Moodubelle Parishioners give Emotional Farewell to Fr. Pradeep Cardoza on his Transfer to Milagres C
By Dr. Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network
Udupi, 17 May 2024: Fr. Pradeep Cardoza who started his priestly ministry soon after his ordination in 2022 as Assistant Parish Priest in St. Lawrence Parish Moodubelle was given an emotional farewell on his transfer to the Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur on Friday, 17 May 2024.
A brief farewell programme was organized in the St. Lawrence Parish Hall presided over by Fr. George D’Souza, Parish Priest of Moodubelle. Besides Fr. Pradeep Cardoza, Fr. Sunil Kumar D’Souza-Professor at St. Peter’s Pontifical Seminary, Bangalore, Sr. Bertina-Superior of the Loreto Convent, Pritish D’Sa-Vice President of the PPC and Mrs. Gracy Rebello-Convener of the 21 Commissions were on the dais.
After a brief introduction by Charles Quadros-Secretary of the PPC who also compered the farewell programme and welcome address by Valerian Noronha-Animator of the Youth Commission, on behalf of the parish community, Pritish D’Sa-Vice President of the PPC recalled the spiritual and pastoral service rendered by Fr. Pradeep Cardoza during the last two years as the Assistant Parish Priest of St. Lawrence Church, Moodubelle and expressed his gratitude and wished him well for his priestly ministry in the Milagres Cathedral. On behalf of all the parishioners, Pritish D’Sa offered his flower bouquet along with the members of the Finance Council. Fr. George D’Souza offered a jasmine garland to Fr. Pradeep.
Expressing his feelings in emotion filled voice, in response to the farewell programme, Fr. Pradeep Cardoza expressed gratitude to Almighty God for his vocation to priesthood and to work in fulfilling His mission. He thanked Fr. George D’Souza being his superior, guide and philosopher. Fr. Pradeep said that he learnt many things, both spiritual and pastoral from Fr. George. He also expressed his gratitude to the office-bearers and members of the PPC, Finance Council, all associations, heads of schools and the parishioners in general for their love and affection and cooperation.
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Fr. George D’Souza in his message said that the life of priests is like that of the Israelites. As the Israelites had to move from place to place before reaching the Promised Land, the priests are also subject ot transfers from one parish to the other. Speaking about Fr. Pradeep, Fr. George said that he did most of the pastoral work be it baptisms, marriages or funerals. During the past two years, Fr. Pradeep had learnt quite a lot regarding the parish work. He wished him well in his next assignment at the Milagres cathedral.
Mrs. Gracy Rebello proposed the vote of thanks and especially thanked Fr. Pradeep Cardoza for his active involvement in the activities of the 21 Commissions.
A large number of parishioners attended the farewell function and manifested their affection towards Fr. Pradeep by offering him flowers.
The parents of Fr. Pradeep and his brother and sister-in-law were also present for the farewell programme.
Soon after the formal farewell function in the hall everyone proceeded to the church where Fr. George conducted a brief prayer service following which Fr. Pradeep Cardoza bestowed his last blessing on the parishioners.
The next important part of the farewell programme was accompanying Fr. Pradeep to his new destination, the Milagres Cathedral at Kallianpur. Around 135 parishioners in private vehicles as well as a hired bus proceeded to Kallianpur where the Rector of the Cathedral, Fr. Valerian Mendonca along with Fr. Charles Menezes-Dean of the Udupi Deanery, Fr. Nitesh D’Souza (Pilar Frs.)-Director of the Minor Seminary of Pilar Congregation) and a large number of Milagres parrishioners were waiting to receive Fr. Pradeep.
On reaching the Cathedral along with Fr. George D’Souza, Fr. Valerian Mendonca welcomed Fr. Pradeep by garlanding him with jasmine flowers. Thereafter all entered the church were Mrs. Eugene Rebello-Secretary of the PPC of the Milagres Parish conducted a brief prayer service.
A brief welcome programme was organized within the church. Fr. George D’Souza, Fr. Pradeep Cardoza and Fr. Valerian Mendonca spoke on this occasion. Fr. Valerian Mendonca said that for an active priest like Fr. Pradeep, there are many opportunities to render his service through the various parish and youth associations as well as six educational institutions.
Mrs. Prema Lewis-Convener of the 21 Commissions proposed the vote of thanks.
About Fr. Pradeep Cardoza:
Fr. Pradeep cardoza was born as the second among three sons of Hilary Cardoza and Efrez Marceline Pinto of Kalasa Chikmagalur belonging to the St. Joseph’s Parish, Hirebail. He has his initial education at the sacred Heart School, Hirebail. He did his PUC studies at St. Joseph’s College, Hasan abd graduation at St. Maria Goretti College of Commerce and Management, Hirgan.
Fr. Pradeep joined the St. Joseph’s Seminary, Mangalore in 2014. Following the study of philosophy between 2014-2017, he did his Regency at St. Antony’s Parish, Sasthan(2017-2018) and studied Theology from 2018-2022. After being ordained Deacon, he served at St. Lawrence Basilica, Attur-Karkala.
Fr. Pradeep Cardoza was ordained a priest on 03 May 2022 at the Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur by the Bishop of Udupi Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo. His priestly motto has been: “I have come to fulfill Your wish” (Hebrew 10:1-9).
The first assignment of Fr. Pradeep Cardoza was as the Assistant Parish Priest at St. Lawrence Parish, Moodubelle from 2022-2024 from where he was transferred to the Milagres Cathedral.
Fr. Praeeep Cardoza had developed an interest in music and he has written two books on music in the Kannada language: “Gaana Sudhe, Sangeetha Sudhe”(Dedicated to Msgr, Baptist Menezes) and “Swaranjali and Gaananjali”(Dedicated to Fr. Valerian Mendonca and Fr. Clement Mascarenhas).
Being simple and amiable, Fr. Pradeep had been quite popular among the parishioners of Moodubelle. His smile and sense of humor have been his way of getting along with elders, youth as well as children.
Bellevision.com wishes all the best for his priestly ministry in the Milagres Cathedrtal, Kallianpur.