By C. M. Paul
Kolkata, Sept. 28, 2025: In a gesture echoing the humility of Pope Benedict XVI and the pastoral heart of St. John Mary Vianney, Archbishop Thomas D’Souza of Kolkata has retired—not into silence, but into service.
He will now assist at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Barasat, a parish in North 24 Parganas district, some 25 km northeast of Kolkata.
His farewell Mass, held at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Rosary on September 28, was presided over by newly installed Archbishop Elias Frank and attended by Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli. The celebration marked the close of a remarkable ecclesial journey and the beginning of a quieter, yet deeply meaningful, vocation.
Eight bishops from the Bengal-Sikkim region, more than 70 priests, religious from 31 congregations, and scores of faithful filled the cathedral. Consular officials from Italy, France, and Russia, as well as Kolkata Member of Parliament Derek O’Brien were also present.
Appointed by Pope John Paul II as the first Bishop of Bagdogra in 1997, Archbishop D’Souza laid the spiritual and administrative foundations of the fledgling North Bengal diocese. For 14 years, he nurtured vocations, strengthened catechesis, and built bridges across ethnic and linguistic divides.
In 2012, he was called to lead the Archdiocese of Calcutta, succeeding Salesian Archbishop Lucas Sircar. Over the next 13 years, he became a steady presence in a city of contrasts—championing interfaith dialogue, expanding educational and social apostolates, and guiding the faithful through national and ecclesial milestones, including Mother Teresa’s canonization.
He also served as apostolic administrator of Krishnagar (2019–2022) and contributed to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India Commission for Education, advocating value-based learning and the integration of faith and reason in Catholic institutions.
At the farewell Mass, Archbishop Girelli praised Archbishop D’Souza for serving the archdiocese “with zeal, dedication, wisdom and love” and thanked him for his “faithful and dedicated services in the episcopal ministry.” “Your unwavering witness to Christ and his Church will be long remembered by the faithful of the archdiocese,” he added.
Archbishop Elias Frank, now the 10th Archbishop of Calcutta, described his predecessor as “a mentor and a missionary,” adding, “Archbishop Thomas has shown us that leadership is not about power, but presence. His legacy will live on in every parish, every school, and every soul he touched.”
In an age of clericalism and careerism, Archbishop D’Souza’s return to parish ministry may be his most eloquent homily. His choice is not a retreat, but a return—to the altar, to the people, to the heart of priesthood.
The Archdiocese of Calcutta, covering Kolkata, Howrah, and surrounding regions, is the largest ecclesiastical jurisdiction in West Bengal. It spans 29,858 sq. km and serves over 177,000 Catholics among a population of 40 million.
As Kolkata bids farewell to its shepherd, it receives a servant. And in that exchange, the Church rediscovers its soul.
He’s a capable shepherd, and as a priest, his leadership will positively impact the congregation through his words, actions, and guidance.