Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, Oct 12: Udupi diocese is in shock after losing a young, energetic and people-friendly priest. Fr Mahesh D'Souza was the first priest to be ordained when the diocese of Udupi was newly formed.

The parishioners of Shirva Church, students of Don Bosco School and the Christian community are deeply upset that the priest ended his life. Fr Mahesh had served as the principal of some known institutions in diocese of Udupi like Mount Rosary Church Kallianpur, Milagres English Medium School, Kallianpur and Don Bosco CBSE School, Shirva. Students and staff call Fr Mahesh as a strong person.

Students of Fr Mahesh are posting their memories with him on social media. Fr Mahesh had also conducted Jeevan Jyothi Camp for the students in Shirva parish recently. The camp had ended a few days back. In Milagres Cathedral, he worked as an assistant parish priest and also worked as spiritual director of ICYM. He continued to serve as the assistant director of Shirva parish.

Talking to Daijiwold.com, an office bearer of ICYM Shirva, said, "My recent conversation with Fr Mahesh was on October 11 evening. We had organised a training programme for Small Christian Community members. He was very supportive to all activities of ICYM. He had many dreams for the students of Don Bosco CBSE School. He worked with full dedication to improve the school.”

The staff of the Don Bosco CBSE School found it hard to believe his shocking death. A two-day English speaking training programme was conducted for teachers of Don Bosco CBSE School. Fr Mahesh had taken active part in the same. He had organised a training camp on October 11 in the church as well. He maintained good relationship with teaching and non-teaching staff. Fr Mahesh had worked day and night to get CBSE accreditation for Don Bosco School.

Fr Mahesh D'Souza was a person with many talents. He was a good organiser, resource person, spiritual counsellor and a musician. He worked hard to make Don Bosco School a top one in the locality. His next dream was to start PUC in the institution.

"He was a very good human being. He always wanted others to be happy. He always respected the elders and communicated humanely with younger ones. Sadly, after his tragic death, many rumours about him are being spread,” says one of Fr Mahesh’s acquaintances.

The suicide came to light when assistant parish priest Fr Ashwin Aranha went in search of him as he had not come for dinner. After searching all over the pastoral residence and church, he saw that the lights in school office were on. When Fr Ashwin Aranha went to check, he found out that Fr Mahesh had ended his life.

"He was very sensitive person. Some people, due to their personal issues, had grudge on him and were trying to spread negative news about Fr Mahesh. He was a very good priest. Recently, he visited Bengaluru frequently to ensure arrangements are made for a special child to attend exams. He was always saying that there is no one who understands him or his work. He was working relentlessly for the betterment of the institution," says a priest who was very close to Fr Mahesh.

Today, diocese of Udupi is grieving that it lost a good priest and a multi-talented personality. Reasons may be anything but every problem can be solved by discussing with others. Ending life is not the only solution to problems.