Udupi: Rector of Milagres Cathedral, Fr Valerian Mendonca, passes away

Udupi: Fr Valerian Mendonca, the rector of Milagres Cathedral in Kallianpur, passed away on July 3. He was 75.

Fr Valerian was born on December 9, 1949, in Pilar, Shirva to Gabriel and Seraphine Mendonca. He was ordained on May 7, 1976.

Over the years, he served in various capacities as an assistant priest, parish priest, and college principal.

He was also a talented singer, and many of his devotional songs have been released.

His long and varied service record includes significant contributions to the church and education:

• 1976: Assistant Director at St Antony’s, Jeppu
• 1976-1978: Assistant Parish Priest at Omzoor
• 1978-1979: Studies in Secunderabad
• 1979-1980: Secretary at Canara Communication, Padua
• 1980-1983: Assistant Parish Priest at Kallianpur
• 1983-1985: Vice-Principal at Milagres, Mangaluru
• 1985-1986: In-charge Principal at Milagres, Mangaluru
• 1986-1987: Ecclesiastical Administrator at Tallur
• 1987-1988: Vice-Principal at Milagres, Mangaluru
• 1988-1995: Lecturer at Milagres, Kallianpur
• 1995-1997: Vice-Principal at Milagres, Kallianpur
• 1997-2003: Principal at Milagres, Kallianpur
• 2003-2007: Principal at Aikala
• 2008-2012: Director and Principal at Sandesh, Mangaluru, and Secretary of KRCBC
• 2012-2017: Parish Priest at Barkur, Chancellor of Udupi Diocese, and Director of Social Communication Commission, Udupi
• 2017-Present: Parish Priest at Udupi, Chancellor of Udupi Diocese, and Director of Social Communication Commission, Udupi

Several dignitaries have expressed their condolences over the passing of Fr Valerian Mendonca. Udupi Bishop Most Rev Gerald Isaac Lobo, Vicar General Monsignor Ferdinand Gonsalves, Chancellor Fr. Dr. Roshan D’Souza, and Public Relations Officer Fr. Denis D’Sa were among those who offered their sympathies.