By Br Aliester D’Souza for BISMumbai

On 22 November 2022, Fr Salvador D’Souza was laid to rest at Sewri Christian Cemetery. At 95 years of age, he was the senior most Salesian of the Salesian Province of Bombay.

Fr Salu (as he was lovingly called) was born on 16 November 1927 to Antonio and Luisa D’Souza at Karachi. In 1942, just as Don Bosco School had shifted to the new premises in Matunga, he joined the school, thus being associated with Don Bosco for over 80 years. After joining the Salesians, he made his first profession on 24 May 1953 at Kotagiri and was ordained on 1 May 1963 at Madras.

In his 69 years as a Salesian and 59 years of priestly service, Fr Salu has contributed most generously to the Salesian mission in the Madras and the Bombay provinces. Known for his proficiency in academics, he completed his B.Ed in 1956, and was Headmaster at Sacred Heart, Madras, during his years as a practical trainee from 1956-59. He was later Principal at Don Bosco, Lonavla. However, he served most as Administrator in various institutions of the Province. He also served as the Economer of the Province for seven years from 1975-82.

To those under his care, during his term as Administrator, especially in Lonavla and Andheri, Fr Salu showered them with an outpouring of love. In his understanding, while the Rector is the ‘father’ of the house, the administrator is the ‘mother’. No doubt, these young lads felt his affectionate love and lovingly called him ‘Papa Sal’.

Bishop Barthol Barretto was the principal celebrant at the funeral Mass. He mentioned that he had known Fr Salu for quite many years and his piety and devotion always made an impression upon him. Fr Savio Silveira, in his homily, while speaking of the many good qualities of Fr Salu concluded that he lived his life as a true son of Don Bosco.

After the Mass, Fr Salu’s mortal remains were buried at the Salesian Cemetery after a short moment of prayer. Truly, it was one of those days that the Salesian congregation has lost an ardent brother, a dedicated religious whose heart always burned bright for the salvation of young people.