Bishop John Baptist Sequeira was laid to rest

Bangalore, Oct 11: Bishop John Baptist Sequeira, former bishop of Chikkamagaluru diocese was laid to rest on Friday evening in the Hosur Road Catholic cemetery (St. Patrick’s Church Cemetery) as he wished to be buried among the commoners. A large congregation of priests and religious, bishops and lay faithful from the diocese of Chikkamagaluru, Bengaluru and all over Karnataka paid their last respects to the faithful minister. The funeral Mass was offered in the auditorium of the Little Sisters of the Poor, Hosur Road, Bengaluru..

Bishop Sequeira passed away on October 9 due to old age ailments at the Home of the Little Sisters of the Poor on Hosur Road, Bangalore. He was brought in procession by the priests of Chikkamagaluru diocese for the funeral Mass that was presided over by Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore. Other bishops who concelebrated with him included Archbishop emeritus Bernard Moras, Archbishop emeritus Ignatius Pinto, Bishop T. Anthony Swamy (Chikkamagaluru), Bishop Henry D’Souza (Bellary), Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo (Udupi), Bishop Francis Serrao, SJ (Shimoga) and Bishop K.A. William (Mysore), said Fr. Cyril Victor Joseph of Archdiocesan Communication Centre.

Bishop Francis Serrao in his homily highlighted that Bishop Sequeira spent all his life as a faithful minister to spread the light of Christ that radiated in the dark and remote areas especially of Chikkamagaluru diocese. He noted that “Life is a journey, a journey from birth to death. It is a final Eucharistic celebration of the priest. Even as we pray for the repose of the soul of Bishop Sequeira, we do not mourn his death but celebrate his life, memory and legacy.”

In the context of the Extraordinary Mission Month it was narrated how Bishop J.B. Sequiera’s life was a life spent for the mission. He was a father, companion, a friend and a mentor. He was friendly with all and had a special love towards the ex-seminarians. His pastoral life and the episcopal ministry were lauded as he was considered an elder brother and wise father, never forgetting that he was a child of God.

At the end of the Mass, as a mark of respect different representatives laid wreathes and garlands over the remains of the deceased prelate. Dr Bernard Moras, offered the final prayers and all the prelates who were present blessed and incensed the mortal remains of Bishop Sequeira. Msgr. Ronald Cardozo, the Vicar General of the Chikkamagaluru diocese proposed the eulogy while the present bishop of the same diocese, Dr T. Anthonyswamy thanked all concerned and the entire congregation for all the arrangements made for the funeral of his predecessor.

The mortal remains of the bishop were taken in procession to his final place of rest. It was commended that the loss of Bishop Sequeira is a great loss for the Karnataka State and the Indian Church in general. May His soul Rest In Peace.