Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Aug 21: Fr Albert Gregory Menezes, a senior priest of the diocese of Mangalore, passed away on August 21, at the age of 94 at St Zuze Vaz Home, Jeppu.

Born on December 23, 1932, Fr Menezes hailed from Agrar and was the son of P Jacob Menezes and Mercine D'Souza.

He was ordained a priest on December 5, 1959, and dedicated nearly seven decades to priestly ministry, pastoral service and the spiritual welfare of the faithful across the diocese of Mangalore.

During his long ministry, Fr Menezes served in several parishes in different capacities. He began his pastoral service as assistant parish priest at St Lawrence Church, Karkala, in 1960. He subsequently served as vicar/assistant at Belle in 1962, Udyavar in 1963, Kirem in 1965 and Bejai in 1966.

He later served as parish priest at Nellikar from 1969, Vittal from 1976, Ajekar from 1983, Hosabettu from 1985, Kanajar from 1986, Gangoli from 1993, Petri from 1995, Bolkunje from 1997 and Kalathur from 2000.

He also served as chaplain at Mary Hill in 1992 and as parish administrator in Mukka in 1999.

In 2008, Fr Menezes retired to the Senior Priests' Home at St Antony's Institute. He later moved to St Zuze Vaz Home, Jeppu, where he spent his final years.

The funeral services will be held on Monday, August 24. The funeral Mass and burial rites will be held at 3.30 pm at St Vincent Ferrer Church, Valencia.