Priest dies as car collides with transport bus

By Matters India Reporter

Bengaluru, July 23, 2024: A priest of the southern Indian diocese of Shimoga was killed July 23 in a road accident.

Father Antony Peter, parish priest of St Theresa Little Flower of Jesus Church in Shikaripura, died when his car collided with a Karnataka state transport bus accident near Savalanga, some 25 km north of the diocesan headquarters. He was 51.

The priest was travelling from Shivamogga to Shikaripura. A seminarian identified as Brother Stephen, travelling with Father Peter, was wounded seriously and was admitted to Nanjappa Hospital, Shivamogga.

The funeral of Father Peter will be held on July 25 at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Shivamogga, says a press note from the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI).

He served as the parish priest of Harihara Basilica during 2016-2023. He worked tirelessly alongside Jesuit Bishop Francis Serrao of Shimoga to elevate the Harihar Shrine to a minor basilica in 2019, the CCBI press statement says.

Father Peter was born in 1973 in Bhadravathi, Karnataka, and was ordained a priest in 2004.

His spiritual guidance and community service earned him deep respect during his time at the Harihara Basilica. His passing leaves a void in the Shimoga diocese, where he was beloved for his selfless contributions, the CCBI press note adds.