Josè Anibal Mendonça was born in Murça, Portugal, on 10 July 1967. He made his novitiate in Vilarinho, professing his first vows there on 8 September 1985. After completing his initial formation between Portugal and Italy, with theological studies at the Crocetta in Turin, he professed perpetual vows on 18 July 1992 in Vila do Conde, and was ordained priest in Porto on 10 July 1994.
His first pastoral assignments as a new priest were as Councillor in Manique (1994-95) and Vice-Rector (1995-97) and then Economer (1998-2000) at the Prenovitiate in Porto. Again Councillor in Manique (2000-03), he then served as Rector both in Poiares da Régua (2003-09) and in Manique (2014-2017).
Over the years he has also served the St Anthony Province of Portugal (POR) in various responsibilities: Provincial Councillor for two years (2009-15), Delegate for Youth Ministry (2009-15), Sports Animation (2009-11) and Vocational Ministry (2011-15), finally Provincial, being appointed to this position in July 2017.
In communicating the news of Fr. Mendonça's appointment to the Salesians at the UPS, the Vicar of the Rector Major, Fr. Stefano Martoglio, paid tribute to Fr Kanaga for his service: "We owe great thanks to Fr Maria Arokiam for the commitment and availability he has shown to the Rector Major in accepting this service and carrying it forward. We accompany him with grateful prayer and brotherly warmth.
For his part, Fr Kanaga also wished to greet his UPS confreres with a heartfelt letter, in which he writes among other things: “At the conclusion of GC28, the Rector Major had asked me to take up this position for a period of three years. After two six-year terms working as a Regional Councillor for South Asia, it was not easy to immediately accept another demanding responsibility. But in obedience to the Rector Major, I came among you joyfully. I found a joyful and faith-filled welcome from you. Here, among you, I have been happy and serene… I came in simplicity and hope, without any claim to competence. Now I leave with sincere gratitude and joy. Here I received from the Lord incalculable and unexpected graces, especially the opportunity to live among great Salesian confreres, supported by your love and appreciation and an understanding of my limitations. Roles change, but relationships continue. I entrust myself to your prayer and help.”
Now Fr Kanaga will be able to enjoy some time for his own formation, not immediately returning to his Province of origin. “In his kindness, the Rector Major has granted me, at my request, time for ongoing personal formation. I haven't had that opportunity since I was ordained in 1986. I consider this short period a grace” Fr Kanaga concluded.
