St Lawrence Church Bondel had welcomed Fr Rupesh Tauro, the assistant parish priest just two years ago and now it was time to bid him farewell.

On Sunday May 15, after the 7 am Mass, the parishioners along with the members of the Parish Pastoral Council came together for a formal farewell ceremony. Fr Rupesh Tauro will take charge as the assistant director at St Antony’s Ashram, Jeppu on May 16.

Acknowledging the services rendered by Rev Fr Rupesh Tauro for two years, on behalf of the parishioners, Steevan Noronha, the secretary of Parish Pastoral Council, read the citation ‘maan patr’.

Fr Rupesh Tauro was bid farewell by honouring him with a shawl by Fr Andrew, flowers along with a memento and good wishes by all the dignitaries. Fr Peter Gonsalves, Fr Ravi Kumar MSIJ, Fr Robert Pinto, Reginald D’Souza, vice president, Steevan Noronha, secretary and all dignitaries of Parish Pastoral Council were present.

In his message on this occasion.

Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza said that Fr Rupesh Tauro was always ready to help anyone in need and enthusiastically participated in all the activities of the church and served as the dedicated priest. He has conquered the hearts of every parishioner, especially the youth and the needy. He has been a role model, moulded every person and helped them bloom under his guidance.

Assistant parish priest Fr Peter Gonsalves in in his speech thanked Fr Rupesh for the service he rendered in Bondel parish.

People were anxiously waiting to hear Fr Rupesh. He spoke during the occasion and said, “I would like to thank Rev Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, Fr Clifford Pinto and Fr Peter Gonsalves the assistant parish priest who were with me at Bondel.” Fr Rupesh Tauro then addressed the parishioners. He spoke of all those things that had touched his heart in Bondel parish. Forgetting none in his farewell speech, he thanked and promised to keep every parishioner in his prayers. He urged the people to keep him in their prayers although emotional, Fr Rupesh looked calm and composed.

A beautiful farewell song was sung by the choir members under the leadership of Dr Suraj.

Wilfred Alvares D’Souza compered the ceremony and Reginald thanked all.