Udupi, July 03: Rev. Fr. Valerian Mendonca rector of Milagres Cathedral in Kallianpur is no more. He passed away due to a heart attack on Wednesday. He was 75. 

Fr. Valerian born on December 9, 1949, in the serene parish of Shirva in the Mangalore Diocese, Fr. Valerian was the beloved seventh child of Gabriel and Seraphine Mendonca, among their eight children. His musical journey began in childhood, and he excelled academically, earning First Rank in his B.Sc. degree, followed by a Bachelor of Theology, an M.A. in English, and a diploma in Communications.

Ordained a priest for the Diocese of Mangalore on May 7, 1976, Fr. Valerian’s life was dedicated to service. His role as a choir master at the Jeppu Seminary showcased his musical genius, leading to the creation of numerous hymns, anthems, and songs. His compositions include anthems for St. Joseph Engineering College, Vamanjoor, Pompei College, Aikala, St. Mary English Medium School, Udupi, and Vidya Jyothi School, Vamanjoor. His legacy includes over 68 hymns in the diocesan music hymnal, and his Kannada songs were broadcast on Akashvani, Mangalore.

Fr. Valerian's impact on music and the arts was most notable during his tenure as the Director of Sandesha College of Fine Arts, Mangalore. Here, he received the prestigious Sandesha Award for his outstanding contribution to Konkani music. Alongside his friend, Fr. Clement Mascarenhas, he produced numerous music cassettes—13 in Konkani, one in Kannada, and five in Hindi.

His educational leadership extended to roles as principal of Milagres Pre-University College, Mangalore, Milagres College, Kallianpur, and Pompei College, Aikala. His influence was also felt as a member of the Academic Council, Senate, and Syndicate of Mangalore University.

Fr. Valerian's pastoral journey included service in Omzoor, Kallianpur, Tallur, and Barkur parishes, St. Antony’s Poor Homes, and the Canara Communications Centre. In 2012, he became the Parish Priest of St. Peter’s Church, Barkur, and served as the Chancellor of the Udupi Diocese.

His contributions extended beyond education and music. As Assistant Director at St. Antony’s Poor Homes, Mangalore, and Assistant Parish Priest at Holy Family Church, Meramajalu, his dedication was evident. He played a pivotal role in the Tri-Centenary Celebrations of Milagres Church, Kallianpur.

Funeral Details are awaited