Mangalore: Milagres Parishioners Bid Hearty Farewell to Fr Walter D’Mello
By Roshan Madtha
Bellevision Media Network
Mangalore, 27 May 2012: The Milagres parishioners held a farewell programme in honour of Fr Walter D’Mello in the church here on May 27. Fr D’Mello, who has completed his seven-year tenure, is scheduled to proceed for higher studies.
The 7 am mass was celebrated by the outgoing priest. After the mass a formal felicitation and farewell ceremony was held. Vice president of the parish council Alwyn Rosario felicitated Fr Walter with memento, garland and citation.
Addressing the parishioners Fr Walter said, "Seven years ago, I came to this parish with a mission to help the poor and the needy people and also to help the students in education. I have fulfilled my mission and in 7 years many parishioners as well as people from outside the parish including non-Catholics too have benefited. I have done my duty with transparency and honesty and have total satisfaction with my work."
It was a sad day for the parishioners to bid farewell to the most-loved parish priest. His service to the parish was commendable and appreciated by all parishioners. Fr Walter cared for the needy and he never let anyone go back empty-handed.
All the ward leaders felicitated Fr Walter with bouquets. Assistant parish priest Anil D’Souza, St Aloysius College rector Fr Joseph Rodrigues, Milagres College principal Fr Valerian Gomes and Fr Santosh were also present.