“There is charm and grace with few wrinkles on the face. There is an elegance of experience, honour, and dignity in turning grand sixty.”
Fr. Richard Coelho, director of Father Muller Institutions celebrates his diamond years today.
With his humble nature, Fr. Coelho has earned popularity among the people of the community and beyond. Fr. Richard Coelho hails from Karkala. After completing his SSLC at Karkala St. Lawrence High School, he continued his PUC and graduation at St Aloysius College, Mangaluru. He then obtained PG Diploma in Business Administration from St. Aloysius Evening College of Business Management. Fr. Coelho joined the seminary in 1977 and was ordained priest in 1988. He has served for more than 29 years in various parishes as an assistant and parish priest including Vittal, Mandanthyar, Nainad, Bajjodi, Udyavar, and Shirva. He served as an assistant director of Father Muller Hospital for four years during 1989 – 93. Fr. Coelho has served as an administrator of Father Muller College Hospital in the past.
Speaking to News Karnataka Fr. Richard Coelho said, “My primary concern is to help people in every way possible. I come from a poor economic background. We were seven children together and it was almost like a joint family. My father was the only earning member. We had a lot of difficulties, but despite all, we were able to get a good education. My parents and a senior parish priest inspired me to become a priest. My father was a very disciplined person and was very truthful, considerate, honest, and full of values. He never compromised with our prayers and studies. “
Sharing his past experiences, he said, “Poverty is a great blessing because we will able to understand the people because of that. Therefore, my concern is to help people who are very poor. In my own capacity, I help them get food or anything that they need. I don’t do it for publicity.”
Sharing his experience as a Director of Father Muller’s, he said “These are really challenging times for health care, especially for major hospitals and medical colleges, but by the grace of God, I am hopeful of taking Father Muller further in the path of progress. Father Muller’s Hospital itself is a charitable hospital and daily we get calls for help during this pandemic. You have to sacrifice your personal comfort zone and be ready at any time if there is a need. They feel happy to do it also. The institution is giving concessions for poor patients and the needy. We might at times run under loss yet we are working to serve the people.”
Speaking to News Karnataka Sr Jacintha D’Souza, Principal, College of Nursing said “Every birthday reveals to us that God still loves the world. Celebrating 60 years of grace-filled life is nothing but God’s great gift. We wish him health and happiness for long life.”
Father Vincy of Thumbay said “He is a good leader, as he believes in teamwork. He is very committed to work. Age will add a few more wrinkles but it will never take the sheen off his personality. We wish him a great year ahead.”
Similarly, Dr Kelvin Peter Pais, Liaison Officer of Father Muller Charitable Institutions said “These two years being a part of FMCI, I have observed Fr. Richard is a man of patience, persistence, and totally devoted. His voracious appetite to read and be current with the situation singles him out. His keen observations and calmness are to be imbibed. Lastly, his faith and Lenten sacrifice makes him a true “anointed” which I try to replicate.”
Team News Karnataka is sending the warmest wishes for diamond years. Hoping for a fabulous year full of health, strength, mirth and cheer.
