From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore

Hong Kong born Fr Jovita F De Souza, who served the Archdiocese of Bangalore for over six decades, died on Saturday at the ripe old age of 84 at St Philomena’s Hospital in Bangalore.

Fr De Souza was born on April 25, 1929 in Hong Kong.

After his education, he became a priest and joined the Archdiocese of Bangalore.

He did his initial priestly studies at St Joseph’s Seminary, Macau and later came to India for his Major Seminary Studies at St Peter’s Pontifical Seminary in Bangalore. He was ordained a priest on December 16, 1953.

Fr De Sounza served the Archdiocese for 60 years in different capacities. As a priest, he frequently visited Philippines for Counselling studies and various other countries, especially in Asia to promote guidance and counseling..

He served the Archdiocese of Bangalore in Ulsoor, Brigade Road, Champion Reefs, Robertsonpet, St. Mary’s Orphanage, Davangere, Harobale, Kanakapura and also the Archbishop’s House besides in Mariapura, Karahalli, T C Palya and Doresanipalya Churches.

Fr Jovita F De Souza was a simple and jovial person. He never ever believed in glamour or publicity. He was a prayerful man and a hard worker.

He dedicated his priestly life for the upliftment of poor people and specially for poor children for their education.

Although was born into a wealthy family, his life-style was very simple and his heart always moved for the poor and the under-privileged, especially for poor children. He started two free Boarding Houses for rural children and gave them free education.

Later, he also sponsored many young boys and girls to do their higher studies. He was a nature lover, and promoted agriculture and planted trees wherever he worked.

Fr Jovita F De Souza had keen interest in promoting Catholic literature and started his own publishing set up. He fostering a Movement called the Apostolate of Independent Millieu (A Catholic Action Group).

Bangalore Archbishop Most Rev Bernard Moras has in a condolence message, described Fr Jovita F De Souza ``a well-disciplined man who led a balanced life of prayer and work, and thus set an example for all of us. It is well known to all that he was very hard working and moved with everyone in the Archdiocese. He remained very sincere to his priestly ministry till he died. He was very generous; helped many and sponsored several projects within and outside Bangalore. He never ever believed in glamour or publicity. He always tried to serve by remaining incognito. He always stood for the Church, the truth and justice. He won the hearts of the faithful wherever he worked.”
 
“The Archdiocese of Bangalore has lost a committed Priest. It is a great loss for the Archdiocese,” the Archbishop said conveying his heartfelt sympathies and condolences to his relatives, friends and faithful.

His funeral service will take place on Friday, November 15 at 10.30 am at Sacred Heart Church at Richmond Road, Bangalore. His mortal remains will be kept for public homage at the church from 9 am onwards.