BIS Mumbai
BOSCO INFORMATION SERVICE #3105
DYNAMIC SALESIAN FR. RONALD MENEZES PASSES AWAY
Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb
MATUNGA, SEPTEMBER 6, 2012: The Salesians of the Mumbai Province sadly announce the sudden demise on September 5, 2012 of Rev. Fr. Ronald Menezes sdb, former Rector of Don Bosco High School, Borivili. Fr. Ronnie Menezes, aged 57, a dynamic Salesian was recently transferred to his 
new post as Administrator and Assistant Parish Priest at St. Dominic Savio’s Church, Antop Hill. Fr. Ronnie had gone for an afternoon rest and passed away quietly. By evening he was no more.
Born on October 15, 1955, in Bandra, Mumbai. He spent his childhood in Parel and studied in Don Bosco High School, Matunga before joining the Apostolic School at Lonavla. Fr. Ronnie joined the Novitiate at Yercaud and made his first profession on May 24, 1974. On completing his Philosophical studies at Yercaud, Fr. Ronnie moved to Don Bosco Koregaon Park – Pune to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Science (Maths). As a young Salesian, he moved on to Don Bosco Borivili and Don Bosco Lonavla for his Practical Training. He did his Theological Studies at Kristu Jyoti College, Bangalore (1981-1985) and was ordained priest at the Shrine of Don Bosco’s Madonna, Matunga on December 22, 1984.
His first assignment as Priest was as Dean at the Divyadaan – the Salesian Philosophate at Nashik (1985-88) to nurture the young salesians in formation. The next nine years were glorious years when he moved to Don Bosco, Lonavla. “As Rector of Don Bosco Lonavala (1991-97), Fr. Ronnie was known for his dynamism, creativity, multi-faceted personality and discipline. He took Lonavla to higher standards”, remarked a young Salesian. He spent the next three years at the Gregorian University, Rome pursuing a Masters degree in Sacred Scripture. The next twelve years saw Fr. Ronnie as a mature and responsible rector of the communities of Don Bosco Matunga and Don Bosco 
Borivili. On his completion as Rector in Borivili, he barely spent a month at his new assignment at St. Dominic Savio Church, Antop Hill. Fr. Ronnie was formerly a member of the Provincial Council and headed the Commission for Social Communication.
“His coming to our Parish was a ray of hope for all of us. In a short span, he captured our hearts as he broke the Word of God to us and took the time to visit our homes. The Youth found in him a passionate friend who would help them grow... but now, we are in darkness once again”, cried an inconsolable parish member. The news of his sudden death was received with shock. Numerous Salesians and parishioners thronged to the Church to pay their respects and to pray with the bereaved members of his family.
Death has no favourites. But one of our favourite ones has been picked for Eternity. May his soul rest in Peace.
His funeral has been scheduled for Friday, September 7, 2012 at 4:00pm at the Shrine of Don Bosco’s Madonna, Matunga.
BOSCO BIS INFORMATION SERVICE (BIS) MUMBAI
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Matunga, Mumbai - 400 019. INDIA
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