Graceful leadership transition at FMCI: Rev. Fr Faustine Lobo takes over as Director

Mangaluru: The serene chapel of Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI) witnessed a heartfelt moment of grace and gratitude as Rev. Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho formally handed over the mantle of leadership to Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo. Held at St Joseph Chapel at 3:30 PM, the installation and farewell ceremony marked the culmination of Fr Richard’s remarkable 17-year journey at FMCI and welcomed a new chapter of vision and service.

Solemn ceremony with spiritual resonance

The event was presided over by Rt. Rev. Msgr Maxim Noronha, Vicar General of the Diocese of Mangalore and Vice President of FMCI. A Scripture-based prayer service led by Rev. Fr Ronald Lobo, Senior Chaplain, set the tone for the symbolic file handover at the altar—marking the transition not only in leadership but also in institutional legacy.

Rev. Fr Faustine Lobo, in his address, likened the transition to a train journey—one disembarks only to begin another meaningful voyage. He lauded Fr Richard’s dedication and expressed confidence in his new pastoral mission at St Teresa of Kolkata Church, Paldane.

Heartfelt tributes to a visionary leader

Dr Venkatesh BM, Vice Dean of Father Muller Medical College, and Dr Antony Sylvan D’Souza, Dean of FMMC, paid rich tributes to Fr Richard, celebrating his eight-year tenure as Director, preceded by seven years as Administrator and two as Assistant Director. He was felicitated with a silver memento, and clergy, faculty, and staff came together in collective thanksgiving.

Rev. Fr Ajith B Menezes, Administrator, FMMC, emceed the event with reflective grace, and Prof. Dr Cherishma D’Silva delivered the vote of thanks. The atmosphere, kept intentionally simple and spiritual, echoed Fr Richard’s ethos of humble service as “a worker in the vineyard of the Lord”.

In his farewell address, Fr Richard acknowledged faculty, staff, and patients, affirming his journey as one rooted in faith, service, and transformation.

A legacy etched in progress

Under Fr Richard’s leadership, FMCI reached new heights:

• Completion of Convention Centre, Indoor Stadium, and hospital renovations

These milestones reflect his blend of pastoral compassion, administrative acumen, and unwavering commitment to quality healthcare.

Welcoming a new era with Fr Faustine Lobo

In a felicitation programme at the Silver Jubilee Hall, Fr Faustine was welcomed warmly by FMCI’s management and staff. With over 35 years of priestly service, his credentials include:

• Former National Director, Pontifical Mission Societies

Fr Faustine’s extensive experience in ecclesiastical governance and social advocacy positions him to carry forward FMCI’s mission of “Heal and Comfort”, blending continuity with renewed vision.

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