Mangaluru: Monsignor Leslie F. Shenoy of Urwa, Mangaluru, revered priest, educationist, philanthropist, and compassionate servant of humanity, passed away on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at the age of 79 at Father Muller Medical College Hospital.
Widely respected for his extraordinary generosity and humble personality, Msgr. Leslie Shenoy touched thousands of lives across coastal Karnataka and beyond through his contributions towards education, priestly formation, charity, and social welfare. His passing has left behind a profound sense of loss among the faithful, clergy, educational institutions, and countless beneficiaries of his kindness.
Born on October 4, 1947, in Urwa, Mangaluru, Msgr. Leslie Shenoy grew up in his ancestral home “Casa de Padre” in an atmosphere rooted in prayer, discipline, hospitality, and strong Christian values. From an early age, he was known to be gentle, intelligent, deeply spiritual, and compassionate towards the poor and needy.
Growing up amidst the traditions and parish life of coastal Karnataka, he developed a strong attachment towards the Church, Konkani culture, and community service. Those who knew him in his younger days remembered him as quiet, disciplined, respectful towards elders, and always willing to help others.
Priestly vocation and missionary service
Responding to God’s call, Leslie Shenoy entered priestly formation and dedicated his life completely to the service of the Church. He was ordained priest on May 14, 1976, at his home parish in Urwa for the Archdiocese of Calcutta.
His priesthood became a remarkable journey of sacrifice, missionary zeal, and pastoral service both in India and abroad. During his ministry, he served the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC), where he earned appreciation for his dedication, leadership, and pastoral care.
In 1979, Msgr. Leslie Shenoy travelled to the United States and later ministered in the Diocese of Fresno, serving in several parishes connected with air force bases. Even after becoming an American citizen in 1985, he remained deeply connected to Mangaluru and continued supporting people from his homeland.
Despite opportunities for a comfortable life abroad, he consistently chose simplicity and service over personal comfort.
Extraordinary generosity touched countless lives
What made Msgr. Leslie Shenoy truly exceptional was his spirit of giving. He believed wealth was a blessing from God meant to serve humanity.
Throughout his life, he quietly supported poor students, seminarians, priests, medical institutions, senior citizens, and several charitable causes without seeking publicity or recognition.
Among his major contributions was the establishment of the “Msgr. Leslie F. Shenoy Scholarship” through the Catholic Board of Education to support deserving students in pursuing higher education.
Recognising the importance of encouraging priestly vocations, he also founded a burs worth ₹1 crore in Mangaluru to support seminarians discerning priesthood.
In another remarkable act of charity, on his 78th birthday in 2025, he donated a senior citizen home in Puttur worth nearly ₹1.2 crore, built entirely from his retirement savings.
His compassion extended further as he donated pickup trucks to deserving families, enabling them to earn a livelihood with dignity and self-respect.
Remembered for humility and compassion
People across communities remember Msgr. Leslie Shenoy as a deeply prayerful, soft-spoken, approachable, and compassionate priest with a fatherly heart.
Despite possessing considerable wealth and influence, he led a remarkably simple life and consistently practised the values he preached. Many considered him not merely a priest, but a shepherd who comforted people in difficult moments and inspired others through humility, kindness, and wisdom.
His life reflected the belief that true greatness lies not in wealth or status, but in service, sacrifice, and love for humanity.
Funeral details
Public homage to Monsignor Leslie F. Shenoy will be paid from 2.30 pm, followed by the funeral Mass at 3 pm at Immaculate Conception Church on Wednesday, May 27.
As the faithful bid farewell to a beloved priest and humanitarian, many remembered him as a shepherd with a compassionate heart whose silent acts of charity transformed countless lives.
Though he has departed from this earthly life, his legacy will continue to live through every student educated, every elder cared for, every priest formed, and every individual inspired by his remarkable example.