Mumbai

Dearest Rev. Fr. Hugh
Here's wishing you,
A very Happy Heavenly Birthday.
Although you are so far away,
Our hearts have still kept you near.
The Pain will ease slowly,
yet it has not gone away.
You shall always be a part
Of our family,
Until we join you there one day.
We send you our love,
From all our hearts to your.
Just think, a birthday spent in Heaven,
Means, you'll spend it with Our Lord.
A HAPPY BIRTHDAY ONCE AGAIN

Andrea, Mumbai

Months Mind Mas at St. Andrew's Church, Bandra, at 7.15 pm on the 16th July,2011.

Andrea, Mumbai

Dearest Fr. Hugh, who would say that its nearly a month. I just can't believe that you are no more. We miss you, and now who would be there to guide me and to tell me that this is the way to do things.After Mum and Dad it was you that I use to turn to in times of troubles. This last month (May) was a wonderful month where we spent time together. Even if it meant being by your bed side when you needed a friend.

Why is it that I did not realise what you were trying to say, things like going home. Mum is there, and you can't come where I'm going. Now I'm realizing that you were trying to prepare us for what would happen. (you leaving us and going to ur heavenly abode.) Dearest Fr. Hugh now rest in eternal peace in Mum and Dad's arms. You will always be with us till we meet in our heavenly abode. Where you are preparing a place for us.

Dr. Cajetan Coelho, Goa, India

Respectful farewell to Fr Hugh Fonseca. May the Giver of life grant him eternal bliss.

Pamela Fernandes, Kalina, Mumbai

Fr Hugh from appearances seemed to be a towering force but as I knew him he was meek, humble and most loving. I was a volunteer helping in the parish survey at Saki Naka working in his team learning and growing in experience under his keen eye. The team met every fortnight to give feedback of experiences while collecting data. He took prompt action on situations requiring immediate attention even while making every meeting enjoyable with his witty humor. Fr Hugh's priority was social justice and he was biased towards the poor. As a member of the Social Justice Cell I recall the many debates and awareness sessions that took place to make community centers a reality and a means for the church in Mumbai to witness to those living on the margins. Extremely popular with children and youth he molded them into beautiful models of Christian faith.

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” The famous quote of Mahatma Gandhi was Fr Hugh’s approach in every parish that he was sent to which did not go down well with some. What more could he offer the diocese of Mumbai?

Adieus Fr Hugh till we meet again you have left behind a huge legacy of faith filled people through the lives you have touched with your warmth and love.

Fr. Urban Santosh Fernandes, Arwa, Aladangady (Parish priest of Chendia, N.K)

Fr. Hugh was a wonfderful priest. When I was studying in Bombay Seminary and during my ministry there, I always regarded him as a gem of a priest. Fr. Hugh, I have great regards for you and I wish to tell all your family members that we all are with them in this great time of loss. I pray to God that your soul may rest in peace.

MARIA FERNANDES, MUMBAI / DUBAI

FR. HUGH WAS A WONDERFUL PRIEST. HE WAS IN I.C. PARISH AND WE WORKED WITH HIM. I USED TO TEACH CATECHISM AND FR. HUGH WAS IN CHARGE. HE WAS SO HUMBLE KIND AND LOVING. I ALWAYS USED TO MAKE IT A POINT TO VISIT HIM I ALSO WENT TO SEE HIM IN MAHIM CHURCH. FATHER WE ALL LOVE YOU AND WE WILL ALWAYS MISS YOU. MAY YOUR SOUL REST IN PEACE. THEY WOULD ALWAYS BE A SMILE ON HIS FACE AND ALWAYS READY TO HELP. EVEN MY FAMILY MEMBERS WERE VERY SAD HEARING ABOUT HIS SAD DEMISE.
MARIA
SHARJAH

Harold D'cunha, Mangalore, India

Swati, all good people in this world who work for the upliftment of others will have the experience of getting stabbed from the people whom one works and
and this reality is Universal. Some want position, some cannot digest the popularity. Those who toil for others, they only know how much they suffer to uplift them and those who receive are getting it freely. Some are grateful and some are not, this truth always exist in the world. Sad but true, ungrateful people spoil the name of their master.

Fr Hugh Fonseca has finished his journey and like minded people will always remember him the service he had rendered to the mankind. His detractors will have their reward the way they had sown the seed.

His soul will definitely is resting in peace.

Annette fernandes, santacruz

It was a sea of humanity who waited till the end at St. Andrew's for Fr. Hugh's funeral.While bidding him farewell every individual had a tear & word of Praise for the works of Fr. Hugh.It was his conviction & committment to reach out to God's people & to complete his mission on earth.
Thank God for Fr. Hugh to the Archdiocese of Mumbai

Antony Fernandes, USA / Mangalore

Sad to hear Fr Hugh Fonseca is no more. I was attending his mass in St Anthony's Church Sakinaka, Mumbai. May his soul rest in peace.

Wilfred Rego , Mumbai ( IC Colony)/Oman

I am shocked by sudden demise of Our Fr Hugh . I can't forget his work/dedication for the upliftment of marginalised and poor people. He was straightforwarded and honest priest and affectionate towards children. May his soul rest in peace.

peter dalgado, auckland New zealand

Fr Hugh,
As the Bible says..a prophet is never accepted in his own land. I had the chance of knowing you at I C parish Borivali, you stood up againt all odds that had taken place in the parish and brought it on track.You were a man of God to the end no matter what evil people may speak .
May your soul rest in peace

Nimu, Bombay

Fr.Hugh Was My Bapu..I Lost My Bapu...Whom Am I Going To Call Bapu Now?!

He was the one who taught me the true meaning of social work and poverty..If Its something i wont forget about him..that would be the time when he told me that' our goal towards the poor is that " NO ONE SHOULD GO HUNGRY TO BED "

God bless your soul !

You are the best priest I've ever met !!

Felix A. D'Souza, Mangalore/Mumbai

A daring priest, who stood for his principles while at St. Anthony's (Saki Naka), OLO Lourdes (Orlem), OLO Immaculate Conception (Borivli) and at St. Michael's (Mahim). He could not be cowed down under threats and was a straight-forward priest. May his soul rest in peace.

Jaya Menon, Mumbai

My salutes to Fr Hugh Fonseca who would often introduce himself as 'Fr.Huge', true to his size. I had known him for several years and worked with him, organising Children's Day programme in the late 70s. We also organised a procession of school children from Churchgate station to Bharda High School in the Fort area, carrying posters and banners against child labour and other problems.

It was a great experience working with him: his concern and committment for the oppressed motivated us, and his enthusiasm was infectious.Thereafter I met him at FCCO's various seminars and workshops and he had not changed being committed and dedicated to the downtrodden. I couldn't believe the Mahim episode. It is true that those who fight for truth are targetted and victimised by their own community. This is the hypocrisy of our soceity. May his soul rest in PEACE.
Jaya Menon

Juliana Fernandes, Mumbai

There will be very few priest who have Fr.Hugh fine qualities. He always helped the poor and the needy. He was indeed very helpful, down to earth and honest priest.He was a wonderful, witty cheerful intelligent warm hearted man of God. We miss you dear Fr. Hugh. May your soul rest in peace.
"The song is ended, but the melody linger's on...."

Bernard, Ponda, Goa/IC Extn

Yes, I fondly remember Fr Hugh from when he come to my new home to bless it, as well as to bless my sister's engagement. I also remember and use the prayers that he used during daily mass. May he rest in peace!

Swathi, Mumbai

Fr. Hugh was one of the best priests loved and worshipped by one and all,but there were some hypocrites who were the reason for his illness and sudden death. May his sould rest in peiece. It is sad, there are some people whom he did so much for, turned around and stabbed him,but he took it with a pinch of salt. I wish the truth comes out eventually.

Vincent Castelino, Pernal / Mumbai ( I. C. Colony )

Fr. Hugh Fonseca was a "Great Revolutionary" for "Youth" in particular during late 90's and early 2000 in some of the known parishes in suburban Mumbai.No matter whatever we get to hear from last few years!
May His soul rest in peace.

Louis, Mumbai / Sharjah

May His soul rest in peace.
Fr. Hugh Fonseca was an affectionate priest indeed! He bonded well with the youth. We will all remember him for the lively youth camps he conducted for us.
I can still remember his introduction in one such camp. He started "My name is not 'Hug' nor is it 'Huge" My name is 'Hugh'

Renella , Mumbai

Fr.Hugh it was so wonderful knowing you. Thank you for all the love and support you have given me and my family. Even thou I did meet u at Mahim Church I do regret for not meeting you more often when i would visit Mahim Church.

You were the best no matter what people said.

You have left a deep void. May your soul rest in peace.