Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore
With Inputs from Fr Francis Rodrigues, Raknno

Mangalore, Aug 20: Fr Archibald J Albuquerque, parish priest of St Roque Church, Neerude passed away on Wednesday August 20 at around 4.30 am due to massive heart attack. He was 62.

Fr Archie, as he was fondly known, took over as parish priest of Neerude church in 2013. 

Born on August 15, 1953, Fr Archie was among the six children - four sons and two daughters - of Aloysius and Lily Albuquerque of Derebail. Fr Archie was a twin brother of Richard. Two of his twin sisters are Bethany nuns - Sr Immaculate who is working in Bathinda in Punjab; and Sr Marylytte working in Kulshekar. 

After having joined St Joseph’s Seminary, Mangalore and after his priestly studies, Fr Archie was ordained a priest of the diocese of Mangalore on April 22, 1981.

He served as assistant parish priest, Karkala town in 1981-'82, and of Bejai between 1982 and 1984.

He was the parish priest of Borimar (1984-1991), Basrur (1991-1997), Nirkan (1997-2004), Manjeshwar (2004-2005), Badyar (2005-2012), Nakre (2012-2013) and Neerude from 2013 up till now.

Fr Archie built the new church of Basrur as the earlier church was too small. He built a huge high school building at Nirkan church campus together with a hall in it. He also renovated the sacristy in Nirkan. He renovated the parochial house together with a mini hall in Badyar. He improved rubber cultivation and brought in income to the church. He built a portico in Borimar church. Presently he was doing the renovation work of Neerude parochial house.

Bishop of Mangalore Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza and vicar general Msgr Denis Prabhu have condoled his death.

According to Msgr Denis Moras Prabhu, he was a priest with zeal and enthusiasm. Whenever he was appointed to different parishes he never asked that he should be sent to any particular parish only. ‘The service of the people is service of God’ was his philosophy.

According to Fr Xavier Pinto, a close friend of Fr Archie and the present rector of St Antony Shrine, Kerekatte Fr Archie was a simple priest with a simple way of life, committed to his work. He was a good company in the gathering of priests with lots of wit and humour. He was present for the shrine festival this June as well.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at St Roque Church, Neerude at 10 am on Friday August 22 and the mortal remains will be interred at Neerude church cemetery.