Ancy D'Souza Paladka
Harihar, May 3: Dr Francis Serrao SJ, bishop of Shivamogga has appointed Fr Franklin D'Souza as the parish priest of Shrine of Our Lady of Health church, and the rector of the shrine. He will take charge on May 21 from the outgoing parish priest Fr Stany D'Souza who completed his term.
Fr Franklin D'Souza was ordained for the diocese of Shivamogga on May 10 1999. He served as an assistant pastor from 1999 to 2001 at Infant Jesus Church, Challakere which was substation of Holy Family Church, Chitradurga. He served as parish priest from 2001 to 2003 for Our Lady of Victory's Church, Bidanur, Nagar, near Hosanagar. During this tenure he served as the diocesan youth director of Shivamogga (ICYM, YCS / YSM ).He was sent to St Peter's Pontifical Seminary, Bengaluru as staff from 2003 to 2005 where he did his M Th in biblical theology. From 2005 to 2008 he served as the diocesan youth director of Shivamogga as well as director of catholic charismatic renewal of Shimoga diocese. From 2008 to 2011 he was appointed as regional youth director for Karnataka region (ICYM, YCS / YSM). He was appointed as secretary for council for youth from 2011 to 2015 by the CBCI, as well as national youth director of ICYM. From August 15 to April 30, the bishop granted him sabbatical leave.
Fr Franklin D'Souza hails from a small village called Murkothpalke near Moodbidri. He is the fourth son of late Ligoury D'Souza and Lily D'Souza. At present he belongs to St Francis Xavier’s Church, Saverapura, Murkothpalke, which was part of St Ignatius Loyola Church, Paladka until June 7th 2015.
He is a well known catholic charismatic preacher. He preaches in Konkani, Tulu, Kannada, English and Hindi and has preached more than 2000 retreats. He has motivated thousands of youth and helped them find meaning for their lives. From last 17 years their team, Yesu Sparsha, brought healing and reconciliation to a vast majority of people in India as well as outside India. Together with Bro T K George they have brought out many hymns based on bible.
The website www.frfranklin.org gives an insight to their team effort as well as selfless contributions in spreading the good news to the nation.
Harihar, situated on the banks of the river Tungabhadra is a pilgrimage centre. Legend has it, that ever since a brahmin was saved by clutching a wooden statue of Our Lady in the swollen river of Tungabhadra, thousands of pilgrims come to this shrine during the festivities in August – September. A spacious new shrine was built and blessed on August 31,1992.
Address:
Shrine of Our Lady of Health
P. B. No. 19, Church Road
Harihar - 577 601
Davanagere District
Tel. : 08192 - 242269
Website: www.hariharashrine.org
www.shimogadiocese.org