Rev. Dr. Lawrence DSouza(76), former Secretary of CESU Passes Away
By Dr. Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network
Udupi, 12 Nov 2024: Rev. Dr. Lawrence D’Souza (75), Administrator of Fr. Muller’s Medical College of Nursing, Maangalore, Diector of St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, Secretary of Catholic Education Society Udupi (CESU) of Udupi Diocese and Rector of Milagres Cathedral Udupi, passed away at Fr. Mullers Hospital in the morning of Tuesday, 12 November 2024
As per the information given by Rev. Fr. Denis D’Sa, PRO of Udupi Diocese, the Funeral Mass for Rev. Fr Dr Lawrence C. D’Souza will be celebrated on Saturday, 16 November 2024, at 09:30 a.m. at Mount Rosary Church, Santhekatte-Kallianpur, followed by burial in the Diocesan Priests’ Cemetery at Santhekatte. The body will be kept for public viewing and final respects from 08:00 a.m. on Saturday at Mount Rosary Church, Santhekatte
Rev. Dr. Lawrence DSouza: A Great Administrator and Educationist
Born on 28 November 1948 as the third among four sons(Baptist, Joseph, Lawrence and Lazarus) of late Casmir D’Souza and late Regina Mendonca at Pernal in Udupi District had his primary education at Fatima Higher Primary School, Pernal. He completed his high school education at St. Mary’s, Shirva. Though his parents lacked education, they made it a point to see that all their sons would get better and higher education. His parents, though simple, brought up their sons with the noble philosophy that ‘home is for work and eat, school is to study and church is to pray’.
In 1962, when his mother took ill, young Lawrence learnt the art of cooking, a skill that paid rich dividends in his later life, in times of need in the United States which he continued as a hobby. His other hobbies included stage events such as public speaking and acting. Lawrence joined St. Joseph’s Seminary, Mangalore in 1966 while his elder brother took on responsibility to take care of the parents.
The then parish priest of Our Lady of Fatima Church, Pernal, Fr. Gabriel D’Souza was a great source of inspiration to young Lawrence who nurtured the spirit of vocation in the heart and mind of the young boy. When Fr. Gabriel used to visit the homes of the parishioners, young Lawrence would tag along with him. As Sunday School teacher, Fr. Gabriel would tell stories from the Bible in simple language. He also introduced Lawrence to Christian literature which led him to learn more. Fr. Gabriel’s virtues of simplicity, love for all mankind and strong faith inspired Lawrence to follow his footsteps. Fr. Gabriel greatly inspired young Lawrence to join the seminary.
Along with the formation for priesthood in the seminary, Br. Lawrence continued his education in which he excelled throughout his acaademic pursuit obtaining ranks and medals. He secured BSc degree from St. Aloysius College, Mangalore and secured second rank in the subject of Chemistry in the entire Mysore University. After Philosophy studies in the seminary, Br. Lawrence went to Rome for Theological studies and acquired Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) from Urban University, Rome in 1977 which he passed with ‘Summa cum Laude’. After completing the training and learning to be a priest, Deacon Lawrence was ordained a priest on 5 May 1977 at Milagres Church, Mangalore.
Even after being ordained a priest and serving in parishes, Fr. Lawrence did not give up his hunger for higher learning and did Post Graduation in Philosophy from the Karnataka University, Dharvad and Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management from St. Aloysius College. He also obtained LL.B. degree through SDM Law College, Mangalore with Gold Medal.
After his ordination, Fr. Lawrence D’Souza was appointed as the Assistant Priest at Kulshekar Church, Mangalore. Thereafter, he served as Assistant Director of Fr. Muller’s Hospital, Mangalore for five years. Next, he took charge as the Secretary of the Catholic Board of Education (CBE) where he served for seven years. With his intelligence, hard work and dedication, Fr. Lawrence made Catholic schools more active and responsible for good education.
In 1980, when he was the Assistant Director of Fr. Muller’s Hospital. Fr. Lawrence arranged for the visit of Mother Teresa on the occasion of the Centenary Celebration of the hospital. In 1986, he was embraced by Pope John Paul II at the Bajpe Airport, Mangalore in recognition of his work as Secretary of the Organizing Committee that arranged the Papal visit to Mangalore. He cherishes this memory till date as the ‘embrace of a saint’.
Fr. Lawrence D’Souza did M.A. in Religious Studies in Fordham University, New Yok (USA) in 1994. His highest academic achievement was when he was awarded Ph. D. degree in Administration and Supervision from Fordham University, New York (USA) in 1998.
Along with his studies at the Fordham University, Fr. Lawrence served as the Associate Pastor of Our Lady of Mercy Church, New York from 1992 to 1998.
After completing his Ph.D. studies, Rev. Dr. Lawrence D’Souza served as Administrator of Fr. Muller’s Medical College of Nursing for 8 years During his tenure, he was responsible for many developments of the college. He went back to serve as the parish priest of Kulshekar Church for two years. During this period, in 2007, the All India Bishop’s Conference, after evaluation of the capabilities and service of Rev. Dr. Lawrence D’Souza appointed him as the Director of St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore where he served till 2014.
After completing his term as the Administrator of St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, Rev. Dr. Lawrence D’Souza came back to Udupi Diocese in 2014 and was appointed as the Secretary of the Catholic Education Society of Udupi (CESU).
Rev Dr. Lawrence D’Souza took over the charge of Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur as Rector and Vicar on 28 May, 2018 where he served till 25 October 2020. Due to failing health he was living in St. Lawrence Church, Moodubelle as Resident Priest for few years and later at Christ the King Church, Karkala Town. With the inauguration of the Milagres Home for the retired priests on 6 January 2022, Rev. Dr. Lawrence D’Souza went to reside there. As his health deteriorated he was taken to Fr.Mullers Hospital where he passed away on 12 November 2024.