Fr Francis Rodrigues, Raknno

Mangalore, Jul 21: Fr Mark D’Sa, priest of the diocese of Mangalore passed away on Sunday July 21 in the afternoon in a private hospital in Mangalore due to athritis. He was 71 years old and a priest for the last 45 years.

Bishop of Mangalore Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza who is in Same diocese of Tanzania at the moment and Msgr Denis Prabhu, the vicar general of the diocese of Mangalore have condoled his death.

Fr Mark was born at Kirem parish on April 26, 1942. After joining St Joseph’s Seminary, Mangalore and after the priestly studies, he was ordained a priest of the diocese of Mangalore on December 3, 1968.

He was the assistant parish priest of Barkur after the ordination. He served as the parish priest of Pakshikere, Sullia, Barkur and Kota.

Because of health reasons he voluntarily retired from active priestly ministry in 2002. He was then residing at Vianney Home, retired priests’ home of the diocese of Mangalore at Kankanady.

"He was a soft spoken, mild, gentle priest with commitment. He built the new church of Sullia. In spite of his prolonged sickness, he has endeared himself to the service of the people of God and obeyed the will of God," said Msgr Denis Prabhu, the vicar general of the diocese.

He leaves behind two brothers, a sister and large number of spiritual beneficiaries.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at St Vincent Ferrer Church, Valencia at 4 pm on Monday July 22 and the mortal remains will be interred at priests’ cemetery in Valencia.