Mangaluru Bishop, Rev Aloysius Paul D’Souza to get a civic reception, June 21

Mangaluru Bishop, Rev Aloysius Paul D’Souza to get a civic reception, June 21

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, June 14, 2016: The well placed Catholic population of Mangaluru are all set to celebrate the diamond jubilee of Most Rev Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop of Mangalore Diocese who is heading it for 20 years now. A committee of like minded people from all walks of life have decided to accord a civic felicitation to the Bishop at the Town Hall on June 21, a day this spiritual leader of Catholic Christians completes 75-years. Born on June 21, 1941, he is the sixth child of late Mathias D’Souza and Izabella D’Souza of old Bantwal.

Mangaluru City South MLA J R Lobo, who is a catholic,  told reporters that the decision to accord civic felicitation to the Bishop is due to the fact that society  recognizes the influence towards social development from the Mangaluru church. "This felicitation committee has people from all faiths and those who have worked with the Bishop and know his official contribution," he said, adding the Mayor Harinath M will preside over the function that will see leaders of all dominant faiths of the region participate.

Noting that it is left to The Vatican to allow a Bishop who has completed 75-years to continue or replace him, Lobo said it is the prerogative of the Pope. "If a Bishop is healthy and willing to continue, the Pope could allow one to do so," the MLA said adding all these decisions are taken at the highest level. "We do not come to know of the same until the Papal announcement comes," he said adding the present Bishop has led the Diocese admirably well during his tenure.

Dr M Mohan Alva, chairman, Alva’s Education Foundation, also the convener of the programme said the committee has also decided to hold similar felicitation functions for the Bishop in nine places across the Diocese including Mulki, Bajpe, Kasargod, and Bantwal. The programme will provide an over view of the life and works of the Bishop, he said adding the organisers are formulating  the programme keeping in mind Bishop’s dislike for ostentation.