Shivamogga, July 26, 2024: Funeral ceremony of Rev. Fr Anthony Peter, Parish Priest of St. Theresa of Child Jesus Church, Shikaripura was held today at 10am at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Shivamogga.
Rev. Fr Anthony Peter, met with a road accident on Tuesday 23rd July afternoon, at Chinnikatte on the way to his parish Shikaripura. He was travelling from Shivamogga. He died on the spot.
His mortal remains were brought to the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Shivamogga at 7am for the public homage. Rev. Fr Franklin D'Souza, Diocesan Youth Director received the body and led the prayer. Rev. Fr Roshan Pinto, Director of Sannidhi, Rev. Fr Pius D'Souza, Director of SMSSS - Chaitanya, Rev. Fr Arun Venil D'Silva, Procurator of the Diocese and Fr Nelson D'Souza, HM of Loyola English High School, were present.
At 8am Diocesan Bishop Most Rev. Dr Francis Serrao SJ blessed the body.
Holy Eucharist began at 10am. Bishop Francis Serrao SJ concelebrated Holy Eucharist with Bishop Duming Dias of Diocese of Karwar, Bishop Joseph Arumachadath of Diocese of Bhadravati, Msgr Joseph Felix Noronha, Vicar General of the Diocese of Shimoga, Rev. Fr Stephen Maxi Albuquerque, Chancellor of the Diocese of Shimoga and large number of Priests from all around Karnataka.
Bishop Duming Dias of Diocese of Karwar gave the introduction, Rev. Fr Veeresh Vincent Moras, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Tirthahalli, preached a heart touching sermon. He based his homily on Lk 24:1-12; "Why do look for the living among the dead?". He connected it to the life of Fr Anthony Peter and spoke of the hope that we have in the Resurrected Lord Jesus Christ.
At the end of the Holy Eucharist Rev. Fr Steven D'Sa gave the Eulogy. Mr. Manuel Brother of Rev. Fr Anthony Peter spoke on behalf of the family. He thanked Bishop Francis Serrao SJ, Priests and Religious as well as faithful gathered for the funeral ceremony.
Bishop Francis Serrao SJ spoke on behalf of the Diocese. He said that we have lost a good and dedicated Priest. He stands tall for his love for the Poor and the downtrodden above all love for the Church.
Rev. Fr Biju, Parish Priest of Infant Jesus Church, Sharavathinagar proposed the vote of thanks. Rev. Fr Alphonse Nelson D'Souza Emceed the program.
Funeral rites were done by the Bishop Francis Serrao SJ. Bishop Duming Dias and a large number of Priests, Religious and faithful, witnessed his burial in Priests' cemetery at Cathedral Campus.
Rev. Fr Anthony Peter was born on 07.01.1973 and was ordained on 04.05.2004. He served as Assistant Parish Priest of Our Lady of Assumption Church, Hiriyur, St. Thomas Church, Davanagere. Then he did his Higher Studies & got his Doctorate in Liturgy in Urbaniana University Rome. He served as Parish Priest of St. Anthony's Shrine, Karehalli, 2017 to 2023 he served at Our Lady of Health, Minor Basilica of Harihar. At Present he was the Parish Priest of St. Theresa of Child Jesus Church, Shikaripura. In him the Diocese of Shimoga lost a good pastor.
Please click the link for the Funeral ceremony: https://www.youtube.com/live/TxEv1bnHw_0