Media Release

Mangaluru, June 18: Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI) witnessed a significant transition in leadership as Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho handed over the directorial responsibilities to Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo in a solemn ceremony held at the St Joseph Chapel on the FMCI campus.

The event, marked by reverence and reflection, was held in the presence of the vicar general of the Diocese of Mangalore and vice president of FMCI, Maxim Noronha. Governing board members, management and advisory committees, and several well-wishers were in attendance.

The programme began with a Scripture-based prayer service led by senior chaplain Fr Ronald Lobo. The symbolic handover of files at the altar represented the formal and spiritual transfer of leadership responsibilities. The emotional ceremony highlighted FMCI’s gratitude for Fr Richard’s service and its hopeful anticipation for the institution’s continued growth under Fr Faustine.

In his address, Fr Faustine compared life to a train journey, acknowledging Fr Richard’s steadfast tenure and wishing him well as he takes up his new assignment at St Teresa of Kolkata Church, Paldane.

Dr Venkatesh B M, vice dean of Father Muller Medical College, presented a tribute tracing Fr Richard’s contributions, followed by dean Dr Antony Sylvan D’Souza, who lauded his pastoral compassion and administrative strength. Members of the clergy felicitated Fr Richard with a silver memento in appreciation of his 17 years of dedicated service—8 as director, 7 as administrator, and 2 as assistant director.

Prof Dr Cherishma D’Silva delivered the vote of thanks, and the programme was compered by Fr Ajith B Menezes, administrator of FMMC. The event remained simple and dignified, echoing Fr Richard’s personal philosophy of humble service.

In his farewell message, Fr Richard expressed his gratitude to fellow priests, board members, staff, students, and especially patients. He described his tenure as a journey of faith and transformation, thanking God for the opportunity to serve.

A felicitation programme for Fr Faustine was later held in the Silver Jubilee Hall, where management committee members and well-wishers welcomed him warmly. Fr Faustine, known for his humility, affirmed his commitment to collaboration, healing, and institutional progress. He acknowledged the legacy of his predecessor and thanked the Diocese of Mangalore for entrusting him with this responsibility.

Highlights of Fr Richard Coelho’s tenure:

• Completion of the convention centre and indoor stadium

• Addition of three new colleges to the FMCI network

• Major upgrades in infrastructure including ICU expansion and OT installations

• Introduction of the 53-station pneumatic chute system

• Implementation of KRANIUM Hospital Management System for paperless operations

• FMCI becoming the first hospital in Karnataka to receive NABH accreditation

About the new director Fr Faustine Lobo:

Fr Faustine brings with him over 35 years of experience and a track record of leadership in various national and regional roles, including:

• National director, Pontifical Mission Societies

• Member, finance committee – PMS International

• Member, Karnataka Christian Development Council

• Former PRO, Karnataka Region Catholic Bishops' Council

• Most recently served as administrator of Father Muller Homoeopathic Medical College Hospital and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Deralakatte

His experience in governance, ethics, development, and outreach positions him well to lead FMCI into its next chapter.