-Prof.Peter Archibald Furtado
(A series of two articles on the special occasion of New Bishop Msgr Leslie Clifford DSouza's Episcopal Ordination on 20th April 2026)
The story of Bishop-elect Msgr Leslie Clifford DSouza begins in the quaint village of Yermal, popularly known as Uchhila, nestled along the NH66 highway connecting Udupi and Mangalore. This small yet vibrant locality is home to a close-knit Catholic community of around 50 families, whose deep-rooted faith and unity have stood the test of time—a faith that would ultimately shape and produce one of the Diocese's most distinguished sons.
As early as 1935 and even before, this area formed part of the Shirva Church. Priests would visit the village at least thrice a year to celebrate Holy Mass in the homes of the faithful. The responsibility of coordinating these spiritual gatherings rested with the Gurkar, a role faithfully carried out by Vivian D'Souza—the grandfather of the present Bishop-elect—and later continued by his son, Lawrence D'Souza. Service to the Church, it seems, was woven into the very fabric of this family across generations.
It was the collective faith and determination of local Catholic families, including the D'Souza clan and six others, that led to the acquisition of approximately 3.62 acres of land and the eventual construction of a chapel, blessed on 25th April 1961. This humble chapel, which grew over the years into the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church Yermal and was formally inaugurated as a parish on 25th May 1993, with Rev. Fr Peter Nazareth as its first resident priest, stands as a testament to the community's devotion. A new church was blessed on 14th May 2015, and the parish's Silver Jubilee was joyfully celebrated on 25th May 2018.
Born into Faith: The Early Life of Msgr Leslie Clifford DSouza
It was into this deeply faith-filled environment that Msgr Leslie Clifford DSouza was born on 19th August 1962, to Lawrence and Cecilia D'Souza, a devout and hardworking family of agriculturists. With no nearby Church or convent-run schools available at the time, young Leslie pursued his early education in local Hindu institutions in Uchhila. Despite limited resources, he stood out as a bright and intelligent student.
The simple chapel, the occasional visits of priests, and the deeply religious atmosphere at home played a profound role in nurturing his faith, gradually awakening in him a call to serve God and guiding him towards the priesthood. A historic moment arrived on 19th May 1990—a red-letter day for Yermal—when its son of the soil was ordained a priest by the late Bishop Basil S DSouza, commemorating his 25 years as Bishop from 1965 to 1990. This marked probably the first priestly vocation from this small village, filling the entire community with immense pride and joy.
During his seminary formation, Fr Leslie was known among his peers as an active, creative, and enthusiastic individual, particularly admired for his sporting talents in football and volleyball, which made him a popular figure among fellow seminarians.
Formation, Scholarship, and Early Ministry
Fr Leslie began his priestly ministry as Assistant Parish Priest at the Holy Rosary Church Kundapura from 1990 to 1992, followed by three years of service in Kulshekar from 1992 to 1995. Alongside his pastoral duties, he completed his Master's degree in English Literature, as well as a Licentiate in Sacred Theology and a Diploma in Psychology and Formation. Recognising his academic aptitude, Church authorities appointed him to teach at St Joseph Seminary from 1995 to 1997, before encouraging him to pursue doctoral studies abroad.
He proceeded to the prestigious KU Leuven in Belgium, where he specialised in Moral Theology, completing his Ph.D. between 1997 and 2003. On his return to Mangalore, Rev. Dr. Leslie DSouza took up the vital role of Formator and Professor at St Joseph's Inter-diocesan Seminary, serving from 2003 to 2010 and later as a visiting professor until 2013. In this role, he played a key formative part in shaping future priests—imparting not only theological knowledge but also instilling values rooted in faith, discipline, and pastoral commitment.
Scholar, Formator, and Parish Builder
A new and vibrant chapter in his pastoral life began in June 2010 at St John the Evangelist Church, Shankarpura. As Vicar, he emerged as a true shepherd, introducing initiatives that fostered unity and strengthened the sense of belonging among parishioners, nurturing them as one family in Christ. His vision extended strongly into education; through constant encouragement and thoughtful evaluation, he motivated both teachers and students to strive for excellence, strengthening the academic and moral foundation of the community. It was during this fruitful tenure that Fr Leslie joyfully celebrated his Sacerdotal Silver Jubilee, offering heartfelt gratitude to the Almighty for His abundant blessings and guidance throughout his priestly journey. The people of Pangla continue to hold him in deep respect and affection, fondly remembering his seven years as a period of genuine renewal and growth.
As Parish Builder at Mount Rosary
On 5th June 2017, a small group of priests and just over half a dozen parishioners from Pangla quietly arrived at Mount Rosary Church to accompany Fr Leslie Clifford D'Souza. There was no grand welcome, no long convoy of vehicles—just a simple, humble priest stepping onto the sacred altar to take charge from Fr Philip Neri Aranha, the visionary behind the newly built spacious church. What followed in the years ahead became a cherished chapter in the history of the parish.
The liturgy under his guidance became spiritually uplifting and attractive. The choir was revitalised, and the youth—especially ICYM and YCS—were encouraged to make the church campus a place not only to pray but also to grow, engage, and belong. With the support of his assistant, Fr Clany D'Souza—once his own student in the seminary—he entrusted significant responsibilities, particularly in nurturing children and youth. The completion of the Mount Rosary English Medium High School building marked a milestone, and Fr Leslie made it a point to visit the school daily, living out the principle that "cleanliness is next to godliness" not merely in words, but in action.
Several developmental works further enhanced the parish: a serene grotto took shape, the compound was secured with a boundary wall, an open stage was constructed, and the cemetery was given a dignified new look with an attractive entrance.
The unforeseen arrival of Covid in 2019 temporarily slowed many activities, yet the church remained open for prayers and Holy Mass. During this challenging time, Fr Leslie, along with his assistant and resident priests, ensured that the faithful continued to receive spiritual nourishment and pastoral care.
A striking quality of Fr Leslie was his deep humility. He never sought publicity and was often reluctant to pose for photographs or step into the limelight. The undersigned can personally vouch for the enriching experience of participating in Finance Committee and Pastoral Council meetings under his able leadership—his calm, thoughtful, and inclusive approach left a lasting impression on all.
Though his official term was to be six years, it was cut short to five, as a greater responsibility awaited him as Vicar Forane of Shirva. Even in departure, true to his nature, there was no grand send-off—just a handful of representatives, barely a dozen, gathered to bid him goodbye. That was Fr Leslie: simple, sincere, and deeply spiritual. And with folded hands, he left behind one humble request:
"Keep me in your prayers"
(To be continued).