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Very Rev. Msgr. Denis Jerome D’Souza
08-03-1884 to 04-06-1975
All of us Barkurian’s devoutly offer our prayers at the
magnificent St. Peter’s Church premises – its very exteriors….
more precisely its interiors, not only create a serene holy
atmosphere to praise the glory of Almighty but also inculcate
proud feelings in all of us, to offer gratitude’s to the people
who provided this place of worship. It’s very true, most of us
don’t know who the mastermind is or architect, planned and
executed such a marvelous Barkur Church structure as early as
about a century back, got inaugurated in the blessed hands of then
Bishop H.E. Paul Perini on 28th May, 1923.
The great holy soul is none other than Monsignor Denis Jerome
D’Souza, who served as Vicar – 11th September,
1915 to 26th April, 1929, whose first visible great
enterprise of life time is Barkur Church, in 1923.
Followed was a history – gigantic artistic Milagres Church,
Kallianpur in 1942, its bell fry, St. Anne’s Church, Thottam, St.
Theresa’s Church, Kemmannu in 1938, Auditorium & laboratory of
Milagres High School, ultra modern, three storied Milagres College
Building at Kallianpur in 1967, Gorettee Hospital in 1958 ………. are
just few examples……which took shapes in the wonder hands of this
enterprising holy man.
He was a wonderful shepherd of souls, a builder of great Churches
in the Kallianpur varado, given birth new and developed existing
great learning institutions, Hospitals…..No doubt; religious,
health care & educational edifices erected by him are abiding
monuments to his sacred memory…….
Born in Kodial bail, Mangalore in a devout family on 8th
March, 1884, he was ordained priest in 1910. His first assignment
was as Assistant Parish Priest of Milagres Church Kallianpur up to
1913. As he was young and enthusiastic, at his youthful 30’s
elevated to be the Vicar of historical Barkur Church on 11th
September, 1915. Barkurian’s were fortunate to accommodate him for
FOURTEEN long Years as their Parish Priest, till 26th
April, 1929.
In 1934 Rev. Fr. D’Souza was promoted to be the Vicar forane of
Northern Varado, (comprising present Karkala, Udupi, Shirva,
Kundapur varados) with its head quarters at Milagres Church,
till 1942. Thereafter transferred to Milagres Church, Mangalore as
Vicar – 1942 – 1954. Yet again he was respectfully called back in
Kallianpur as Parish Priest and Vicar Vara 1954 – 1970. Though he
was at Milagres Kallianpur for 30 long years, his most youthful
years spent in the service of Barkurians. In other words, in his
priestly life of over 60 great years, 45 years devoted to Milagres
Varado, and the Church history of this part of the Diocese centre
around him till 70’s.
At this point of time, we don’t want to be elaborating all his
works elsewhere, in the Diocese of Mangalore or in neighboring
Kallianpur. Since our Barkur parish is going complete 150 Years
in 2011, we at ‘Barkur-on-line’ feel it apt to remind of
great legacies left behind for us Barkurian’s by this holy man
Rev. Fr. Denis Jerome D’Souza, for generations to cherish.
St. Peter’s Church Barkur:
Barkur, in a landscape dominated by innumerable temples, lakes,
and historical land marks; it’s with utmost care this Church
dedicated to Patron Apostle St. Peter was built, on a spacious
flat surface of red soil with the contributions from all sections
of society including the generous Hindu families of the time.
It was said Fr. D’Souza first organized material during those days
of scarcity of money and facilities and approached for
help…..which poured in from all sides, in cash and kind. Most of
the parishners extended their helping hand by way of labour, on
rotation. Bricks were brought from Sural and Kokkarnne both by
bullock carts, by boats and on head……..Annual Feast day all
patrons and benefactors are remembered and presented with a holy
candle. Those who were attentive, must recall the names of many
Hindu donors, speaks of Fr. D’Souza’s clout and reach…….!
The masterpiece now offer a glimpse into heritage, culture of the
local soil in one hand and Western influence in its Gothic style
of structure and the minute and careful artwork of Goan carpenters
and masons on the high alter with almost 10 feet tall royal and
dignified statue of Patron Apostle St. Peter holding keys of
heaven…….Once upon a time there were statues of great saints all
around the Church, now many of them removed. The high alter is the
centre of attraction with angels and the statues of all Apostles 6
each side of the holy tabernacle including St. Paul, in lieu of
St. Peter, astonishes once one observe them at close, with its
beauty, features and precision.
Once again it was Fr. D’Souza’s initiative to construct parochial
house for resident priests.
L.F.Hospital near Barkur fort:
His concern for poor and downtrodden, especially their health care
in the town, forced him to approach British Govt. authorities and
with the help of generous public a Local Fund Hospital, near the
historical fort area.
It was started and flourished during his time in the service of
Barkurians irrespective of caste, creed or religion.
Unfortunately, during later years, the sanction of a modern Govt.
Hospital, in our Barkur, containing 50 Beds shifted to Brahmmavar.
Of course the 90 odd years Barkur Hospital didn’t make expected
progress; its very existence reminds us the social concern of one
of its founder.
Concluding few words:
Personally I have attended the Mass offered by him at Milagres
Church, during my childhood days. His appearance more like our Aab
Padryab – Rev. Fr. Joseph D’Souza. His voice was very mild and
smile used to win over every one’s heart.
He was publicly honored at Barkur, once he was decorated with the
title Monsignor, by Pope John XXIII, at the time Rev. Fr. Aloysius
Rosario was Vicar in 1961.
Yet again in 1970 when he celebrated Sacerdotal Diamond Jubilee a
grand public function was held at Barkur. Still the ‘Maanpotr’,
presented to him, by late Leo D’Almeida, the then
Administrator was one of the best, I ever heard. Indeed he was a
holy priest, a simple man of prayers. Whatever he conceived and
prayed for, became a reality. It was his intense life of spirit of
prayer that brought him this success.
He retired at the age of 87. Thereafter he was he was well taken
care at Goretti Hospital, by ‘Sisters of Queen of Apostles’. He
breathed his last on 04th June 1975 at the age of 92
years and cremated at Milagres Church Kallianpur in the presence
of hundreds of his admirers, well wishers.
Especially Barkurian’s always remain grateful to Msgr. D’Souza,
for this house of God and 150th Jubilee Year of the
Parish deservedly an occasion to express it publicly.
On behalf of Barkur-on-line Team & ICYM Barkur Ex-Members
Association,
P. Archibald Furtado,
31/12/ 2010. |
