Perhaps Angeloreans were relentlessly praying the sun never rose on the morning of 2nd June 2024. Their nervousness is understandable as the formal farewell programme to Rev. Fr William Menezes, our beloved Parish Priest, who is all set to continue his pastoral work at Omzoor 6th June 2024 onwards after leading the Lord’s Flock at Angelore for six years, was scheduled after the 7.30 a.m. mass.
But…the writing was on the wall right on 4th June 2018, the day Rev. Fr William took charge as Parish Priest of Angelore. It is customary that a priest serves a parish for six years (it was seven earlier) and continues his pastoral mission in another parish.
Veni, vidi, vici
True to the words of Julius Caesar, Rev. Fr William came, he saw, and he conquered (the hearts of the young and old alike). Time and again, he was heard saying, “I have not come to build buildings, but to build families,” and there is no doubt that he has lived up to his words.
Rev. Fr William created an environment that fostered the talent and virtues of each and every parishioner. The Children’s Day celebrations that gave the opportunity for more than 200 children to come on stage will be written in golden letters in the history of Angelore. On the spiritual side – be it Sunday liturgy or liturgy on special occasions – he would always say, “give a chance to new faces”. And there is no denying that many new faces have actively participated in the liturgy in the past six years.
The farewell
On 2nd June 2024, Rev. Fr William celebrated the Holy Eucharist at 7.30 a.m. After the mass a felicitation programme was held. Mr. Paul Rodrigues, Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council gave a glimpse of Fr William’s priestly life and his unwavering spirit that not just captured the hearts of the parishioners, but catapulted Angelore to newer heights.
Rev. Fr Gerald Pinto, Socius; Mr. Paul Rodrigues; Mrs. Lolina D’Souza, Secretary of the PPC and Ms. Renita Menezes, Coordinator of Pastoral Commissions honoured Rev. Fr William with the customary shawl, bouquet of flowers, fruit basket, and a memento.
In his parting address to the parishioners Fr. William thanked each and everyone for the support given to him during his tenure at Angelore as parish priest.
After the programme, the parishioners shook hands with him wishing him well in his future missions.
Angelore will remember Rev. Fr William for setting the stage that brought the winds of change and promise him that they will carry forward his spirit.
Photography: Master Neil Kenneth Fernandes
