Graceful Transition of Leadership at FMCI: Baton Passed from Rev. Fr Richard Coelho to Rev. Fr Faustine Lobo
Mangaluru, 18 June 2025: A day etched in grace and gratitude, the campus of Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI), Mangaluru, witnessed a poignant moment as the directorial baton was formally transferred from Rev. Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho, the outgoing Director, to Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, the incoming Director.
Held at 3:30 PM in the revered St Joseph Chapel, the solemn installation and farewell ceremony marked the graceful closure of an impactful tenure and the hopeful dawn of a new chapter.
In the presence of the Vicar General of the Diocese of Mangalore, Rt. Rev. Msgr Maxim Noronha—who also serves as the Vice President of FMCI—the institution stood in prayerful reflection. The chapel, a spiritual cornerstone of FMCI, became the sanctuary for a sacred ritual: the handover of leadership, attended by Governing Board members, Management and Advisory Committees, and numerous well-wishers.
The installation ceremony began with a Scripture-based prayer service led by Senior Chaplain Rev. Fr Ronald Lobo, invoking divine providence for both the outgoing and incoming Directors. The ceremonial handover of files, conducted before the altar, symbolized the humble and sacred transfer of responsibilities, as Rev. Fr Richard handed over to Rev. Fr Faustine under the observance of the Vicar General.
Though administrative in nature, this act was steeped in emotion and institutional symbolism. FMCI—an emblem of healing, education, and service—stood at a crossroads of heartfelt gratitude and hopeful anticipation.
At the farewell ceremony held thereafter, Rev. Fr Faustine Lobo addressed the gathering with a moving analogy, likening life to a train journey where one boards, travels, and eventually disembarks at appointed stations. He lauded Fr Richard’s long and steady journey, affirming that his next destination—the parish of St Teresa of Kolkata Church, Paldane—would be equally fruitful.
Dr Venkatesh B.M., Vice Dean of Father Muller Medical College (FMMC), delivered a tribute chronicling Fr Richard’s remarkable tenure. This was followed by an emotional recollection from Dean Dr Antony Sylvan D’Souza, highlighting Fr Richard’s deep pastoral compassion and administrative fortitude. In a touching gesture, members of the clergy garlanded Fr Richard and presented a silver memento—a token of appreciation for his 17 years of dedicated service: 8 as Director, 7 as Administrator, and 2 as Assistant Director. Principals and medical superintendents joined in this collective thanksgiving on behalf of the FMCI family.
Prof. Dr Cherishma D’Silva proposed the vote of thanks, and the event was gracefully compered by Rev. Fr Ajith B Menezes, Administrator of FMMC. The programme was intentionally kept simple and solemn, reflecting Fr Richard’s personal belief in being “a worker in the vineyard of the Lord,” especially in light of recent global tragedies and losses.
In his farewell address, Rev. Fr Richard expressed deep gratitude to his brother priests, board members, faculty, staff, students, and most importantly, the patients. He described his tenure as a journey of faith, service, and transformation, thanking the Lord for the grace to serve.
A felicitation programme for Rev. Fr Faustine Lobo was held at the Silver Jubilee Hall, where management committee members and well-wishers welcomed him with warmth and respect. Speaking with humility and purpose, Fr Faustine reaffirmed his commitment to collaboration, healing, and institutional growth. He expressed heartfelt thanks to Fr Richard for his towering legacy and to the Diocese of Mangalore for entrusting him with this sacred responsibility.
A Legacy of Transformation
Rev. Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho’s tenure marked a golden era in FMCI’s growth. Under his leadership:
- FMCI witnessed the completion of the Convention Centre, Indoor Stadium, and multiple hospital renovations.
- Three new colleges were added to the FMCI educational network.
- Infrastructure saw a quantum leap with state-of-the-art OT installations, ICU upgrades, and the 53-station pneumatic chute system.
- The KRANIUM Hospital Management System was introduced, enabling paperless operations.
- FMCI became the first hospital in Karnataka to receive NABH accreditation—a significant milestone in quality healthcare.
His pastoral warmth, administrative acumen, and faith-driven leadership remain a lasting inspiration.
A Man of Mission and Experience
Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, the new Director, brings with him over 35 years of priestly service and an illustrious record of national and regional responsibilities, including:
- National Director, Pontifical Mission Societies
- Member, Finance Committee – PMS International
- Member, Karnataka Government’s Christian Development Council
- Ethics Committee Member, Government Dental College & Research Institute, Bengaluru
- Development Consultant, Caritas India – Karnataka
- Former Secretary, All Karnataka United Christian Forum for Human Rights
- Former PRO, Karnataka Region Catholic Bishops’ Council
- Most recently served as Administrator of Father Muller Homoeopathic Medical College Hospital and Father Muller College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Deralakatte
His profound experience in pastoral care, governance, and social outreach promises continuity, stability, and renewed vision for FMCI’s future.
