Fr. Stanley J. D’Souza was born on July 4th, 1932, in Zanzibar, East Africa. After his school education in Bombay, BE in Pune and MS in the US, he entered Milford Novitiate, USA, in 1957, for Patna Mission. After philosophy at West Baden College and theology at DNC, Pune he was ordained a priest in 1966.
Stan served in various places in the provinces of Patna and Delhi and at Vidyajyoti in different capacities. Even though he held a PG degree in civil engineering, his dream over the years kept driving him toward retreats and spiritual direction. These ministries meant the world to him, and he often wished he had more of them to satisfy his zeal and “fill up his cup of happiness.” He spent several years giving retreats fulltime, basing himself in Goa and Bandra. He was a very patient listener in counselling situations. Stan was a very caring person and was always willing to help anybody in need. He was very systematic and did his job to perfection. As treasurer he kept accounts accurately. He was a voracious reader and lover of Crossword Puzzles and Sudokus. His lifestyle was simple. He wore old clothes, leaving all the new clothes gifted to him in the suitcase itself. He travelled light. A small backpack was all that he needed for a month-long stay outside the community. Stan cherished deep relationships and longed to be in the company of people.
In November 2020 Stan was shifted from Shahbad to Raj Niwas Marg Community, Delhi. He enjoyed reasonably good health. His condition suddenly deteriorated on December 2nd and so was rushed to Holy Family Hospital. There on December 19th, 2020 the Lord called Stan to his eternal reward. Stan, intercede for us.
- Mathew Padayatty, SJ
