A Life of Devotion and Leadership: Rev. Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho Celebrates 37 Years of Priesthood
Mangaluru, May 3, 2025: Rev. Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho, Director of Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI), celebrated a significant milestone as he completed 37 years of dedicated priesthood, including 14 impactful years of service within FMCI. A beacon of humility, faith, and visionary leadership, Fr Richard has held multiple key roles in the institution—each defined by his unwavering commitment to its mission of healing and holistic development.
Fr Richard began his journey at FMCI as Assistant Director and steadily rose through the ranks, serving as Administrator and later as Director In-charge. In 2017, he was officially appointed Director of FMCI—a position he continues to hold with distinction. Under his dynamic and forward-thinking leadership, FMCI has witnessed remarkable growth in both infrastructure and technological advancement.
His tenure has been pivotal in introducing a paperless hospital ecosystem, aligning FMCI with modern healthcare standards and significantly enhancing operational efficiency. Fr Richard played a key role in acquiring cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment technologies, including 3 Tesla and 1.5 Tesla MRI scanners, as well as state-of-the-art radiotherapy systems—further strengthening the institution’s reputation for excellence in patient care.
Among his major accomplishments is the complete renovation of the 35-year-old Outpatient Department (OPD) building, revitalizing a core area of patient service while preserving its heritage. His vision has driven expansion in infrastructure, improved healthcare delivery, and inspired administrative innovation—firmly establishing FMCI among the top-tier healthcare institutions in the region.
He is also credited with steering the institution toward prestigious accreditations. Thanks to his meticulous efforts, FMCI became the first in Karnataka to have all three major accreditations: NAAC, NABH, and NABL—a rare distinction among healthcare and educational institutions.
Often described as a spiritual and ideological reflection of the venerable Rev. Fr Augustus Muller, founder of FMCI, Fr Richard continues to uphold the legacy of “Heal and Comfort” with grace and devotion.
In a heartfelt celebration to mark this milestone, Fr Ajith B Menezes, a close associate and fellow administrator, organized a tribute that included a specially inscribed cake and a jasmine-laden garland—a symbolic nod to Shirva Maligay, Fr Richard’s roots and early source of inspiration. Fellow administrators Fr George Jeevan Sequeira (FMMCH), Fr Nelson Pais (FMHPD), and Fr Nilesh Crasta (Assistant Administrator, FMMCH) joined in the joyous occasion with warm praises and admiration.
Calm, inclusive, and deeply committed, Fr Richard’s leadership continues to inspire the FMCI family and the broader community it serves. The entire FMCI—its hospitals, educational units, and staff—joins in prayer that his ministry of priesthood may continue to be fruitful and serve humanity for years to come.
