On 5th June 2024 the parishioners of Guardian Angel church had gathered at the church premises to welcome their new parish priest. The next evening, they had gathered at the church to seek the blessings of Rev. Fr William Menezes, their former parish priest, one last time and escort him to Holy Family Church, Omzoor.
The expression of sadness was evident on their faces as it was hard, yet inevitable, to bid farewell to the pastor who fulfilled their spiritual needs for the past six years.
After a brief prayer service at 4.00 p.m. the parishioners embarked on their journey to Omzoor, which is just 15-minute drive from Angelore, along with Rev. Fr William. Meandering through the lush greenery, they reached Holy Family Church, Omzoor at about 4.30 p.m.
The Parish Priest of Omzoor, Rev. Fr Alwyn D’Cunha welcomed Rev. Fr William with garland, and the Vice President and Secretary of the PPC and coordinator of Pastoral Commissions with bouquets.
The customary handing over ceremony was carried out in the presence of Rev. Fr Valerian D’Souza, the representative of the Bishop of Mangalore. This was followed by a formal welcoming programme. Rev. Fr William thanked the parishioners of Guardian Angel church for their love and support in the past six years.
With this, a six-year chapter ended in the history of Angelore and the next started. After bidding farewell to Rev. Fr William, Angeloreans left Omzoor with a heavy heart, but with a spirit true to the Persian adage “THIS TOO SHALL PASS.”
Photography: Master Neil Kenneth Fernandes
