Mangalore: In Memoriam of ‘Frad Saib’ 
Daijiworld Media Network—Mangalore (MM/CN)
Pics: Ozzy Digitals - Kulshekar

Mangalore, Dec 11: Fr Alexander Dubois, a French friar, also known as ‘Frad Saib’ and ‘Kullerda Ajjer’, was remembered at Cordel Church, Kulshekar, on Thursday December 11.

The holy Eucharistic mass held on the occasion had Fr Jockim Fernandes, professor, St Josephs’ Seminary, Jeppu, as the main celebrant. Thousands of parishioners and devotees from neighbouring parishes participated in the mass. A grand procession was also taken out on the occasion. 

Fr Dubois is regarded a devout priest by the parishioners of Cordel. He laid the foundation stone for Holy Cross Church in Kulshekar on September 14, 1873.

His mausoleum in the church complex draws many people of all faiths and a few even take away soil from his grave believing it to have miraculous healing powers.  

Legendary tales abound about how ‘Frad Saib’ would visit homes in the evenings to recite the family rosary.  Moreover, he has spread special devotion to the ‘Sacred heart of Jesus’ among the natives. December 11 is observed as ‘Frad Saib’s Day’ as he died on that day, 131 years ago.