The funeral rites of Rev. Fr Mahesh D’Souza, Principal- Don Bosco CBSE School, Shirva, and Asst. Parish Priest, Shirva parish, took place at Shirva Church on 15th October, 2019.
Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese was the main celebrant. Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop Emeritus of Mangaluru Diocese; Msgr. Baptist Menezes, Vicar General of Udupi Diocese; Msgr. Maxim Noronha, Vicar General of Mangaluru Diocese; V. Rev. Fr Roshan Menezes, Episcopal Vicar for Religious of Udupi Diocese; V. Rev. Fr Denis D’Sa, Vicar Forene and Parish Priest of Shirva Parish; Diocesan and Religious Priests of Udupi and Mangaluru Diocese were the concelebrants. Rev. Fr Royson Fernandes, Editor, Uzvaad, preached the homily.
A condolence meet held after the Mass. On behalf of Udupi Diocese, V. Rev. Fr Stany Tauro, Vicar Forene of Kundapur Deanery, delivered the condolence speech. In his speech, he recalled the friendly nature and leadership qualities of Rev. Fr Mahesh, which was widely accepted by the priests and the lay people of Udupi Diocese. He also recalled Rev. Fr Mahesh’s selfless service, his commitment and leadership in obtaining CBSE status to Don Bosco English Medium School, Shirva. He said his administrative skills and religious life is a role model for the community. Rev. Fr Mahesh’s unexpected demise is a great loss to his family, Udupi Diocese and to the entire society, he said.
On behalf of Shirva parishioners, Mr Wilson Rodrigues, member, finance committee, paid tribute to Rev. Fr Mahesh D’Souza. Mrs Irene Cardoza, vice principal, spoke words of condolence on behalf of staff and students of Don Bosco School. Mr Austin Barboza, maternal uncle of Fr Mahesh delivered the condolence speech on behalf of the family.
Ivan D’Souza, MLC, Dr Mohan Alva, chairman, Alva’s Educational Institutions, also paid tribute to the deceased priest. V. Rev. Fr Denis D’Sa expressed his sentiments of gratitude.
