The St. Michael’s Konkani Community is profoundly saddened to bid farewell to our esteemed Spiritual Director, Rev. Fr. Denis Saldanha. During his three and half year tenure, he provided unwavering support, insightful guidance, and dedicated service, leaving a lasting and meaningful impact on the entire Konkani community of Sharjah.
Since 15th June 2022, Fr. Denis has served as a guiding light, offering wholehearted spiritual direction to the Konkani community in Sharjah. His noble character, selfless service, sincere dedication, and meaningful guidance have left a lasting impression on everyone. His spiritual counsel, immense commitment, and devotion to his daily duties made him an exemplary figure for the Konkani community.
A thanksgiving programme for Fr. Denis Saldanha was held after the Konkani Mass on 21st September. Konkani Community Coordinator Alwyn Coutinho presented the ‘maanpatr’, while Parish Priest Fr. Savarimuthu honoured him with a shawl and a bouquet, expressing his gratitude for his selfless service. The parish Priest described Fr. Denis as a friendly person, very particular and punctual in liturgical work.
A spiritual bouquet was presented by Fr. Edwin Monis, and Konkani Community Assistant Coordinator Deepak presented a fruit basket. Goan Core Committee members offered Flower bouquets as tokens of love and gratitude to Fr. Denis. Various groups rendering service in the community too came forward to present floral bouquets, acknowledging his invaluable service to the Konkani Community. The ushers, Altar Servers, Eucharistic ministers, choir members, and KPG members each presented a bouquet, highlighting the strong bond between Fr. Denis and the Konkani Community.
This was followed by a musical interlude by the Goan community, along with a meaningful video presentation. Fr. Denis then addressed the audience with his farewell message, thanking the Konkani Community for their wholehearted support in carrying out his mission. The programme was compered by Donald Noronha.
We are ever grateful to Fr. Denis for his tireless efforts in organizing both spiritual and social activities, and for his wise guidance in all the matters concerning our Konkani Community at St. Michael’s Parish. Under his leadership, the community has flourished, experiencing remarkable spiritual growth, clarity of direction, and unwavering encouragement.
As we bid him farewell, our hearts are filled with both gratitude and sorrow. Beloved Father, we pray that God may bless you with good health, happiness, peace, and fulfilment. Your guidance, support, and blessings will remain forever etched in our hearts, and your legacy will continue to inspire the Konkani Community for many more years to come.
St. Michael’s Konkani Community warmly welcomed our new Spiritual Director, Fr. Edwin Monis. Parish Priest Fr. Savarimuthu welcomed the new Assistant Parish Priest and Spiritual Director of the Konkani Community. The community looks forward to his guidance and blessings, and warmly wishes Fr. Edwin Monis every success in his new role as our Spiritual Director.
