The Diocese of Mangalore Celebrates Centennial Birthday of Msgr Aloysius D’Souza
Mangalore: The Diocese of Mangalore celebrated a historic milestone with the centennial birthday of Msgr Aloysius D’Souza, the first priest in the diocese to reach 100 years of age. A solemn Thanksgiving Eucharist marked the occasion on January 23, 2025, at St Joseph’s Seminary, Jeppu. The Mass was celebrated by Msgr Aloysius D’Souza himself, along with Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore; Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop Emeritus; and numerous diocesan dignitaries, including Very Rev. Msgr Maxim Noronha, Vicar General; Very Rev. Dr Victor George, Chancellor; Very Rev. Dr Roald Serrao, Rector of St Joseph’s Seminary; Rev. Fr Joseph Martis, Parish Priest of Derebail; and Rev. Fr Alwyn Richard DSouza, Guardian of St Zuze Vaz Home for Priests.
A Life of Faith, Righteousness, and Service
In his homily, Bishop Emeritus Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza reflected on the life of Msgr Aloysius as a living testimony to faith, humility, and priestly commitment. “We are celebrating Msgr Aloysius’s faith life, righteous life, prayer life, life of commitment, and service to the Diocese of Mangalore. His life has been an open book, manifesting the simplicity and grace of priesthood, and serving as a model of righteousness for all,” he said.
The Bishop Emeritus drew parallels between Msgr Aloysius’s life and biblical figures like Abraham, Moses, and Zechariah, who remained faithful to God and were blessed abundantly. “His long life reminds us that old age is not a burden but an occasion to exemplify God’s faithfulness,” he added.
Milestones in a Century of Service
Msgr Aloysius’s remarkable journey includes several unique achievements:
Nine and a Half Years at One Parish: He served as Assistant Parish Priest at Bejai under three parish priests—a rare occurrence.
Service Under Six Bishops: A distinctive aspect of his priestly ministry was his service under six bishops of the diocese.
Extended Ministry Post-Retirement: After his retirement at the age of 75, he continued serving for 23 years at St Joseph’s Seminary, Jeppu, as a professor of Latin and English and spiritual director for many seminarians.
A Century of Life: He is the first priest in the Diocese of Mangalore to complete 100 years of life.
Felicitation and Tributes
A short felicitation programme followed the Eucharistic celebration.
Fr Joseph Martis, in a heartfelt tribute, honored the remarkable life and ministry of Msgr. Aloysius D’Souza. Reflecting on his 73 years of priestly service, Fr Martis highlighted Msgr Aloysius’ unwavering joy in priesthood, describing him as a man wholly possessed by the love of God and His Church. He praised Msgr. Aloysius’s insatiable thirst for knowledge, evident in his mastery of languages, theology, and even homoeopathy, along with his curiosity for modern advancements.
Fr Martis also emphasized the discipline and rhythm that defined Msgr. Aloysius’s daily life, from prayer to ministry, as well as his profound simplicity and detachment from worldly possessions.
“Your 100 years of life,” Fr. Martis remarked, “are a testament to God’s abundant love, a living legacy of priestly dignity, commitment, and faith lived for the greater glory of His name.”
As tokens of love and respect, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha felicitated Msgr Aloysius with a shawl, Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza offered him a bouquet of flowers, and Msgr Maxim Noronha gifted him a basket of fruits.
In his address, Bishop Peter Paul highlighted the blessings that come from living according to God’s ways, stating that those who follow His commandments are never abandoned. He observed that Msgr. Aloysius had the rare privilege of having his mother by his side during much of his priestly life, a grace he attributed to the deep love and respect Msgr. had for his parents.
Praising Msgr Aloysius, Bishop Paul said, “You are a great model of simplicity and steadfastness. The divine light shines from within you, and you have lived your priestly life with fidelity and passion, always centering it on the Eucharist.”
Concluding his tribute, he offered his heartfelt congratulations, wishing Msgr. Aloysius ad multos annos—many more blessed years.
The Seminary Choir added a touch of joy to the celebration by singing a felicitation hymn, and Fr Ronald Serrao read the special Papal Blessing from Pope Francis, honouring Msgr Aloysius’s centennial milestone.
A Grateful Heart
In his response, Msgr Aloysius expressed gratitude to God and all those who had touched his life during his 100 years. “It’s God’s plan and His gift that I complete 100 years of life today. I thank Him and all of you for your presence and prayers. A priest is ordained to serve others, not himself. Pray, work, and stick to order—this has been my mantra,” he said, reflecting on his life and ministry.
A Witness to History
The celebration was attended by Msgr Aloysius’s family members, numerous priests, religious sisters, and seminarians. Fr Maxim D’Souza, Parish Priest of Jeppu, compered the programme, making it a memorable tribute to the extraordinary life of a devoted servant of God.
About Msgr Aloysius DSouza
Native: Puttur
Father: Martin D’Souza
Mother: Piedade D’Souza
Date of Birth: 29 January 1925
Date of Ordination: 24 August 1953
Appointments and Designation
No. Year Designation Place
01 1954 – 1963 Assistant Parish Priest Bejai
02 1963 – 1964 Missionary Parish Priest Arva
03 1964 – 1965 Secretary to Bishop & Curia Bishop’s House
04 1965 – 1973 Director & Manager Kodialbail Press
05 1973 – 1982 Parish Priest & Vicar Forane Pezar
06 1982 – 1987 Parish Priest & Vicar Forane Kinnigoli
07 1987 – 1995 Vicar General Bishop’s House
08 1995 – 2000 Director St Antony’s Charitable Institutions, Jeppu
09 2000 – 2022 Spiritual Director St Joseph Seminary, Jeppu
10 2022 – Present Resident S Zuze Vaz Home, Jeppu
Report & Photos by Fr Anil Fernandes, CCC Mangalore
