In 2003 when Bishop John Mendes celebrated his 50th anniversary of ordination, he told Catholic News reporter, Beverley-Ann Scott, “I am ready to go home now, but perhaps God is not ready for me yet.”

God's time came almost two years later on the afternoon of Friday, June 24, when the retired Bishop Mendes passed away peacefully at his sister's home in Diego Martin.

Bishop Mendes was one of the first local priests coming out of the Seminary at Mount St Benedict. He entered the seminary in 1943 when he was just 16 years old. The eldest of 11 children, his decision to join the priesthood was welcomed by his Portuguese parents.

At the time, it was a custom in Portugal for the first-born son in the family to join the priesthood, so his parents were naturally pleased.

The first four years of his seminary experience were spent completing his secondary schooling. He then began his studies in philosophy and theology in preparation for the priesthood. Altogether, he spent almost 11 years at the seminary and was ordained a diocesan priest on November 1, 1953 at the age of 27.

He spent most of his life serving God's people in this vocation. In his 50th anniversary interview, published in Catholic News on November 2, 2003 , he said; “It has been a very fruitful time. I have been able by the grace of God to help many people.”

Bishop John Mendes was well known as a priest with God-given power as an exorcist. Even before he became a priest he would assist German-born exorcist, Fr Sebastian, and Dutch Benedictine exorcist, Fr Leo.

He considered the ability to perform exorcisms a “gift from God”. But each time he used that gift, it left him drained and exhausted, and he eventually had to give up exorcisms because of ill health.

On January 6, 1989, he was ordained a bishop, along with twelve others, by the late Pope John Paul II. It was an experience he felt honoured to have had. He served as Auxiliary Bishop to the late Archbishop Anthony Pantin.

Bishop John Mendes (right) and Archbishop Anthony Pantin with Pope John Paul II

Bishop Mendes worked in parishes throughout Trinidad , starting off in La Brea.

He served in San Fernando twice, and at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception in Port of Spain. He was parish priest at Maraval as well before he was made rector of the Seminary, where he served for four years.

After his time as rector he became parish priest at La Romaine. It was while at La Romaine that he had his first major stroke, which led to his retirement.

He retired in December 1998 and went to live with his sister Philomena Rezende. After a partial recovery he continued his ministry, making his way to the Cathedral for counselling and confessions. He continued to concelebrate at special Masses at the Cathedral.

He also served as Spiritual Adviser to the Family Life Commission, was a member of the Antilles Episcopal Conference and served on some of the commissions of the conference.

He was in the habit of celebrating Mass daily at his sister's house, even up to a few hours before his passing.

Parishioners remember him as a warm person, who was gentle and always willing to help. One person said you could always go to him for guidance, while another described him as very straightforward.

The well-loved Bishop has now gone “home”, a home for which he prepared by his life of service.

May he rest in peace.

Eulogy of Bishop John Mendes given by his niece Charlene Roberts

“Uncle Father”, as we all lovingly called him was exactly that to us, he was our uncle, but like a father to us. Uncle Father is and will always be the greatest man I have ever known.

He was always so loving and attentive to us, always interested and concerned about how we were doing. He was in-tuned to us and always knew when we were not ourselves, he never forced himself on us but we always felt that warmth that he gave off, the look in his eyes, that we could confide in him.

And when we did, he would sit and hold our hand, so gently and just listen to what we had to say. His advice and words of comfort were always so encouraging and positive; he made you feel so much stronger.

I remember how he loved to sing, four of his favourite were Just a Spoonful of Sugar , Roll Out of the Barrel , The Laughing Song, and I Have A Dream .

His famous salads that he made were always a hit and he felt so proud and confident when he made them, his secret ingredients, as he said, was the rum, honey and bitters and all the love he put into it.

At any family function, we had to have Uncle Father's salad. Uncle Father married all of us who are married, and baptised our children; we would not have it any other way.

When my first baby Rebecca was born in August seven years ago, Uncle Father was away in England , and was not due to come home till November, so I waited for him to come home to baptise Rebecca.

That's how fortunate and special we felt to have Uncle Father as our uncle, it was of the utmost importance to have our Uncle baptise our children. Uncle Father called me his lover girl, and one day after calling me that for years, I answered him in return with “Uncs my lover boy”, in the same tone that he used with me! Well!

I think I made his day, he started to laugh, (and we all know his jolly laugh) he told that story to everyone after, months passed and Uncle Father was still telling people what I call him. He felt so special when he knew how much we loved him and cared for him.

His great nieces and nephews also had a special bond with him, and he with them. It was just so beautiful to see them with him the day he died.

They lay on the bed next to him and patted his head, stroked his arms and stared at him with such utter love. I know that Uncle Father is smiling down at them.

Uncle Father we know where you are and we know that you are happy. You have finally gone home to your Father whom you loved and served so fervently here on earth.

We knew that you were totally prepared for this for a while now; it showed on your face. Uncle Father may you rest in eternal peace, we will never forget you, you have touched us in so many ways, and we have your wonderful memories and examples to keep alive. We love you, and one day our dream is to be with you in eternal happiness.

You will always be my “Lover Boy”!