Bangalore, 10-10-2019: A large congregation of priests and religious, bishops and lay faithful from the diocese of Chikkamagaluru, Bengaluru and all over Karnataka paid their last respect to the faithful minister Bishop John Baptist Sequeira, the retired bishop of Chikkamagaluru diocese. The funeral mass was offered in the auditorium of the little sisters of the poor, Hosur Road and the deceased prelate 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.
Bishop Sequeira passed away on 9th October, 2019 at 11.20 p.m. 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 by the Archbishop of Bangalore Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado along with him Most Rev. Bernard Moras, Most Rev. Dr. Ignatius Pinto, archbishops emeriti of Bangalore, Bishop T. Anthonyswamy(Chikamgalore), Bishop Henry D’souza (Bellary), Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo(Udupi), Bishop Francis Serrao (Shimoga) and Bishop K.A. William (Mysore)were present.
Bishop Francis Serrao in his homily highlighted that Bp Sequeira spent all his life as a faithful minister to spread the light of Christ that was radiated to 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 Bp. J.B. Sequiera’s life was a life spent for the mission. He was a father, companion, a friend, a mentor, friendly and had a special love towards the ex-seminarians. His pastoral life and the episcopal ministry was praised as he was an elder brother and wise father, never forgot that he was a child of God.
At the end of the mass, as a mark of respect different representatives laid wreaths and garlands over the remains of the deceased prelate. Most Rev. Bernard Moras, the archbishop emeritus of Bangalore offered the final prayers and all the prelates who were present blessed and incensed the mortal remains of Bishop J.B. Sequiera. Msgr. Ronald Cardozo, the Vicar General of the Chikkamagaluru diocese proposed the eulogy while the present bishop of the same diocese, Most Rev. T. Anthonyswamy thanked the entire congregation for all the funeral arrangements made for his predecessor.
With honor the bishop was taken in funeral procession to his final place of rest. It is commended that the loss of Bp. Sequeira is a great loss to the Karanataka region and in large to the Indian Church.
May His soul Rest In Peace.
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Rev. Fr. Cyril Victor Joseph
Archdiocesan Communication Center