Fr Walter Lobo OCD: Farewell to an ardent Carmelite and a relentless missionary!
On April 2, 2024, the funeral rites of Rev. Fr. Walter Lobo of the Infant Jesus were conducted at the Infant Jesus Shrine in Carmel Hill, Mangaluru. Fr. Walter, who departed from this world on March 27, 2024, was honoured and remembered by a gathering of clergy, friars, family members, and faithful from near and far.

At 2:00 pm, the mortal remains of Fr. Walter Lobo were brought to the Infant Jesus Shrine with profound respect and honour. The Carmelite friars led the gathering in the prayer of the Church, followed by a brief prayer led by Most Rev. Peter Paul Saldanha, the Bishop of Mangalore.

The funeral mass commenced at 3:00 pm, presided over by Most Rev. Aloysius Paul D’Souza, the Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Mangalore. Accompanying him were Fr. Silvestre D’Souza Provincial, the Vicar General of the diocese, and a significant gathering of Carmelite friars from the Province, alongside a few diocesan clergy. During the mass, Fr. Rudolf V. D’Souza delivered a meaningful homily, drawing inspiration from the word of God and connecting it to the life and service of Fr. Walter Lobo.

Following the mass, Fr. Joseph D’Souza eloquently presented an overview of Fr. Walter Lobo's exemplary missionary endeavours and multifaceted accomplishments within the province. He emphasized Fr. Walter’s remarkable dedication to prayer, which kindled a fervent spiritual awakening among the friars, fostering a profound love for the Carmelite saints, particularly the Holy parents.

Fr. Provincial, representing the entire province, gave his personal testimony and read out a poem composed by Fr Paul D’Souza. Fr. Melvin D’Cunha, the Superior of St. Joseph’s Monastery, conveyed sincere appreciation on behalf of the monastery to the family members and all those who were close to Fr Walter Lobo, especially during his illness.

In a touching gesture of remembrance, candles were offered by individuals representing various entities: Karnataka-Goa Province, Tanzanian Mission, Family Members, Local Carmelite Community, Secular Carmel, and other lay associations at Carmel Hill.

Fr. Maxim D’Souza, the Vicar General of the Diocese, led the assembly in the commendation prayer at the church. Subsequently, a solemn procession, adorned with candles, accompanied Fr. Walter Lobo's body to its final resting place at the cemetery.

The final rites at the cemetery were conducted by Fr. Silvestre D’Souza, Provincial, bidding a dignified farewell to Fr. Walter Lobo.

With the passing of Rev. Fr. Walter Lobo, the Karnataka-Goa Province mourns the loss of a zealous missionary, a devout man of prayer, and a passionate devotee of Carmelite Saints. His straightforward approach and invaluable contributions to various province projects will be deeply cherished and remembered. The Karnataka-Goa Province acknowledges its indebtedness to Fr. Walter Lobo for his profoundly positive impact on its members and offers earnest prayers for the repose of his soul.