The Final Journey Of Rev. Fr. Joseph Lobo

“A voice we loved to hear is still obedience to His Holy will.”

Having given a pompous welcome into the Parish in the month of June, little did the parishioners of Most Holy Redeemer Church know that they would have to bid adieu to Rev.Fr.Joseph.Lobo so soon. God called Fr.Joseph Lobo home on the 6^th of October, 2015.It wasn’t expected and was an untimely call that took away Fr.Joseph Lobo. The life he lived was pleasant and the death he had was peaceful.

Rev.Fr.Joseph Lobo’s stay in Derebail was for short but he had entered into an everlasting bond with the parishioners. The Funeral Rites of Fr.Joseph.Lobo was scheduled to be held on the 8^th of October, 2015. The body of Fr.Joseph.Lobo was brought in procession from Kuntikan to the Church. The people were then allowed to pay homage to Fr.Joseph Lobo from 2 to 4. The main celebrant of the Eucharistic Celebration was Most Rev Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, the Bishop of Mangalore Diocese. Condolences were offered at the end of the ceremony.

There were around 300 priests, 200 Sisters and about 3000 people who had come to accompany Fr.Joseph Lobo on his final journey. The presence of such a huge gathering is a proof that death has just ended life but not the relationship that .Fr.Joseph.Lobo had created with everybody. He was indeed a “People’s Priest.” He belonged to everybody and in this way his life manifested the teachings of Jesus.

It was in a day’s time that the Parishioners worked together and made arrangements to bid Fr.Joseph.Lobo farewell. The members of Parish Pastoral Council, the YSD and Sports Club volunteered to manage the crowd and the parking of vehicles.

A jewel rare on earth to find,

Whose luster ceased for us to shine.

In vain do we seek your loving face

But now it’s gone from our humble place.

The song is ended but his memories will linger on.

Report by: Lynsha Lobo

Pictures: Simon Pereira