Media Release
Mangaluru, May 16: Marking three decades of episcopal leadership and pastoral service, Bishop Emeritus Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza celebrated the 30th anniversary of his consecration on Friday, May 15, at St Joseph Church, Jeppu.
The pearl jubilee event honoured the prelate, widely regarded as the 'People's Bishop', who is the second-longest-serving bishop in the history of the Mangalore diocese. Consecrated in 1996, his 22-year active tenure brought significant developmental milestones to the region, including the establishment of major medical and engineering colleges and the landmark publication of the first Catholic Bible in Konkani.
The jubilee observances commenced with a solemn Thanksgiving Mass led by the jubilarian. The current bishop of Mangalore, Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, served as co-celebrant and delivered a homily reflecting on Bishop D’Souza’s episcopal motto, "With the tender Compassion of Jesus Christ." Bishop Saldanha praised his predecessor's enduring pastoral care and the tender love he has continuously extended to the community.
Other prominent concelebrants included vicar general Msgr Maxim L Noronha, chancellor Dr Victor George D’Souza, episcopal vicar for religious Fr Daniel Veigas OP, judicial vicar Fr Naveen Pinto, senate secretary Fr Joseph Martis, provincial superior Fr John Sequeira OCD, and Pastoral Centre director Fr Santhosh Rodrigues. Diocesan priests, religious sisters, family members, and a few well-wishers were present.
A formal felicitation programme was held at the Jeppu Centenary Memorial Hall. Delivering the official citation, Fr Rajesh Rosario, rector of St Joseph’s Seminary, commended the bishop emeritus for his active and unbroken service even after his retirement. Fr Rosario identified three defining traits of the Jubilarian: his constant encouragement of others' initiatives, a life of profound personal simplicity, and a deeply rooted commitment to prayer.
Addressing the gathering, Bishop D’Souza looked back on his decades of ministry with gratitude. "I have dedicated my life to serving Jesus and His people with profound sincerity, love, and compassion," he said, thanking the clergy, religious, and laity for their collaborative support throughout his journey.
The milestone event drew a large cross-section of the community, including priests, religious sisters, family members, and civil dignitaries. Notable dignitaries present on the occasion included Member of Legislative Council Ivan D’Souza; principal government pleader M P Noronha; and diocesan PROs Roy Castelino and Dr J B Saldanha. Also representing the religious communities were superiors general Sr Milly Fernandes (UFS), Sr Sunitha D’Souza (HMR), and Sr Lenny Pereira (Bethany), along with provincial superior Sr Clara Menezes (UFS).
Fr Rupesh Madtha, editor of the Raknno weekly, compered the event. Msgr Maxim L Noronha formally welcomed the gathering, and Dr Praveen Joy Saldanha proposed the vote of thanks to conclude the historic jubilee programme.