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Udupi: Celebrating a rich Legacy of Faith: Farewell to Very Rev Dr Lawrence DSouza

Udupi: Nov 17, 2024: The funeral services for Rev. Dr. Lawrence D’Souza were held today, November 16, 2024, at Mount Rosary Church, Santhekatte-Kallianpur. The mortal remains were available for public viewing and respects starting at 8:00 a.m., followed by the Funeral Mass at 9:30 a.m. led by the Bishop of Udupi Diocese Rt Rev Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Rt Rev Dr Robert Miranda, Bishop of Gulbarga and witnessed by priests from the Diocese and Mangalore, Bangalore and other places.

He was laid to rest in the Diocesan Priests’ Cemetery at Santhekatte – Kallianpur. Rev Fr John A Barboza a long time companion of Fr Lawrence broke the word of God and in his well worded homily model life of his friend in the service of God and his men, both by letter and spirit for more than 47 years as a priest.

‘Rev. Dr. Lawrence D’Souza, a beloved priest and dedicated leader of the Diocese of Udupi, passed away on November 12, 2024, after a prolonged illness. His contributions to education, healthcare, and pastoral care were highly valued by the community’, Very Rev Fr Stany Tauro informed the gathering in his eulogy.

In brief about of Rev. Dr. Lawrence C. D’Souza:
Birth: Born on November 28, 1948, in Pernal, Diocese of Udupi, India.
Parents: Son of the late Mr. Casmir D’Souza and the late Mrs. Regina D’Souza.
Ordination: Ordained as a priest on May 5, 1977.
Education: Held a Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.), Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), Master of Arts (M.A.) in Philosophy, First rank, Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), First rank and a Ph.D. in Administration and Supervision in Church-Related Institutions from Fordham University, USA.

Key Positions Held:
1. Assistant Priest at Holy Cross Church, Kulshekar (1977-1979).
2. Assistant Director and later Administrator at Father Muller Medical College Hospital, Mangalore.
3. Secretary of the Catholic Board of Education (1984-1992).
4. Director of St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, Bengaluru (2008-2014).
5. Rector and Parish Priest at Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur (2018-2020).
Known for his exceptional leadership, administrative expertise, and pastoral care.
Played key roles in healthcare and educational institutions, shaping countless lives.

As hundreds gathered together, the community reflected on Fr Lawrence remarkable journey of faith, service and scholarship both as a priest, an administrator and a compassionate human being.

A man credited with several firsts – in his studies, responsibilities served in various posts of repute and responsibilities. Fr Muller’s Medical College which is at the threshold of celebrating Silver Jubilee took its birth during his tenure in 1999, as Director. Sadly he is the first to be buried in the newly reserved cemetery for priests and first to breathe his last in the newly constructed Milagrs Home for Retired Priests in Kallianpur.

Rector of the Milagres Cathedral and the Vicar General of the Udupi Diocese Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves thanked each and everyone all for their help and contribution during last journey of former Rector in Fr Lawrence. He had a special word of praise for the parish priest of the Mount Rosary Church Rev Dr Roque DSouza and the parishioners and laity leadership for elaborate arrangements.

Within a span of just five months two Rectors served in the Milagres Cathedral in Very Rev Fr Valerian Mendonca on 3rd July, 2024 and Very Rev Dr Lawrence C DSouza on 12th November 2024 left the faithful and friends in the Diocese of Udupi in deep shock and grief. May the departed noble souls rest in eternal peace.

"In his passing, the Very Rev. Dr. Lawrence D’Souza leaves behind a profound legacy of faith, compassion, and service. His tireless dedication to the Church, his visionary leadership in education and healthcare, and his pastoral care for the faithful will remain an inspiration for generations to come. As we bid him farewell, we honour his life as a true servant of God, and his memory will forever be cherished in the hearts of those he touched."  Bishop Rt Rev Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo shared his feelings while beginning the solemn funeral Mass, will sum up the great personality of departed priest Rev Fr Lawrence DSouza.