A Pioneer Missionary on his Final Journey

A Pioneer Missionary on his Final Journey

After years of silent fight with his illness, Fr Felix surrendered to God’s will and comforted with the sacraments, breathed his last, on Thursday, February 11, 2021, at 8-20 am, in Fr Muller’s Hospital, Mangalore. For a more participative adieu for him, the funeral rites were fixed for Saturday. Accordingly, the funeral mass took place on February 13, 2021, at the Infant Jesus Shrine, Carmel Hill, Mangalore, with a very robust presence of our friars from near and far numbering around 60 along with a dozen of diocesan priests and attended by at least 200 people.

At 9-00 am the mortal remains of Fr Felix was brought to the Shrine and thereafter the Provincial, Fr Pius James D’Souza blessed the body which was followed by the Office of the Dead by the friars. At 10-00 am the funeral mass commenced were Most Rev Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore presided over the Eucharist along with many concelebrants. Fr George Santhumayor preached the homily highlighting the meaning of religious consecration and said that we belong to God and our dwelling place is in heaven. The Eucharistic liturgy was followed by Fr Joe Tauro’s eulogy of Fr Felix Moras. Fr Charles Serrao, Superior of St Joseph’s Monastery briefly described the last days of Fr Felix.

On behalf of the Tanzania Mission, a wreath was placed on the body by two of our Tanzanian missionaries namely Fr Walter Lobo, the pioneer of the mission and Fr Francis Bartholomio who had worked in the mission for several years. It was Fr Francis Bartholomio who was nursing Fr Felix in his last days.

Later another wreath was placed by the Parish Priest of Kirem and the Parish Council member of Kirem. (the native parish of Fr Felix). Fr Victor D’Souza, parish priest of Kemman and the nephew of Fr Felix expressed a vote of thanks to the Carmelites on behalf of the family. Fr Archibald Gonsalves was the master of ceremony for the entire funeral rite mass. Fr Provincial conducted the final rites in the Shrine after which the body was taken to the monastery cemetery. Fr Victor D’Souza conducted the prayer service at the Cemetery.

Fr Felix Moras a pioneer of Tanzanian mission had been suffering from colon cancer for the last six years. Notwithstanding the discomfort caused by his ailments, he showed himself jovial and cheerful in the community. The KG  Province bids farewell to a model missionary who had been always concerned for the poor and the afflicted. We pray that the Risen Lord may grant him Eternal rest in His Heavenly abode. May the missionary spirit of Fr Felix be an example to all of us as we proceed on our journey towards our heavenly home.