Rev Fr Terence Joseph Fransz (88), senior Priest of Bangalore Archdiocese, passed away on Tuesday, March 15, 2016 at 08.30 am at St John’s Medical College Hospital, Bengaluru. He was admitted to the hospital on 23.01.2016. Though he was recovering, the old age took the toll of his life.
Funeral Service on Wednesday, March 16 at 11 am in Sacred Heart Church, Richmond Road. The mortal remains will be kept for public homage at Sacred Heart Church on 16th March from 10 a.m. onwards.
Fr Terence Joseph Fransz was born on 5th June 1928 at Coromandel, KGF and was baptized at St. Sebastian Church, Coromandel, KGF. His parents were the late Julian Callistus Fransz and the late Agnes Beatrice Fransz who had two children, Fr Terence and his younger sister. He did his initial studies in KGF; St Patrick’s School, Adyar and St Bede’s School, Chennai. After his high school studies, he opted to become a priest. Since he was very studious and dynamic, he was sent to the Papal Seminary, Kandy, after completing his initial formation at St Mary’s Minor Seminary, Bangalore. He was ordained a priest on 13.05.1955 at Papal Seminary, Kandy by the Most Rev Glennie, Bishop of Trincomelee.
Fr Terence Joseph Fransz was a simple priest who had a great zeal to spread the Good News. Through his hard work he gave witness to Catholics and non-Catholics. He died as he lived in his faith.
Fr Terence had a great devotion to Our Lady of Fatima. He was ordained on her feast day. He was a spiritual Director to many priests and seminarians. Priests used to come for confession from far and near to him. Whenever he met people he would say a short prayer, and send them with blessings. He always carried sacred pictures and religious articles in his pocket and would distribute them to people he had met with. Thus he was sharing Good News of Christ in his own way.
He was a prayerful person. He always carried a Rosary with him. Besides he served as Chaplain/Spiritual Director of the Catholic Nurses’ Guild and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. His services to the CNGI was indeed commendable. He was a very jovial and cheerful Person. He was friendly with one and all without any discrimination. And, therefore, everyone loved him and wished to be in his company. He was obedient to his superiors and willingly accepted any appointment. He had great love towards the poor, and never hesitated to plead on their behalf. Since he was a Rotarian, he was an active member of the Rotary Club and never failed to attend the weekly meetings. He loved travelling and wished to see new places. He was also a voracious reader and good writer. He used to publish the book-marks and have them distributed to people.