Archbishop Most Rev. Leo Cornelio SVD along with many priests, religious and laity remembered very fondly the Late Archbishop Eugene D’ Souza, the founder of the diocese on his 17^th Death Anniversary and prayed for the departed soul at St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral, Jehangirabad.

In his address to the people, Archbishop Leo Cornelio SVD said that the late bishop was loved by young and old and asked the people to follow the example of Bishop Eugene by doing their duty without expecting the reward. The Church is not a building but the people who belonged to it, he said.  According to Bp. Eugene the work of the priests are not merely satisfy the spiritual needs of the people, though it was their primary duty he wanted them to assist people in all their educational, health, family and even economical needs, he continued.

Late Archbishop Most Rev. Eugene D’ Souza was born on 15 November 1917. Later he became the Archbishop of Bhopal in 1963 since then the diocese of Bhopal gradually began to be developed with many institutions, churches and religious personals. He gave his last breath on 18 March 2003.

Fr. Maria Stephen, the PRO said that Late Archbishop Eugene was intelligent and down to the earth who remains in the heart of all. His soft skills on relationship brought the people together from far and wide and made known the Mission of the Church in the diocese.  

Fr. Johny PJ sheds light on the life of the late Archbishop Eugene at the beginning of the Holy Mass.  The choir for the Holy Mass was led by Parish choir. Fr. Jerald Arockia, the Asst. Parish Priest of Cathedral thanked everyone for their presence at the end of the Holy Mass, followed by blessing of the tomb of late Archbishop Eugene. The word on his tomb is read: ‘A beautiful life that came to an end. He died as he lived, everyone’s friend, in our hearts a memory  will always be kept of the one who loved and will never forget’.. .