Ascension Sunday – Farewell to Fr. Mathews

News & Pics: Mr John Menezes, Moodbidri

June 5: The English Mass community said “Farewell” and gave vote of thanks to Rev. Fr. Mathews.  The Corpus Christi Church has  English Mass on Sundays at 11.45 a.m. for the benefit of the student community of Moodbidri. The students are mainly from Kerala and Sri Lanka. Rev. Fr. Mathews is 76 years old and now goes to Kerala after two years service in Moodbidri.

Today’s Mass – The Ascension Sunday was concelebrated by Fr. Henry and Fr. Ivan Sanctis with Rev. Fr. Mathews as usual at 11.45 a.m. At the end of the mass Rev. Fr. Mathews was honoured with a garland, Gift and vote of thanks.

Fr. Henry said that Fr. Mathews attended 80% of the Sunday English services and never said “NO”  if he is asked to do something even at midnight. At this age he is very energetic in the services to Christ. Vote of thanks was given on behalf of the student by Miss Saumya. She said that Fr. Mathews is very friendly, devoted to services and always prayed for the students for their success in exams and for good results. He gave hope and courage to students by his sermons and smiling services. We will miss him but we will pray for him and wish him all the best in his future assignments.  A student representative garlanded Fr. Mathews and two girl students presented a gift as their gratitude for his services. 

Fr. Mathews said he came to offer mass here eagerly because he saw the students coming to mass happily, singing and helping in the church without any one obliging them.  He said that he will keep all of them in his prayers and wished them all the best in their studies and career.

Thank you dear Rev. Fr. Mathews for your good services with a smile.