April 17, 2026

The Faith-Filled Cradle of Yermal-Uchhila

Nestled gracefully along the bustling NH66 between Udupi and Mangalore lies the serene village of Yermal, fondly known as Uchhila. This modest hamlet is home to a warm, closely-knit Catholic community of about 50 families, whose enduring faith and quiet unity have withstood the passage of time.

From as early as 1935, the faithful of this area belonged to Shirva Church. Priests would visit several times a year to celebrate Holy Mass in the homes of the people. The important task of coordinating these spiritual gatherings was faithfully carried out by the Gurkar—first by Louis D’Souza, the grandfather of the Bishop-elect, and later by his son, Lawrence D’Souza.

With deep resolve and shared devotion, the local Catholic families—including the D’Souza household and six others—came together to acquire around 3.62 acres of land. Their collective dream was realised when a simple chapel was built and blessed on 25th April 1961. Over the years, this humble place of worship evolved into the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Yermal. It was elevated to parish status on 25th May 1993, with Rev. Fr Peter Nazareth serving as its first resident priest. The community continued to flourish, leading to the blessing of a new and beautiful church on 14th May 2015. The Silver Jubilee of the parish was celebrated with great joy on 25th May 2018, marking 25 vibrant years of parish life.

Early Years and the Awakening of a Priestly Calling

Born on 19th August 1962 into this deeply pious environment, Msgr Leslie Clifford D’Souza was the son of Lawrence and Cecilia D’Souza, a devout and hardworking family of agriculturists.

In the absence of nearby Catholic schools, young Leslie received his early education in local Hindu institutions in Uchhila. Despite limited resources, he distinguished himself as a bright and promising student. The simple chapel, the occasional visits of priests, and the strong religious atmosphere at home gently nurtured his faith, slowly awakening within him the call to serve God as a priest.

A historic moment for Yermal arrived on 10th May 1990, when its own son was ordained a priest by the late Bishop Basil S D’Souza, coinciding with the Bishop’s silver jubilee of episcopal ministry (1965–1990). This ordination, likely the first priestly vocation from the village, brought immense pride and joy to the entire community.

Seminary Life, Early Ministry and Academic Pursuit

During his seminary formation, Fr Leslie was remembered by his companions as energetic, creative and full of zeal. He was particularly admired for his sporting talents, excelling in football and volleyball, which made him a popular figure among fellow seminarians.

His priestly ministry began as Assistant Parish Priest at Holy Rosary Church, Kundapura (1990–1992), followed by three years of dedicated service in Kulshekar (1992–1995). While faithfully fulfilling pastoral responsibilities, he also completed a Master’s degree in English Literature. His academic ability was recognised when he was appointed to teach at St Joseph Seminary from 1995 to 1997.

Encouraged by Church authorities, he pursued higher studies abroad in Belgium, where he specialised in Moral Theology and successfully completed his Ph.D. between 1997 and 2003. Upon his return, Rev Dr Leslie D’Souza served as Formator and Professor at St Joseph’s Inter-diocesan Seminary from 2003 to 2010, guiding and shaping future priests with wisdom and dedication.

Scholar, Formator and Renewing Presence in Pangla

Driven by a genuine love for learning and priestly formation, Bishop-elect Msgr Leslie Clifford D’Souza pursued advanced studies with quiet determination. After his M.A. in English Literature, he earned a Master’s and Licentiate in Sacred Theology, along with a Diploma in Psychology and Formation. The crowning achievement of his academic journey was his Ph.D. in Moral Theology from the renowned KU Leuven in Belgium.

Returning to Mangalore, he took up the role of Formator and Professor at St Joseph Inter-diocesan Seminary (2003–2010), continuing as a visiting professor until 2013. In these years, he not only imparted theological knowledge but also instilled deep values of faith, discipline and pastoral commitment in the seminarians.

A fresh chapter began in June 2010 when he was appointed Vicar of St John the Evangelist Church, Shankarpura (Pangla). Serving as a caring shepherd, he fostered unity and helped the parish grow as one loving family in Christ. He brought renewed energy to the educational institutions, inspiring teachers and students alike to strive for excellence in academics and moral formation. The people of Pangla still recall his seven-year tenure with deep affection as a time of genuine renewal and growth. It was during this period that he joyfully celebrated his Sacerdotal Silver Jubilee, offering thanks to God for His abundant blessings.

Humble Builder and Shepherd at Mount Rosary

On 5th June 2017, Fr Leslie Clifford D’Souza arrived at Mount Rosary Church accompanied by a small group of priests and a handful of parishioners from Pangla. In a simple and unassuming manner, he took charge from Fr Philip Neri Aranha, stepping quietly onto the altar.

Under his gentle guidance, the liturgy became more vibrant and spiritually uplifting. The choir was revived, and the youth—especially through ICYM and YCS—found the church campus a welcoming space for prayer, growth and fellowship. With the support of his assistant, Fr Clany D’Souza (once his own student), he entrusted responsibilities in nurturing children and young people. The completion of the Mount Rosary English Medium High School building was a significant milestone, and Fr Leslie made it a daily practice to visit the school, quietly living the principle that “cleanliness is next to godliness.”

Several thoughtful developments enhanced the parish: a serene grotto was created, the compound received a protective boundary wall, an open stage was built, and the cemetery was given a dignified new entrance.

Even during the difficult days of Covid-19 in 2019, the church remained open for prayer and Holy Mass, with Fr Leslie and his team ensuring continued pastoral care for the faithful.

His profound humility was evident to all—he avoided publicity and was always reluctant to be in the spotlight. Those who worked with him in Finance Committee and Pastoral Council meetings remember his calm, thoughtful and inclusive leadership. Though his official term was six years, it ended after five when he was called to serve as Vicar Forane of Shirva. His farewell was characteristically modest, with only a small group present. As he left, he made one simple request: “Keep me in your prayers.”

Called to Lead the Diocese of Udupi

When Rev. Dr. Leslie C. D’Souza was appointed Vicar of the large Shirva Parish and Dean of Shirva deanery, many who knew him quietly sensed that God might have greater plans in store. Fr Leslie himself never sought such roles; his heart remained focused on humble, faithful service.

His time in Shirva Varado provided valuable leadership experience and brought him close to the clergy and people across its dynamic parishes. He walked with them in their daily joys and struggles, truly becoming one among them.

Now, in just four years, that quiet hope has been fulfilled. He has been chosen to shepherd the young and growing Diocese of Udupi. The path ahead holds many challenges, as the Diocese includes 52 parishes spread across five deaneries: Kundapura, Kallianpur, Udupi, Shirva and Karkala. Yet he faces the future with deep trust in divine providence, often repeating the reassuring words, “Devacha Ghara Kain Unne Na”—there is no scarcity in God’s kingdom.

Those who know him well see in him a true shepherd—one who leads by example, a compelling preacher, sincere, dedicated and hardworking. His chosen episcopal motto, “Humble and Meek of Heart,” beautifully reflects the spirit of the man and his mission.

He is mindful of the realities before him: fewer vocations amid smaller families and modern influences, with nearly half of the 75 priests above the age of 50. Continuing to encourage active lay participation, addressing the needs of senior citizens, and nurturing the faith and future of children and youth will remain important priorities.

History teaches that God often chooses the humble and unassuming for great missions. In Fr Leslie—a 64-year-old priest of simple bearing, yet rich in over 36 years of varied priestly experience—the Diocese finds a shepherd equipped with wisdom, deep faith and a heart for unity.

As he steps into this new responsibility on the occasion of his Episcopal Ordination on 20th April 2026, let us keep him in our prayers, asking the Lord to guide, strengthen and abundantly bless him in the years ahead.