Father Nair bids Fatima a fond farewell

WITH a heavy heart and a quarter of a century of dedication behind him Father Des Nair will be departing the Catholic Church of Our Lady Fatima in Durban North.

The parish priest is set to transfer to Westville after 25 years of service in Durban North.

“I suppose they thought I had been here too long,” joked Father Nair as he spoke to the Northglen News last week.

He explained that traditionally parish priests were not allowed settle down roots, and were sent to serve communities according to the needs. Today, however, the catholic community is no longer that strict.

“Normally a priest’s assignment can be renewed for a second semester, but not for a third. A quarter of a century is a relatively long time for a priest to serve a parish,” he explained.

Father Nair said that he will depart with a heavy heart, but is also looking forward to the new challenges that lay ahead. “I have gotten to know people in the community and they have gotten to know me. Many of them have only ever known me, and I think it will be difficult for some of them who now have to adapt to a new priest” he said.

Catholic life was a natural part of life for Father Nair, who began his career as a parish assistant in the 1980s. “We believe that we are called to the parish life, and that it is a personal choice to respond to the call,” he said.

As a final message Father Nair urged the community to adopt and stick to a set of values. “Faith offers people a value system, and therefore I encourage people to have a faith. All of the religions of the world subscribes and promote basic values and I think that it is necessary to raise children in an environment that promotes those values,” he said.

Father Nair will be replaced by Father Des Royappen, who previously served at the St Joseph ‘s Parish in Morningside.