BIS # 964 FR. JOAQUIM D’SOUZA APPOINTED SUPERIOR OF THE VICE PROVINCE OF UPS

ROME, JUNE 6, 2008:
Fr. Joaquim D’Souza has been appointed the Superior of the Vice Province of the Salesian Pontifical University (UPS) in Rome by the Rector Major Fr. Pascual Chavez. He replaces the outgoing Superior Fr. Giuseppe Nicolussi. Fr. Joaquim D’Souza recently completed twelve years in office as the Regional Councilor for South Asia. This new appointment will now see him serving as the Superior of UPS for the next six years.

Having spent most of his life in the formation field, Fr. Joaquim is well suited for this new responsibility. He obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy in 1965 and then proceeded to the Salesian University at Rome where he completed his Doctorate in Philosophy in 1970, following which he taught philosophy for two years at Yercaud. After his ordination in 1975 he returned to the teaching field as professor of philosophy, both, at Pune and Yercaud. From 1981 to 1984 he served as Rector at Pune, and then from 1984 to 1988 as Rector of Divyadaan, Nashik. In 1988 he was appointed Vice Provincial of the Mumbai Province and in 1994 he took over as Provincial. At GC24 in 1996 he was elected as Regional Councilor for Australasia. After the reorganization of Regions at GC25 in 2002, he was elected as Regional Councilor for South Asia. At the recently concluded GC26 he laid down office after successfully serving the region for 12 years. As he takes up this responsibility of Superior of the UPS, he brings to his new task, both, his international experience as well as his expertise in the formation field.

It is indeed a proud moment for the Mumbai Province as Fr. Joaquim takes up this prestigious service to the Congregation. We wish him good luck God’s blessings!