Funeral Ceremony of Fr V J Menezes, OFM Cap
The funeral mass of Fr Valerian Justin Menezes (VJ Menezes) was held at St Fidelis Friary- MonteMariano Church, presided over by Most Rev Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, the Bishop of Mangalore along with Rev Fr Alwyn Dias, the Provincial Minister of Karnataka Capuchins, Fr Melwyn Dsouza, the Guardian of St Anne’s Friary Mangalore and many priests, religious brothers and sisters and laity here on 22nd November 2020 at 4.00 PM.

Fr Jason Pais preached a lovely poetic homily wherein he said, Fr VJ truly had an experience of the love of God and he was always enthusiastic to share that experience with the people of God. Fr VJ’s homilies, retreats, compositions and other literary works always reflected the abundance of spiritual wealth he owned. Today Fr VJ is enjoying the wonderful eternal rewards that Christ the King had promised him, he said.

Fr Prakash Lobo, the Editor of Kutmacho Sevak - the Konkani Monthly in his eulogy beautifully narrated the life of Fr VJ. As a Capuchin priest, spiritual retreat preacher, Konkani writer and composer, and an organizer he always tried to share the love of God with the humanity. His jovial nature attracted many young people to change their lives and come back to Christ.

Mrs Benita Menezes Coelho, the youngest sister of Fr VJ shared her experience with Fr VJ. She also gratefully remembered all the Capuchin Friars and the staff of St Anne’s Friary for taking good care of her brother priest.

Rev Fr Alwyn Dias expressed his gratitude to the Bishop, Priests, Friars, Religious sisters and the laity for their support and presence during the funeral ceremony. He also thanked specially the friars at St Anne’s Friary for the wonderful care and love given to Fr VJ during his last years of life.

Soon after the Eucharistic celebration the body was laid to rest in the Capuchin cemetery. Large number of people came to pay respect to Fr VJ and offered their prayers to God.

Earlier at 1.00 pm the mortal remains of Fr VJ were brought to St Anne’s Friary for the public viewing. The Eucharist was held at 1.30 om for the faithful gathered which was presided over by Fr John Fernandes and concelebrated by Fr Maxim Noronha the Vicar General of Mangalore Diocese, Fr Chetan the PRO of Udupi Diocese, Fr Melwyn the Guardian of St Anne’s Friary and few Capuchin as well as Diocesan Priests.

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