from Fr Francis Rodrigues, Raknno

Fr  Dr Peter Theodore D’Souza to heavenly abode

Mangalore, Sep 28: Fr Peter Theodore D’Souza (83 years) a priest of the Diocese of Mangalore went to eternal abode after a short sickness on the morning of 26th of September 2009. Being a Catholic priest for the last 55 years, he is the first priest from Kolalgiri. Born on 18-9-1926 at Kolalgiri he was ordained on 16-11-1954.

After being Assistant Parish Priest at Kulshekar for 2 years he went to Rome for higher studies. Having achieved doctoral degree in Sacred Theology in Rome, he went to London for academic studies. First he had his B.A. Honours in English literature from Cambridge University of England. Then he proceeded to the United States of America and secured Doctorate in English literature from famous Fordham University of America.

After the higher studies he taught as Professor for more than a decade in Fordham University. After returning to Mangalore he lectured at Milagres college of Kallianpur. Later he served as Principle of Milagres College, Kallianpur for more than a decade. Simultaneously he served the Church of Mangalore as the Parish Priest of Mount Rosary Church of Kallianpur. He has also served in different academic capacities as Professor and Head of Chair in Christianity of Mangalore University as well as lectured at St Joseph’s Seminary, Mangalore. He has served the parishes of Derebail, Udupi and Permude as Parish Priest. He has also served as Chaplain in the religious institutions of S.R.A. Sisters at Vamanjoor and Bethany Sisters at Gurpur.

After his retirement he resided at ‘Vianney Home’ at Kankanady, the  senior priests’ house of the Diocese of Mangalore.

Most Rev. Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop of Mangalore and Msgr Denis Prabhu, the Vicar General of the Diocese of Mangalore have expressed sadness at his demise and have said that with his death we have lost a good academician, philosopher, counselor and educator. The funeral mass and final rites of Fr Peter Theodore D’Souza will be held at Valencia Church on 30th September 2009, Wednesday at 10 a.m.