Daijiworld News Network - Mangalore (MB) - Saturday, 11 am
Mangalore, Feb 4: Fr Bernard L D'Souza (70), parish priest of Tannirbavi church, Mangalore, passed away on the night preceding February 4.
Fr Bernard, during his earlier posting at Bijai, had founded and built the Lourdes Central School. He was principal of the Pompei institutions in Kirem, Aikala earlier.
Born on March 11, 1936 as son of Basil D'Souza and Mary Pinto of Agrar in Bantwal (now under the jurisdiction of Loreto), he was ordained a priest in Mangalore on December 3, 1962.
He was suffering from ill health over the past few years.
His funeral rites are to be held in Bijai church at 4 pm on Sunday, February 5.
Track record - (updated at 12-15 pm, Saturday, Feb 4)
Education: Graduate and post graduate of Karnatak University, Dharwad, BEd degree from University of Mysore
Taught at St Mary's PU College, Shirva, St Joseph's PU College, Bajpe and was principal of Pompei PU College, Aikala and in-charge principal of Pompei College.
Assistant parish priest at Barkur, Bajpe and Shirva
Parish priest at Gurpur-Kaikamba, Kinnigoly, Kirem, Bijai and Tannirbavi
Builder of St Joseph's PU College, Bajpe, Pompei College, Aikala, Lourdes Central School, Bijai Church Hall and Bijai church commercial complex
Posts held, among others, Secretary, Priests' Commission, member of the governing body of the Catholic Board of Education and various commissions of Mangalore Diocese.
Travelled widely across India and abroad.
Active member of the Lions Club and held president's post in various clubs.
Had health setbacks in the past few years, but faced the situation courageously.
Speaking exclusively to Daijiworld, diocesan chancellor Fr Denis Moras Prabhu said that it was sheer will-power and courage that helped him to live long despite his health setbacks. "He always said he would face death without fear. He was a builder, thinker, visionary, good communicator and a brilliant orator," added Fr Prabhu.