By Matters India Reporter

Pune, Feb 26, 2020: Retired Bishop Valerian D’Souza of Poona, who was known as the singing prelate of India, died on Feb 25. He was 86.

The funeral will be held at 11:30 am on February 27 at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Pune.

Bishop D’Souza was born in Pune on October 3, 1933. He completed his Bachelor of Science course in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics before commencing his studies for priesthood.

He obtained a licentiate in Philosophy at the Papal Seminary in Pune and studied theology at the Jesuit-run faculty Sankt George, Frankfurt, Germany.

He was ordained a priest on June 29, 1961. He also obtained a Bachelor of Education degree and served as the principal of Garrison High School (now St. Jude High School) Dehu Road, for seven years.

In 1971 he was appointed vicar general of the diocese and in December 1976 vicar capitular.

On September 25, 1977, he was ordained Bishop of Poona. He has served as the chairman of the Commission for Seminaries, Clergy and Religious for seven years; chairman of the Commission for Youth of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) Western Region; president of the CBCI Western Region for four years and chairman of the CBCI Commission for Women for four years.

In February 2002 he was elected vice president of the Conference of Catholic Bishops’ of India (CCBI) of Latin Rite.

In September 2000, Pope St. John Paul II nominated him as a member of the Pontifical Council COR UNUM, which promotes and coordinates Christian Charity and development efforts, for a period of five years. In May 2007 his term was extended to another five years. On March 31, 2007, he was appointed Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Nashik.

He was called a“Singing Bishop” as he communicated God’s message in song, himself playing the guitar.

His sense of humor and joy in the Lord touched the hearts of people. On the occasion of his Episcopal Silver Jubilee in September 2002 two books containing his writings were released, entitled: “Love is the Only Answer” and “Shepherd’s Voice”.

Even after his retirement, he was actively involved in pastoral ministry in the diocese until his death. He was a priest for 58 years and a bishop for 42 years.