The son of Gabriel and Seraphine Mendonca, Fr Valerian Mendonca, was born on December 9, 1949, in Pilar, Shirva and ordained on May 7, 1976.

With an MA in English, a Diploma in Communications (Radio & AV Aids), and a B.Th from Urban University, Rome, Fr Valerian has faithfully served his church as the Parish Priest of Mother of Sorrows Church, K M Marg, Udupi and then as the esteemed rector of Milagres Cathedral in Kallianpur.

Fr Valerian’s extensive service record includes:

  • 1976: Assistant Director at St Antony’s, Jeppu
  • 1976-1978: Assistant Parish Priest at Omzoor
  • 1978-1979: Studies in Secunderabad
  • 1979-1980: Secretary at Canara Communication, Padua
  • 1980-1983: Assistant Parish Priest at Kallianpur
  • 1983-1985: Vice-Principal at Milagres, Mangaluru
  • 1985-1986: In-Charge Principal at Milagres, Mangaluru
  • 1986-1987: Ecclesiastical Administrator at Tallur
  • 1987-1988: Vice-Principal at Milagres, Mangaluru
  • 1988-1995: Lecturer at Milagres, Kallianpur
  • 1995-1997: Vice-Principal at Milagres, Kallianpur
  • 1997-2003: Principal at Milagres, Kallianpur
  • 2003-2007: Principal at Aikala
  • 2008-2012: Director and Principal at Sandesh, Mangaluru, and Secretary of KRCBC
  • 2012-2017: Parish Priest at Barkur, Chancellor of Udupi Diocese, Director of Social Communication Commission, Udupi
  • 2017-Present: Parish Priest at Udupi, Chancellor of Udupi Diocese, Director of Social Communication Commission, Udupi

One cannot forget Father’s many musical contributions which includes songs, poems, and religious lyrics in Konkani, Kannada, English, and Hindi.

His first cassette, “Natalachim Gitam,” a collection of Christmas carols, was released in 1980. He collaborated with Fr Clement Mascarenhas on various audio projects, producing cassettes and CDs that have enriched the spiritual lives of many.

Here are some of the most notable among his works:

  • Konkani: “Somyak Vandan,” “Moga Ulo,” “Jezu Mhojo Rai,” “Movall Mog,” “Shanti Sagar,” “Abba Bapa,” “Happy Christmas,” “Noman Moriye,” “Naman Zuze Vaz Bapa,” “Somyachi Vodvik,” “Jezu Boro Govlli,” “Jivithacho Unddo” (12 cassettes)
  • Kannada: “Namo Parameshwara” (1 cassette)
  • Hindi: “Pyare Yesu,” “Yesu Mera Meeth,” “Jai Ho Prabhu,” “Prabhu Ki Stuti,” “Jeevan Ki Roti” (5 cassettes)

Father Valerian passed away on Wednesday, July 3. His dedication, service, and musical legacy have left an indelible mark on the community, and will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for his contributions.