Diocese of Shimoga Welcomes New Priest: Fr. Glanson D'Souza

Kollangana, Kasaragod, Kerala | April 23, 2026:

The Diocese of Shimoga rejoiced as Deacon Glanson D’Souza was ordained to the priesthood on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at his home parish, St. Thomas the Apostle’s Church, Kollangana.

The solemn Eucharist and Rite of Ordination began at 10:00 a.m. Most Rev. Dr. Francis Serrao, S.J., Bishop of Mysore, conferred the sacred order of priesthood on the candidate. Twenty-nine priests concelebrated the Mass, joined by religious and a large gathering of faithful. Rev. Fr. Abel Lobo of the Diocese of Mangalore, a native of Kollangana, led the choir and enriched the liturgy with devotional hymns. Brs. Bleston Lobo, Rolson D’Souza, and Snehal served as acolytes.

A short felicitation programme followed the Mass. Rev. Fr. Roman Pinto, Parish Priest of Kabale, was the Master of Ceremonies. The programme opened with a prayer dance by children of Carmel Ward. Seated on the dais were Fr. Glanson D’Souza, his mother Mrs. Gladys D’Souza, Most Rev. Francis Serrao, S.J., Rev. Fr. Rithesh Rodrigues, Parish Priest of Kollangana, and Rev. Msgr. Stany D’Souza, Delegate of the Apostolic Administrator, Shimoga.

Mr. Everest Rodrigues extended a warm welcome. The newly ordained priest then cut a celebratory cake. Rev. Fr. Oswald Monteiro, Parish Priest of Kirem, introduced Fr. Glanson and his family and offered his congratulations. Felicitations were offered by family members, Carmel Ward, and the parish choir through a melodious wishing song. Bishop Francis Serrao, Fr. Rithesh Rodrigues, and the pastoral council members also honoured and blessed the new priest.

The occasion also marked the 41st ordination anniversary of Msgr. Stany D’Souza, which was celebrated with a cake cutting. In his vote of thanks, Fr. Glanson D’Souza expressed gratitude to God, the bishop, his formators, family, and all who supported his vocational journey. He also honoured the dignitaries present. The programme concluded with a fellowship meal and greetings from the guests.

Personal Details:

Fr. Glanson D’Souza was born on May 3, 1998, and baptized in June 1998 at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Kollangana, by Fr. Oswald Monteiro. He is the son of the late Mr. Gregory D’Souza, who passed away on February 9, 2013, and Mrs. Gladys D’Souza. He has an elder sister, Ms. Gloria D’Souza, who works in Dubai.

Formation Journey:

– Primary Education: K.M.A.U.P. School, Kallakatta (2003–2010)

– High School: B.E.M High School, Kasaragod (2010–2013)

– Pre-Novitiate: Jesuit Pre-Novitiate, Loyola, Mangalore (2013–2015)

– PUC: St. Aloysius PU College, Mangalore

– Joined Diocese of Shimoga: 2015

– B.Com: St. Aloysius Degree College, Harihar, while residing at the Minor Basilica, Harihara (2015–2018)

– Philosophy: St. Joseph’s Inter-diocesan Seminary, Mangalore (2018–2021)

– Regency: Sannidhi Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Shimoga (2021–2022)

– Theology: Jnana Deepa, Pune (2022–2025)

– Diaconate Ordination: August 13, 2025, at Infant Jesus Church, Sharavathinagar, Shivamogga

– Diaconate Ministry: St. Antony’s Church, Ragigudda, Shivamogga