VANCOUVER
It was an evening filled with gratitude, faith, and cherished memories as family, friends, and members of the Goan community gathered at Robert Burnaby Park, Vancouver, on August 1 to bid a heartfelt farewell to the Goan priest, Fr Cannio Cardozo, OCD, who has been transferred from Vancouver to Toronto to continue his ministry.
The gathering was a celebration of Fr Cannio’s years of dedicated service and the lives he has touched. The warmth reflected the deep respect and affection everyone has for a priest whose kindness, humility, and compassionate spirit have made so many feel welcomed, supported, and spiritually enriched.
Another Goan priest, Fr Nixon D’Silva, joined in the celebration as everyone came to express their love, appreciation, and best wishes to Fr Cannio.
Serving in Canada, he said, has allowed him to meet people from many different cultures and backgrounds.
Yet, whenever he was with the Goan community, Fr Cannio said he truly felt at home. He stated that the familiar sounds of Konkani, the warmth of smiling faces, and the flavours of traditional Goan food reminded him of his roots and made him feel as though he was surrounded by family.
With humility, Fr Cannio thanked everyone for the love and affection they had shown him over the years, saying he accepted it with a grateful heart. He assured everyone that they would remain in his prayers and asked God to bless every family with good health, peace, joy, and abundant grace.
“As Fr Cannio begins this new chapter of his ministry in Toronto, the Goan community in Vancouver sends him with grateful hearts and prayers. Although he will be greatly missed, his legacy of faith, compassion, and dedicated service will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him,” said Ashney Rebello, Social Director of Goan Overseas Association (GOA) Vancouver.
“We wish Fr Cannio God’s richest blessings as he continues his pastoral journey. May the Lord guide him, protect him, and bless his ministry in Toronto, just as he has so faithfully blessed the lives of so many in Vancouver. Thank you for your faithful service, your friendship, and the love you have shared with our community.”
The Goan community thanked Sharon and Steffi for their efforts to plan the event, as well as the generosity of everyone who prepared and shared homemade dishes, creating an atmosphere of warmth, fellowship, and true Goan community spirit.
