Rev. Msgr. Marie Joseph

OBITUARY: REV. MSGR. N. S. MARIE JOSEPH

Rev. Msgr. N. S. Marie Joseph, 77 years of age, was born on 27^th September 1942 in Mysuru. His parents are late Mr. Shanthappa and Mrs. Chowramma. He was baptized on 16^th October 1942 at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Mysuru. His parents were devoted Catholics. He finished his elementary studies in Cathedral schools, Mysuru. He joined St. Mary’s Minor Seminary after SSLC to study for priesthood, and completed his Philosophy and Theology in St. Peter’s Pontifical Seminary, Bengaluru. He was ordained Deacon on 28^th September 1966 by Most Rev. James Knox, the then Apostolic Inter Nuncio to India. He was ordained a Priest on 13^th April 1967 by Most Rev. Dr. Matthias Fernandes, the then Bishop of Mysore.  He served in the following places and capacities in the Diocese of Mysore.

He was unwell in the fag-end of his stay and ministry at St. Peter’s Church, Bogadi.  He was on medical treatment at Apollo and other hospitals.  After his retirement, he came to Prashantha Nilaya, Mysuru and few months back he was sick and diagnosed with bone-marrow cancer at St. John’s Medical College Hospital, Bengaluru.  He had received two chemo-therapies and he was not able to continue the third one.  He had multiple complications such as kidney and heart problem, infection in lungs and blood, and high diabetes.  His heart was weak.  He was taking treatment under Dr. Cecil Rose at St. John’s Hospital, Bengaluru.  He was in and out of ICU several times due to the above mentioned complications.  I visited him 4 to 5 times in St. John’s Hospital, Bengaluru and all through he was conscious, was able to speak and express himself well.  He had resigned himself to the will of God, accepted well his situation and was prepared for any eventuality.  Perhaps this made him to write a very clear last will and handed over to me few months back.  I was shocked to receive the phone call from Dr. Cecil Rose early morning on 05.02.2019 at 3.15 am informing about his sad demise. 

His mortal remains was kept at St. Mary’s Minor Seminary, Bannimantap for the public to offer their last respect.  His funeral requiem mass was held at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Mysuru at 10.30 am on Wednesday, the 6th Feb. 2019.  He is laid to rest at St. Michael’s Farm, Kesare, Mysuru. 

Rev. Msgr. N. S. Marie Joseph was a good pastor, an able administrator and an educationist and a pioneer in liturgical music.  He played a vital role in the field of education as the Secretary of Mysore Diocesan Education Society, Mysuru.  He was also a faculty, Associate Professor and then the HOD of the Department of Christianity in the University of Mysore.  He also headed the Chair of the Christianity in the University of Mysore.  He served as the Vicar General for the Diocese of Mysore for the then Bishops Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Roy and Most Rev. Dr. Thomas A. Vazhapilly.  During his term as a VG, he has always stood by the Bishop in every situation and was very loyal to the Church.  After Vatican II, he was a prominent and leading composer of liturgical hymns in vernacular language.  He brought out many cassettes and CD’s.  Presently he was in the verge of bringing out a new Christian musical album and a book of all his reflections and thoughts, which he has kept ready for printing.  His heart was always for parish ministry.  Not to forget, he was instrumental to propose St. Joseph’s Parish, Jayalakshmipuram when he was the Secretary of MDES.  He was the Dean of Mysore Deanery and was always a friend to priests of all generations.  He used to conduct many Bible seminars far and wide.  He used to visit many of the rural parishes with a projector for Bible film show and was always spreading faith by showing Bible movies to the faithful.

Rev. Msgr. N. S. Marie Joseph will be always remembered in the diocese of Mysore for all the achievements he has excelled in various capacities throughout.  He has always fulfilled every responsibility entrusted to him with fortitude and excellence.  I take this opportunity to thank all who played an important role in his life, vocation and ministry as a priest of God. I thank Rev. Fathers, Sisters, Doctors and Nurses, very specially Dr. Cecil Rose – St. John’s Hospital, Bengaluru and Dr. Ramakrishna – St. Joseph’s Hospital, Mysuru.  Also a word of appreciation to his family members specially Mr. Naveen and Mr. Philip for all the care provided to Msgr. Marie Joseph. 

We, the Bishop, Bishop Emeritus, Clergy, Religious and Lay faithful of the Diocese of Mysore deeply condole and pay homage to the departed soul of Msgr. N. S. Marie Joseph and convey our sincere sympathies to the family members, near & dear ones.

Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord.  May the perpetual light shine upon him.

May his soul rest in peace. Amen