Fr.Killian ,a passionate missionary bequeaths a legacy of labour of love Rev.Fr. Killian Jesus Lopes .was born on 08.7.1937 in Goa, to late Mr&Mrs Fulgencio Prazares Lopes. & Mrs Maximiana Lopes , Dandeavado, Chinchinim. He is among 3 brothers and two sisters with a sister surviving . Studied at St. PAUL Belgaum.and then after Intermdediate Science,a brilliant student joined at St.Pius X Seminary at Goregaon.His late vocation , a surprise received support from parents. Ordained priest on 21. 12.1965. Founder and Managing Trustee of Matruchaya Seva Trust (MST), a secular ,non profit, Charitable Trust,Reg.No E7752 on 18.01.2014..The vision, core values,goals strategies are spelt out.It had plans for Ananth Ashram,Medical Centre, school for orphans to provide facilities and basic needs and HIV/ AIDS to give them life of dignity .The Diviya Mata Dham (DMD) complex of 40 acres with buildings , orchard of fruit bearing trees.A tractor, trasher,trolley rickshaw were given on rent. Agriculture too was undertaken as a research project. The complex was developed in 18 years ,while serving at Rosary Church at Baroda.It is a centre for meditation ,retreats for religious.It was indeed a monumental ,single handed effort, with determination , sacrifices, enthusiasm,vision and zeal for missionary work to raise funds and purchase the property.,Inspite of severe medical disability restricting his movements he pursued successfully to create his dream .The valuable complex DMD is a gift to the Diocese and a fitting monument to his memory. Fr. conducted regular retreats at the complex and at many other places outside Baroda, Goa, for priest and nuns.All his possessions accrued to the Trust as he lived a very simple, austere life.He established a secular order of nuns too.
He served at the following places 1967_68 at Dediapada.1968_1975 at Valsad , 1975_1978 at Ajmer and Spiritual Director for Sisters at Ajmer. 1978-1982:Rector at Good Sheperd Seminary,Baroda ,.1982-2000. at Rosary Church Baroda, 2000- 20015 at Amador, DMD The Trust is voluntararily transferred by family and Trustees to Baroda Diocese with fond hopes that it will pursue the cause dear to his heart Fr Killian passed away on 29.03.2015, Palm Sunday after failure of heart surgery at Bombay.He was interned on 30 .03.2015 after largely attended Eucharistic Celebrations at Rosary Cathedral Vadodara. The mortal remains were laid to rest on the premises of Diviya Mata Dam ,Amodar .Gujerat to remind the generations of his legacy for posterity .Fr Killian is the first priest of new generation and only second in LOPES family .I remain indebted for his financial generosity supporting economic activities during my studies ".The hingest tribute to the dead is not grief but gratitude ".Thornton Wilder. Nelson Lopes Chinchinim Nelson Lopes Chinchinim https://lopesnelsonnat.wordpress.com
