Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jul 6: Fr Robert Crasta, one of the senior-most priests of the diocese of Mangalore, passed away on Monday morning at St Zuze Vaz Home in Jeppu. He was 82. His demise marks the end of a priestly journey spanning more than five decades, during which he served the church in pastoral care, education and administration.

Born on October 14, 1944, in Bela to Cornelius Crasta and Remedia Monteiro, Fr Crasta was ordained a priest on December 1, 1971. From the beginning of his ministry, he served in several parishes across the diocese, earning the respect and affection of parishioners for his dedicated service.

He began his priestly ministry as assistant parish priest at Omzoor between 1971 and 1974, followed by a stint at Urwa from 1974 to 1975. He later served as parish priest at Tannirbhavi (1975–1977), Petri (1980–1985), Nidpalli (1994–2002), Sullia (2006–2007), Kateel (2007–2012) and Fermai (2012–2017).

Alongside his pastoral responsibilities, Fr Crasta made notable contributions to higher education. He served as a lecturer at Milagres College, Kallianpur, from 1977 to 1980, at Puttur College from 1994 to 2002, and at Pompei College in 2002. Between 1985 and 1994, he served as principal at the institution in Madanthyar, where he played a key role in shaping the academic and moral development of students.

After retiring from active ministry in 2017, Fr Crasta spent his retirement at St Zuze Vaz Home in Jeppu, the residence for retired priests of the diocese of Mangalore.

The diocese of Mangalore has expressed its condolences and commended the departed priest to the mercy of God, praying for the eternal repose of his soul.

The diocese said details regarding the funeral rites and final blessings will be announced once they are finalised.