The funeral rites of V. Rev. Msgr Baptist Menezes, former Vicar General of Udupi Diocese, took place at Our Lady of Health Church, Shirva on 27 August, 2023.
Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese presided over the Eucharistic Celebration. Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangaluru Diocese, Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop Emeritus of Mangaluru Diocese, Most Rev. Dr Thomas Antony Vazhapilly, Bishop Emeritus of Mysore Diocese, V. Rev. Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves, Vicar General of Udupi Diocese, V. Rev. Msgr Maxim Noronha, Vicar General of Mangaluru Diocese, V. Rev. Fr Richard Coelho, Director of Fr Muller Charitable Institutions, Mangaluru, V. Rev. Fr Roshan Menezes, Episcopal Vicar for Religious of Udupi Diocese; Rev. Fr Denis D’Sa, PRO of Udupi Diocese; V. Rev. Fr Leslie D’Souza Parish Priest of Shirva Parish; Diocesan and Religious Priests of Udupi and Mangaluru Diocese were present. Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha preached the homily.
A condolence meet was held after the Mass. Rev. Fr Denis D’Sa delivered the Eulogy on behalf of the Diocese of Udupi. In his message, he recalled the friendly nature and leadership qualities of V. Rev. Msgr Baptist, which were widely accepted and appreciated by the priests and the laity of Udupi and Mangaluru Dioceses. He also placed on record V. Rev. Msgr Baptist’s selfless service to both the diocese of Udupi and Mangaluru, his commitment towards his priesthood and ministry and his generosity of heart towards the poor and the needy. His administrative skills and spiritual values are worth emulating by the priests and the lay alike. V. Rev. Msgr Baptist’s unexpected demise is a great loss to his family, Udupi Diocese and to the entire society said Fr Denis D’Sa.
V. Rev. Fr Richard Coelho, Director of Fr Muller Charitable Institutions paid tribute to V. Rev. Msgr Baptist Menezes on behalf of the Mullerian family where Msgr Baptist had rendered yeomen service as its director.
Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo thanked everyone who took care of Msgr Baptist during his illness. He also thanked the Shirva Priests and parishioners for the meticulous arrangements done for the funeral service. Bishop Gerald conducted the last rites and the Msgr Baptists’ body was laid to rest in the Church Cemetery.
Msgr Baptist Menezes’ services as the First Vicar General of Udupi Diocese will always be cherished in the annals of the history of Udupi Diocese.
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