the goan I network
PANAJI
Bishop Emeritus of Poona Diocese Valerian D’Souza (86), a bishop of Goan origin and popularly known as the “Singing Bishop” who communicated God’s Word in song, passed away in Pune late Tuesday night.
The mortal remains will be kept in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Pune, from 9 am onwards on Thursday and the funeral rites will be conducted later at 11.30 am in the Cathedral, followed by burial.
Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Mumbai along with Bishop of Poona Thomas Dabre and other bishops will participate in the funeral services.
According to reports, D’Souza had been admitted to Sahyadri Hospital in Hadapsar-Pune since February 18, where he passed away while undergoing treatment. The funeral will be held on Thursday, February 27 at 11.30 am at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Pune.
Bishop D’Souza, who hailed from Sangolda, was born in Pune on October 3, 1933. A statement from the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) said he completed his university degree course (BSc) in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics before commencing his studies for the priesthood.
He obtained a licentiate in Philosophy at the Papal Seminary in Pune and studied theology at the Jesuit-run faculty Sankt George, Frankfurt, Germany. He was ordained a priest on June 29, 1961. He also obtained a Bachelor of Education degree and was Principal of Garrison High School (now St Jude High School) Dehu Road, for 7 years. In 1971, he was appointed Vicar General of the Diocese and in December 1976 Vicar Capitular. On September 25, 1977, he was ordained Bishop of Poona.
Bishop D’Souza served as chairman of the Commission for Seminaries, Clergy and Religious for 7 years, chairman of the Commission for Youth of the CBCI Western Region, President of the CBCI Western Region for 4 years and Chairman of the CBCI Commission for Women for 4 years. In February 2002, he was elected as Vice President of the CCBI.
In September 2000, Pope St John Paul II nominated him as a Member of the Pontifical Council COR UNUM, which promotes and coordinates Christian Charity and development efforts, for a period of five years. In May 2007, his term was extended to another five years. On March 31, 2007, he was appointed Apostolic Administrator of the diocese of Nashik.
Bishop D’Souza was known as “Singing Bishop” who communicated God’s Word in song, himself playing the guitar. His sense of humour and joy in the Lord touched the hearts of people.
On the occasion of his Episcopal Silver Jubilee in September 2002, two books containing his writings were released, entitled: “Love is the only Answer” and “Shepherd’s Voice”.
Bishop Bishop served as the bishop of Poona diocese from September 1977 till April 2008, and was appointed Diocesan Administrator of Poona till his successor Bishop Thomas Dabre was appointed in April 2009.
Even after his retirement, he was actively involved in Pastoral Ministry in the Diocese of Poona till his death. He was a priest for 58 years and a bishop for 42 years.
