Belgaum: Noted Jesuit Priest and former Manager of St Paul’s High School here Rev Fr Alban D’souza, SJ (67) died on March 15 in Belgaum of prolonged illness. The funeral mass will be held on Sunday, March 17 at Fatima Cathedral, Camp at 4 pm, followed by burial at Christian Cemetery near Gold Club near Club Road.
The Provincial of Goa Province and former principal of St Paul’s High School, Rev Fr Roland Coelho will be the main celebrant for the funeral mass accompanied by several priests, nuns and Christians from Belagavi, Kolhapur and Goa region.
Hailing from Goa, Fr Alban was born in Nairobi, Kenya and later lived in Belgaum since his school days at St Pauls’. He was inclined to serve the society, hence was ordained as Jesuit Priest in 1982 at Thivim, Goa, his native place.
In his illustrious span of priesthood Fr Alban served at various schools like St Xavier’s High School, Kolhapur; Loyola High School, Margao; St Paul’s High School, Belgaum as a teacher, vice principal and manager. After getting a degree in youth counseling from USA, he also served as the trainer for youth counselor in Belgaum, Goa region & was popular among the youth and poor.
As the manager of St Pauls’ High School Fr Alban upgraded the basic amenities for students and beautified the campuses of the school and the Sunbeam Nursery. Kind hearted and pious, he supported the poor and marginalized in his own zealous ways. Several priests and Christians have expressed their grief over the loss of Fr Alban D’souza, who had served the society selflessly irrespective of caste, creed and religion. In his message, Provincial Fr Roland has described him as a teacher, friend, trainer and counselor to numerous priests an people. ” He bore his suffering courageously and has gone home to God. We deeply mourn his death,” Fr Roland has stated in his message.
Respectful farewell. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let your perpetual light shine upon Fr Alban.