Fr J. J. Martis of Mangalore Diocese expired

By Fr Francis Rodrigues, Raknno
Bellevision Media Network

Mangalore, 21 Feb 2013: Rev. Fr John Joseph Martis (mostly known as Fr J. J. Martis)  who is a priest of the Diocese of Mangalore passed away on Wednesday February 20th 2012 at 5 p.m. in a private hospital in Mangalore because of vertigo, stone deafness and related ailments.  He was 73 years old and a priest for the last 47 years.

 

 

His funeral Mass would be celebrated at St Vincent Ferrer Church, Valencia at 9.00 a.m. on Saturday 23rd of February and the mortal remains would be interred at priests’ cemetery in Valencia.

 

He was born at Pangla Parish on July 26th 1939 as the son of Xavier Martis and Concepta Pereira.

 

After the academic studies in St Philomena College Mysore and priestly studies at St Joseph’s Seminary, Mangalore,  he was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Mangalore on the 3rd  of February 1966.

 

He was the assistant parish priest of Madanthyar (2 years) and Fajir (1 year) parishes.  He was the Parish Priest of Kokkada for 6 years, Shirthady for 9 years, Surathkal for 6 years,  Kateel for 7 years and Hirgan for 7 years.  In 2005 he was the chaplain of Olavinahalli convent for a year and then was socius at Pakshikere Shrine giving spiritual ministry for 2 years. 

 

Having retired from the active priestly ministry in 2008, till to date he lived in Kankanady Vianney Home, the home for the retired priests.

 

Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, the Bishop of the Diocese of Mangalore has condoled the death of committed and prayerful priest.

 

According to Msgr Denis Prabhu the Vicar General of Mangalore Diocese, Fr J. J. Martis was a good listener and guide to whoever went to him especially with problems and tensions.  He could listen for hours to those who visited him.  He was a good confessor, lived a noiseless life and was detached from worldly things especially money and fame. 

 

According to Fr Mark Valder the classmate of Fr J.J. Martis during the seminary formation, Fr Martis was good in studies but was a shy personality.  He was traditional and conservative with regard to rules, rites and regulations.  While others spoke of new ways and means in the church during and after the second Vatican Council, Fr Martis did not speak against the traditional church.  He was an obedient priest who obeyed his superiors all through his life.

 

According to Dr John Martis a general physician and nephew of Fr J. J. Martis, Fr Martis was a simple and prayerful priest.  He desired not to hurt anyone.  He was ready to help the needy as much as possible.