Fr Benjamin Dsouza: A Man for Inter Religious Dialogue passes away at 84

MANGALORE, AUGUST 09: A noble person known for Inter religious dialogue in Bidar, Rev. Fr Benjamin D’Souza passed away at the day break on Tuesday, August 09, 2022 at 5.45 p.m. in Father Muller Hospital, Kankanady, Mangalore.

Fr Benjamin D’Souza hailing from Kayyar parish in Kasaragod district was born to Peter D’Souza and Catherine Rodrigues on February 20, 1939. He was ordained priest for the diocese of Mangalore on December 2, 1964. He was 84 when he breathed his last.

Fr Benjamin D’Souza, a priest of the diocese of Mangalore, served as an assistant parish priest at Angelore and parish priest at Arva, Venur, Ferar, Barkur and Tallur.

He was sent on a mission to Balki, Bidar in 1980s.

As a director of Satyanubhava Inter Religious Dialogue Centre Basavakalyana, Bidar, Gulbarga diocese for 5 years (2019-2014), Fr Benjamin worked earnestly to promote dialogue, understanding and co-operation among religions in Bidar. By organising unique programmes under Inter Religious Dialogue, he tried to bring unity, peace, development and happiness among people of all faith.

Fr Benjamin retired from active ministry in 2017 and was residing at St Zuze Vaz Home, Jeppu, Mangalore.

The Funeral Mass and Burial Service of Rev. Fr Benjamin D’Souza will be held on Wednesday 10.08.2022 at 10.30 a.m. in Christ the King Church, Kayyar, Kasargod.

Year Designation Place
1965 – Asst. PP Angelore
1966 – Chapline St Antony
1968 – Chapline Belve Colony
1970 – Parish Priest, Arwa
1980 – PP Venur
Mission Balki (Bidar)
1986 – PP Ferar
1994 – PP Barkur
2001 – PP Tallur
2009 – Diocese of Gulbarga
2017 – Retired St Zuze Vaz