The Diocese of Mangalore Celebrates Centennial Birthday of Msgr Aloysius Dsouza
Mangalore : The Diocese of Mangalore celebrated a historic milestone with the centennial birthday of Msgr Aloysius Dsouza, the first Priest in the diocese to reach 100 years of age. A solemn Thanks giving Eucharist marked the occasion on 2025 January 23, at Saint Joseph’s Seminary, Jeppu. The Mass was celebrated by Msgr Aloysius Dsouza himself, along with Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore Diocese; Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul Dsouza, 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 Saint Joseph’s Seminary; Rev. Fr Joseph Martis, Parish Priest of Derebail and Rev. Fr Alwyn Richard Dsouza, Guardian of Saint Zuze Vaz Home for Priests.
A Life of Faith, Righteousness and Service
In his homily, Bishop Emeritus Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul Dsouza 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 Saint 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.
Rev. Fr Joseph Martis, in a heartfelt tribute, honored the remarkable life and ministry of Msgr. Aloysius Dsouza. 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 Dsouza 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 Rev. 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. Rev. Fr Maxim Dsouza, 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 Dsouza |
| 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 – 63 | Assistant Parish Priest | Bejai |
| 02 | 1963 – 64 | Missionary Parish Priest | Arva |
| 03 | 1964 – 65 | Secretary to Bishop & Curia | Bishop’s House |
| 04 | 1965 – 73 | Director & Manager | Codialbail Press |
| 05 | 1973 – 82 | Parish Priest & Vicar Forane | Pezar |
| 06 | 1982 – 87 | Parish Priest & Vicar Forane | Kinnigoli |
| 07 | 1987 – 95 | Vicar General | Bishop’s House |
| 08 | 1995 – 2000 | Director | Saint Antony’s Charitable Institutions, Jeppu |
| 09 | 2000 – 2022 | Spiritual Director | Saint Joseph Seminary, Jeppu |
| 10 | 2022 – Present | Resident | S Zuze Vaz Home, Jeppu |
Report & Photos by Fr Anil Fernandes, CCC Mangalore
