Mangalore: Funeral of Mangalore Diocesan Priest Fr Mark D’Sa Held at Valencia Parish

By Robert D Costa
Pics by John V Tauro
Bellevision Media Network

Mangalore, 22 Jul 2013: The funeral of seventy-year-old Fr Mark D’Sa, a Mangalore diocesan clergy was held at St Vincent Ferrer parish, Valencia here on Monday July 22 afternoon.

Mangalore diocesan vicar general Monsignor Denis Moras Prabhu concelebrated the funeral Mass along with Valencia parish priest Fr Bonaventure and other clergies at the occasion.

A large number of people including religious priests and nuns attended the funeral Mass and joined in the final journey of Fr Mark D’Sa.

Fr Mark was born in Kirem, on April 23 1942, ordained as clergy on December 3 1968.  During his 45 years of priesthood, Fr Mark served in different capacities at the parishes – Barkoor, Pakshikere, Katipalla, Kota and Sullia and lived in Vianney Home, here after his retirement 7 years ago.  He was bedridden since 6 years.   He suffered silently and never complained of anything.  He would attend the birthday of fellow clergies by sitting in his wheel-chair and offer his gifts.  He was also generous with his old parishioners whenever they visit him at the Vianney Home.

 

 
Excerpts from Fr Norbert Fernandes, his companion priest at Vianney Home: 

Fr Alexander Lobo was a visible guardian angel to Fr Mark since 2007. He was looking after Fr Mark’s needs.  He was offering for him Holy Mass daily in his room and he kept watch with him till Fr Mark breathed his last.  The new church in Sullia was constructed by the hard work of Fr Mark.  As a priest he lived a holy life and served the people especially the poor and children generously.  One can hope that by his terrible sufferings he has finished his purgatory here itself.  May his noble soul rest in peace in the dwelling which Jesus has promised - RIP.