By Fr Richard D’Souza
Aug. 20 : Most Rev Dr Peter Paul Saldanha appointed, Fr Paul Melwyn D Souza OFM cap as the Episcopal Vicar for Religious for Mangalore on 20 August 2020. Fr Paul Melwyn D Souza OFM cap took charge in a simple ceremony held at Bishop’s House, Mangalore, in the presence of the Bishop on the same day.
Msgr Maxim L Noronha, Vicar General, Fr Victor George D Souza, the Chancellor, Fr Victor Vijay Lobo, PRO and Procurator, Fr Rohan Lobo, the Secretary to Bishop and Fr Richard D Souza, Director Canara Communication Centre were present.
Bishop felicitated Very Rev Paul Melwyn D Souza OFM cap, the new Episcopal Vicar for Religious with a shawl and Vicar General Msgr Maxim Noronha felicitated him with a garland .The new Episcopal Vicar for religious expressed his willingness to work along with the Bishop to carry out his responsibilities in the diocese.
Fr Paul Melwyn D Souza OFM cap, presently, the Superior of St Ann’s Friary Jail Road Bejai, was born on 4th April 1969 at Basrikatte, Chikmagaluru, and was ordained priest for OFM cap Congregation on 14th January 1997. He holds a Ph D in Theology of Religions from Zurich University, Switzerland and presented his Doctoral Dissertation on ‘The challenges of Hindu – Christian Dialogue in the context of Hindu Fundamentalism in India.’ He is a good writer, teacher, Preacher and a spiritual guide. He has composed devotional hymns and produced many devotional Cds. At present he is also the Asst. Provincial of Holy Trinity Province Karnataka and the President Konkani Natak Sabha Mangalore.