Media Release

Udupi, May 29: Fr Dr Lawrence D’Souza took charge as rector and vicar of Milagres Cathedral, Kalliajnpur on Monday, May 28.

Newly appointed priest Fr Dr Lawrence D’Souza was garlanded by Fr Stany B. Lobo, outgoing vicar, Fr Rolwin Aranha, Fr Lancy Fernandes, Dr Nery Cornelio, vice-president of Parish Pastoral Council, secretary Felciana Lewis, Fr Henry Mascarenhas and other priests at the cathedral portico.

The handing over ceremony was held thereafter under the supervision of bishop’s representative and chancellor of Udupi diocese Fr Valerian Mendonca. During the ceremony, Fr Dr Lawrence D’Souza took oath administered by Fr Valerian Mendonca.

The cathedral records and tabernacle keys were handed over to the new vicar by the old vicar. Meanwhile, the cathedral accounts books were handed over by Dr Nery Cornelio, vice-president, Parish Pastoral. New vicar Fr Dr Lawrence D’Souza lighted candles held by parish pastoral council members on the occasion.

The taking over ceremony was witnessed by Msgr Dr Baptist Menezes, vicar general of Udupi diocese, Fr Denis D’Sa, PRO of Udupi diocese and vicar of Kunatalnagar church, Fr Henry Mascarenhas, diocese real estate manager, Fr Clemant Mascarenhas, vicar of St Lawrence Church, Moodubelle, Fr Royson Fernandes, assistant parish priest of Pangala church, Fr Vincent Coelho, Fr Lancy Masracenhas, Fr Vijay D’Souza, nuns of both the convents of Milagres Cathedral, heads of educational institutions, large number of parishioners and fans of incoming vicar from Udupi bishop’s house.

After the taking over ceremony, Fr Stany B Lobo, the outgoing vicar, welcomed priests and all participants of the occasion and briefed about the history of Milagres Cathedral. The incoming Vicar, Rector the Cathedral, dean of Kallianpur deanery, correspondent of Milagres Educational Institutions Fr Dr Lawrence D’Souza spoke during the occasion and thanked his fans who joined to drop him to the cathedral.

Fr Rolwin Aranha compered the ceremony and Dr Nery Cornelio rendered the vote of thanks. Large numbers of fans of Fr Dr Lawrence D’Souza were present.

About Fr Dr Lawrence D’Souza

Fr Dr Lawrence D’Souza has been a great student, seminarian, priest and administrator. He will serve as a rector of Milagres Cathedral as well as secretary of Catholic Education Society of Udupi diocese (CESU). In his career as a priest, Fr Lawrence has spent 36 years as an administrator of Catholic Institutions such as Fr Muller’s Hospital, Catholic Board of Education (CBE) and St John’s Medical College, Bengaluru. He served as an assistant parish priest at a few churches in Mangaluru diocese.

Born on November 28, 1948 as the third among four sons (Baptist, Joseph, Lawrence and Lazarus) of late Casmir D’Souza and late Regina Mendonca at Pernal in Udupi district, he had his primary education at Fatima Higher Primary School, Pernal. He completed his high school education at St Mary’s High School at Shirva. Though his parents lacked education, they made it a point to see that all their sons would get better and higher education. His parents though simple, brought their sons up with the noble philosophy that home is for work and eat, school is to study and church is to pray.

In 1962, when his mother took ill, young Lawrence learnt the art of cooking, a skill that paid rich dividends in his later life, in times of need in the United States which he continued as a hobby. His other hobbies included stage events such as public speaking and acting. Lawrence joined St Joseph’s Seminary, Mangaluru in 1966 while his elder brother took on responsibility to take care of the parents.

The then parish priest of Our Lady of Fatima Church, Pernal, and founder of the church Fr Gabrial D’Souza was a great source of inspiration to young Lawrence who nurtured the spirit of vocation in the heart and mind of the young boy. When Fr Gabrial used to visit the homes of the parishioners’, young Lawrence would tag along with him. As Sunday School teacher, Fr Gabrial would tell stories from the Bible in simple language. He also introduced Lawrence to Christian literature which led him learn more. Fr Gabrial’s virtues of simplicity, love for mankind and strong faith inspired Lawrence to follow his footsteps. Fr Gabrial greatly inspired young Lawrence to join the seminary.

Along with the formation for priesthood in the seminary, Br Lawrence continued his education in which he excelled throughout his academic pursuit obtaining ranks and medals. He secured BSc degree from St Aloysius College, Mangaluru, and secured second rank in the subject of Chemistry in the entire Mysore University. After Philosophy studies in the seminary, Br Lawrence went to Rome for Theological studies and acquired Bachelor of Theology (BTh) from Urban University, Rome in 1977 which he passed with ‘Summa cum Laude’. After completing the training and learning to be a priest, Deacon Lawrence was ordained a priest on May 5, 1977 at Milagres Church, Mangaluru.

Even after being ordained a priest and serving in parishes, Fr Lawrence did not give up his hunger for higher learning and did post-graduation in Philosophy from Karnataka University, Dharwad and post-graduate diploma in Business Management from St Aloysius College, Mangaluru. He also obtained LLB degree through SDM Law College, Mangaluru with gold medal.

After his ordination, Fr Lawrence D’Souza was appointed as assistant parish priest of Kulshekar Church, Mangaluru. Thereafter, he served as assistant director of Fr Muller’s Hospital, Mangaluru for five years. Next, he took charge as the secretary of Catholic Board of Education (CBE) where he served for seven years. With his intelligence, hard work and dedication, Fr Lawrence made Catholic Schools more active and responsible for good education.

In 1980, when he was the assistant director of Fr Muller’s Hospital, Fr Lawrence arranged for the visit of Mother Theresa on the occasion of centenary celebration of the hospital. In 1986, he was embraced by Pope John Paul II at the Bajpe Airport, Mangaluru in recognition of his work as secretary of the Organizing Committee that arranged the Papal visit to Mangaluru. He cherishes this memory till date as the ‘embrace of a saint’.

Fr Lawrence D’Souza did MA in Religious Studies in Fordham University, New York (USA) in 1994. His highest academic achievement was when he was awarded PhD degree in administration and supervision from Fordham University, New York (USA) in 1998.

Along with his studies at the Fordham University, Fr Lawrence served as the associate pastor of Our Lady of Mercy Church, New York, USA from 1992 to 1998. After completing his PhD studies, Fr Lawrence D’Souza served as administrator of Fr Muller’s Medical College of Nursing for 8 years. During his tenure, he was responsible for many developments of the college. He went back to serve as the parish priest of Kulshekar church for two years. During this period, in 2007, the All India Bishop’s Conference, after evaluation of capabilities and service of Fr Dr Lawrence D’Souza was appointed as the secretary of Catholic Education Society of Udupi (CESU), the post which he still holds.