FR. LEO D’SOUZA, AN OBITUARY

Fr. Leo John D’Souza was born on 12 April,1960 in a devout Family of late Mr. David V. D’Souza and Mrs. Juliana D’Souza in Kolalagiri Parish of Udupi District, Karnataka State. Among his siblings of three brothers and four sisters, he was third in number. He had his initial studies in the parochial school. After joining the diocese of Jamshedpur, he was in the candidate house in Mangalore for a year. From there he came to the north and joined St. Albert’s Seminary for three years for intermediate studies and then in two years completed his philosophical studies. 

He was sent to Chaibasa Parish for the regency. However, there was a greater need for a regent in Christ the King Church, Chakradharpur. Thus, after six months of stay in Chaibasa, he was sent to Chakradharpur for the next two and half years of regency.

 

As a young seminarian, he was full of life, very dynamic and enthusiastic to take a new initiative to help out the parish youth and hostel students. He was a strict disciplinarian himself and left no stone unturned to bring discipline among the hostel boys and the students in the class and school. 

 

He went back to St. Albert’s College, Ranchi to complete his studies in theology. In Ranchi, he was actively involved in tolas in organizing catechetical ministry. People loved him and his organizing skills. He was ordained on the 4^th of May 1988 by Most Rev. J. R. Rodericks, SJ at St. Joseph’s Cathedral Golmuri, Jamshedpur. 

 

After his ordination, he was assigned to different parishes and institutions for pastoral ministry. He worked as assistant Parish Priest, Principal, Headmaster, formator, Diocesan youth co-ordinator and Parish Priest in places such as Chakrdharpur, Sini, Gomoh, Anandpur, Dhanbad Purulia, Pratiksha, Golmuri, Youth Director, Kumardhubi and Telco. His last assignment was as the Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Church, Adra in Purulia District. In all these places he proved as a hard-working person and wanted to excel in everything he did. As a diocesan youth in charge, he could easily attract the youth. He, being a good musician and preacher, the youth organization thrived under his leadership. He was a man very much interested in liturgical music and the correctness of celebrating the eucharist and the sacraments. In every parish he went, he did initiate liturgical renewal. However, in this area, he could not get sufficient co-operation from all the sections of the parishioners. Health has been a problem for Fr. Leo right from the time he became a priest. He thought that the North Indian climate did not suit him. So, he wanted to go to Andamans and work there. He went for a year and worked there. Seeing no improvement in his health, he came back to Jamshedpur. 

 

His good will, his struggles to excel, his desire to do the best and be recognized as the best, his competitive spirit and his contribution to the mission in the diocese cannot be forgotten. Seeing his health deteriorating, Bishop Telesphore Bilung, brought him to the Bishop’s House for better treatment on the 4^th of July 2022. The best doctors of the city were consulted. But fate has its own way. On the eve of 27^th July, Fr. Leo breathed his last. May the Lord of Mercy and compassion forgive his shortcomings and welcome him into his kingdom.

 

Place And Years of Ministry: Fr. Leo John D’ Souza

 

Birth: 12.04.1960        Ordination: 07.12.1988           Death: 27.07.2022
1. Christ the King Church, Chakradharpur, Asst. P.P. - 1988-1990
2. Holy Family Church, Kumardhubi, Asst. P.P. - 1990-1993
3. Nativity Church, Sini, Parish Priest - 1994-1995
4. De Britto Church, Gomoh, Hostel In-charge - 1995-1996
5. Andamans- In Search of green pastures - 1996-1997
6. Anandpur – Asst. P.P, Headmaster: ad tempus - 1997-2000
7. Purulia, Headmaster - 2000-2002
8. Bishop’s House – Treatment - 2002-2003
9. St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri Asst. P.P. - 2003-2005
10. St. Anthony’s Church, Dhanbad Asst. P.P. - 2005-2007
11. Pratiksha, Minister & Treasurer - 2007-2010
12. Diocesan Youth In-Charge - 2010-2012
13. Our Lady of Guadalupe, Telco, Parish Priest - 2012-2016
14. Holy Family Church, Parish Priest, Kumardhubi - 2016-2018
15. Prem Niwas, Bhilaipahari, Treatment & rest - 2018-2019
16. Sacred Heart Church, Adra, Parish Priest - 2019-2022
17. Bishop’s House, for treatment - 4^th July 2022 

The Last Journey

Dear Fr. Leo, I firmly believe that you are in heaven in the presence of the Almighty. Intercede for us. I have no words to express my pain. You were a good friend and well-wisher not only to me but also to hundreds of people. Hundreds of people who came to bid you farewell are themselves a testimony to this.  May your soul rest in peace. 

Your friend,

Fr. Raju Felix Crasta