On the 9th May 2024, Angelore Senior Citizens’ Association organized a “Farewell Programme” for Rev. Fr William Menezes, Parish Priest and Rev. Fr Gerald Pinto, Socius, who will be transferred to Omzoor and Milagres parishes, respectively, in June 2024.
The programme was presided over by the President of the Association, Mr. Edwin Cutinho, and attended by 65 members.
In her address to the gathering, Mrs. Philomena Tauro expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Vicar for rendering selfless service to the parish for 6 years; especially for his love and concern for the parishioners. She also highlighted his small gesture of welcome smiles at the Faithful at the beginning of Sunday service, his hearty “good morning/good evening” greetings before the Sunday announcements which have been greatly appreciated by the Faithful.
She further expressed her gratitude for the profuse encouragement given to the children and youth of the parish to bring out their talents like singing, dancing, acting, compèring, and encouraging children to serve as altar servers and join the choir.
Hearty thanks were also extended to Rev. Fr Gerald Pinto for his assistance to the Parish Priest in carrying out liturgical services and other social activities of the Parish. His affectionate smile and patience have won the hearts of the parishioners, especially children, despite his short stint in the Parish. As a token of gratitude Mr. Edwin Cutinho, President and the Secretary, Mrs. Dora Rodrigues then presented a bouquet of flowers and gifts to both the priests.
In his reply, Rev. Fr William said that after a very long time he is getting a send-off; as he does not have many belongings, he can pack and move within half-an-hour. He further said that he was working with retired Bishop Rt. Rev. Aloysius Paul D'Souza for many years and when the Bishop’s retirement was nearing, he asked him to move to a parish to reduce his workload and recommended Angelore Parish, which he gladly accepted. We all know that rest is history. He further said that he decided not to construct any buildings. He also said that in his missionary career, he did 3 constructions: houses for the poor, house for rehabilitation of alcoholic priests, and a large complex for the retired priests with all facilities consisting of 45 rooms.
Rev. Fr William further said that he has done his best to serve the parishioners of Angelore and treated everyone with respect and love. He also said that he has helped the needy, poor and downtrodden parishioners with the monetary contributions of the parishioners.
Rev. Fr Gerald Pinto thanked the Senior Citizens for the felicitation. He said that although he worked for a short period of one year, he got unconditional love and support from Rev. Fr William and the parishioners to carry out his missionary work.
All senior members present assured their prayers to Rev. Fr William and Rev. Fr Gerald for good health to carry out their missionary services fruitfully in the days to come.
Report by Mr. Edwin Cutinho with inputs from Mrs. Philomena Tauro and Mr. Peter Fernandes
Photographs by Master Neil Kenneth Fernandes
