Mangaluru– The Diocese of Mangalore mourns the passing of one of its most cherished clergy, Msgr Aloysius D’Souza, who breathed his last on the morning of Thursday, August 7, at St Zuze Vaz Home for Priests, Jeppu, at the remarkable age of 100 years and 7 months.

Ordained on August 24, 1953, Msgr D’Souza faithfully served the Church for 72 years. On January 29, 2025, he marked a rare milestone — his 100th birthday, becoming the first priest in the Mangaluru diocese to reach a century. The occasion was celebrated with a solemn Thanksgiving Mass at St Joseph Seminary, Jeppu, where he had ministered for over 20 years even after his official retirement.

Born in Puttur to Martin and Piedade D’Souza, Msgr Aloysius lived a life rooted in discipline, prayer, humility, and deep pastoral dedication. He served in various key roles:

  • Assistant priest at Bejai (1954–1963)

  • Missionary priest at Arva (1963–1964)

  • Secretary to the bishop and diocesan curia (1964–1965)

  • Director of Codialbail Press (1965–1973)

  • Parish priest at Pezar and Kinnigoli (1973–1987)

  • Vicar General (1987–1995)

  • Director of St Antony’s Charitable Institutions (1995–2000)

  • Spiritual director at St Joseph Seminary (2000–2022)

    • He spent his twilight years in peaceful retirement at St Zuze Vaz Home, immersed in prayer.

    Msgr Aloysius served under six bishops and earned deep respect for his intellectual brilliance, linguistic talents, and pastoral warmth. His love for Latin, English, and liturgical precision made him a cherished mentor and teacher.

    On his 100th birthday, Pope Francis conferred a special Apostolic Blessing. In his humble words, Msgr D’Souza reflected: “A priest is ordained to serve, not to be served. Pray, work, and live with order — that’s my mantra.”

    The funeral Mass and burial will be held on Friday, August 8, at 4 pm, at St Vincent Ferrer Church, Valencia, Mangaluru.