Media Release

Mangaluru, Jul 25: On June 7, 2014 Fr James took charge as the new parish priest of Valencia parish after serving seven fruitful years at Holy Redeemer church Beltangady. After serving six years at Valencia church, time has once again come for Fr D’Souza to say goodbye who will now be taking up his new assignment as the new parish priest of St Joseph the Worker church Vamanjoor.

Having vast experience in his priestly life Fr James has conquered the hearts of every parishioner, specially the youth and the needy. He has been a role model, moulded every person and helped them bloom under his guidance.

Fr James D'Souza celebrated the thanksgiving mass on July 24 at 5.00 pm. Assitant parish priest Fr Joswin, Fr Arun Lobo and Fr William Barracas were the co-celebrants. Due to the current pandemic, keeping the guidelines in mind a simple farewell was organised by the parishioners.

Patrick D’Souza compere the farewell program and welcomed the gathering.

A wonderful speech was rendered by parish council vice-president David Pais. He started his speech by quoting the words of late Nelson Mandela former president of South Africa, "There is a time when a leader must move out ahead of the flock, go off in a new direction, confident that he has a new direction, confident that he has led his people in the right way." As Fr James is transferred to Vamanjoor parish, the people of Valencia will be losing a gem while the parishioners of Vamanjoor will be blessed with this gem. He is man of simplicity and understanding and never went craving for fame for which he is an example.

As a token of love, Fr Joswin honoured him with a shawl. He was garlanded by PPC vice-president David Pais, a memento was given by Fr Arun and citation was presented by Fr William Barracas.

Assistant parish priest Fr Joswin in his speech thanked Fr James for the service he rendered in Valencia parish. He described him in five words: J- Joyful , A- Able, M- Meek, E- Efficient, S- Self Discipline. He mentioned a quote by a famous America author Flavia Weedn which says, “Some people come into our lives and quickly go, some stay for a while, leave footprints in our hearts and we are never ever the same.”

People who were anxiously waiting to hear Fr James spoke during the occasion. He started with the quote, “Joy is not the absence of suffering but the presence of God.” Sharing his experience he said, "In the past years though I felt the difficulties and tiredness, it was God’s grace which was the reason for my true happiness. Eucharistic Celebration, Sacrament Adoration, Small Christian Community meetings, parish retreat, parish annual plan, and to execute all these activities we got an opportunity to do the things as per the plans."

"I would like to thank all the assistant parish priest who were with me at Valencia - Fr Gratian Alvares, Fr Clifford Pinto, Fr Naveen Pinto, Fr Joswin D’Souza, resident priest Fr Arun Lobo and elderly priest Fr William Barracas; Parish council vice presidents - Arun Raj Rodrigues, Anil Lobo and David Pais; Secretaries - Leslie D’Souza, Dolphy Saldanha, Lizzie Pinto and Rita Menezes. I am grateful to all the ward gurkar’s, president and members of pious associations, convent sisters and Sunday catechism teachers of the church and to my dear children, youth, families and the elders of the church, thank you for showing your love and cooperation," he expressed.

Ending his speech he mentioned a quote by a famous missionary Wilfred Grenfell -“The service we render to others is really the rent we pay for our room on earth”. He credited for that whatever good that has happened is all because of God’s plan. "He has made use of me to make it a reality. As you would be welcoming the new parish priest support him the same way you all supported me," he said.

He urged the people to keep him in their prayers. He said that Valencia parish would always be close to his heart.

Fr James was very jovial and close to the youth of the parish. ICYM Valencia unit presented him a gift as token of love and affection. Special issue of Ekvott was also released during the occasion. Rita Menezes secretary of the parish pastoral council read out the citation. Patrick D’Souza rendered the vote of thanks.

Parishioners with enthusiasm and emotion participated in the program keeping the safety regulations in mind.