Yet another day of joy dawned for the parishioners of Valencia Parish as they warmly welcomed their new Assistant Parish Priest, Fr Alwyn Crasta SCJ, on 29 May 2026 at 5:30 p.m.
As a mark of welcome, Fr Alwyn was presented with a floral garland by Parish Priest Fr Cyprian Pinto, outgoing Assistant Parish Priest Fr Pradeep Rodrigues, Parish Council Vice President Ronald Rodrigues, in the presence of a large gathering of parishioners.
The ceremony began with Fr Alwyn proclaiming the Word of God and invoking God’s blessings upon those gathered. Following the formal ceremony of assuming office, a short welcome program was organised in his honour.
Parish Council Vice President Ronald Rodrigues introduced Fr Alwyn to the parishioners and provided a brief overview of Valencia Parish, highlighting its history and activities.
Speaking on the occasion, Parish Priest Fr Cyprian Pinto warmly welcomed Fr Alwyn Crasta SCJ, to Valencia Parish. He said that although it had been only three days since he took charge as the Parish Priest, he had already experienced the love and warmth of the parishioners. He noted that Valencia Parish, with over 1,000 families, more than 4,500 faithful and 12 convents, is a vibrant and faith filled parish blessed with talented, educated and enthusiastic people who actively contribute to the life of the Church. He encouraged Fr Alwyn to work together with the parishioners for the growth of the Church and to serve them with love and dedication. He wished him a fruitful and grace-filled ministry at Valencia Parish. Fr Cyprian also thanked Fr Alwyn’s parents, family members, fellow priests and all those who accompanied him for the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Fr Alwyn Crasta SCJ, expressed his gratitude to God for the gift of his priestly vocation and the opportunity to serve the Church. He also thanked the Bishop of Mangalore, Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, for entrusting him with the responsibility of serving in the Diocese and appointing him to Valencia Parish.
Fr Alwyn said he was happy and privileged to serve alongside Parish Priest Fr Cyprian Pinto, whose experience and wisdom would be a source of guidance and inspiration. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to his parents, family members, relatives and fellow priests who accompanied him on the occasion. Thanking the parishioners for their warm and enthusiastic welcome, Fr Alwyn sought their support, cooperation and prayers in his pastoral ministry. He fondly recalled that Valencia would always hold a special place in his heart, as it was his first parish assignment. Assuring the faithful of his prayers, he requested them to remember him in theirs as he begins this new chapter of service at Valencia Parish.
The welcome program was compered by Dolphy Saldanha, while Parish Council Secretary Leeda Aquinas proposed the vote of thanks.
Among those present on the occasion were Parish Priest Fr Cyprian Pinto, outgoing Assistant Parish Priest Fr Pradeep Rodrigues, Parish Council Vice President Ronald Rodrigues, Secretary Leeda Aquinas, Bejai Assistant Parish Priest Fr Norman Mathias, Gladsom Home Spiritual Director Fr Vincent DSouza, Fr Biju Paul, SCJ, the family members of Fr Alwyn Crasta and numerous parishioners of Valencia Parish.
News by Gordon DAlmeida
Pics by Deeron Crasta
