Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, May 22: Fr Dominic Savio (John Felix) Veigas OFM Cap, a revered priest of the Franciscan Capuchin order and a lifelong servant of the Church, passed away peacefully on May 21, at the age of 89. A devoted clergyman known for his humility, pastoral zeal, and deep compassion, Fr Veigas breathed his last at St Anne’s Infirmary, Mangaluru, after a brief illness related to age.
Born on February 11, 1932, in Kurian Village, Bantwal, Dakshina Kannada, to the late Joseph Mary and Piad Veigas, Fr Dominic Savio began his journey of faith and service early in life. After completing his early education in Thodambil and Bantwal, he entered the Capuchin religious formation and was ordained a priest on October 4, 1966, at St Joseph’s Seminary, Mangaluru — fittingly, on the feast day of St Francis of Assisi, his spiritual patron.
Fr Dominic Savio embraced his priestly ministry with zeal and humility. After completing his pastoral course in Quilon, he began his mission as Assistant Parish Priest at Holy Family Church, Brahmavar, in 1969. He soon shepherded the faithful at Uliya substation (1969–1971) and returned to Brahmavar as Parish Priest (1971–1978). His deep commitment to parish life and the poor marked his next pastoral appointments: Ravi Ashram, Banakal (1978–1983), Fathimapura Church, Chikkamagaluru (1983–1985), and Tumarikop (1985–1990).
In addition to his parish responsibilities, he offered spiritual care to the sick and suffering at Wenlock Hospital, Mangaluru (1990–1993), and later at St Francis of Assisi Church, Kengeri, Bengaluru (1993–1994). His healing presence continued at St John’s Medical College and Hospital (1994–1997) as chaplain.
He was later appointed superior at Christalaya, Chikkodi (1997–2000) and Bala Yesu Nivas, Chikmagalur (2000–2003). His unwavering pastoral spirit led him to Balehonnur Parish (2003–2008) and again to Ravi Ashram, Banakal, before returning to Holy Family Church, Brahmavar, in 2008, where he lovingly served the community in various roles until 2024.
He was regarded as a priest of the needy and downtrodden. Fr Dominic Savio Veigas gave utmost importance to community building and actively encouraged parishioners' involvement in various associations and organizations such as the altar boys, Franciscan Secular Order, youth movement, girls’ sodality, Legion of Mary, and others.
He encouraged the youth and children to participate in inter-parish singing, sports, and other cultural competitions. Along with community building, Fr Dominic Savio Veigas also initiated many infrastructural developments in the church. Under his leadership, a new altar, portico, and compound wall were constructed. A priest’s residence was built adjoining the Neelavar chapel. The higher primary section was started in the Handady School. He believed that to improve the house of God, one must have faith in God.
In 2008, Fr Veigas returned to Holy Family Church in Brahmavar, where he continued to serve in various pastoral roles until late 2024. His declining health led to his transfer to St Anne’s Infirmary, where he spent his final months in peace and prayer.
In a final act of generosity, Fr Dominic Savio had expressed the wish to donate his mortal remains for medical research — a request honoured with the consent of his family, underscoring his lifelong commitment to serving humanity even in death.
His mortal remains will be kept for public homage at 3 pm on Friday, May 23, at St Anne’s Friary Chapel, Kodialbail. A funeral Mass will follow at 3:30 pm. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop of Udupi, will preside over the liturgy.
In accordance with Fr Dominic Savio's personal will, and with the consent of his close family members and relatives, his organs will be donated for medical purposes. Hence, there will be no burial service following the Mass, as his body will be entrusted immediately to the hospital for the required procedures.