Events
Thousands Mourn the Sudden Death of Fr Nikson & Bro Arun Kumar:

Bellary: 09 FEB 25

Fr. Nikson A,( 35) the Parish Priest of Queen of Angels Church, Kottur and Bro Arun Kumar( 25) , Regent lost their lives to fatal accident which took place on their way from Hoovina Hadagalli to Kottur after the celebration of Holy Eucharist. The fatal tragic event took place at about 2.45 p.m, on Sunday the 9th February, while hit by a speeding vehicle. Fr.Nikson, died on the spot, while Bro. Arun, a Regent, succumbed to serious injuries at a hospital in Davangere. Bishop Henry D’Souza and the Diocese of Bellary are in deep shock and sorrow.

Fr. Nikson D Souza was ordained priest in 2020 . He was the first priest from Munirabad Parish of Koppal district. A dedicated and compassionate priest, Kottur Mission was the first appointment as Parish Priest, which he dedicatedly and lovingly served till his death. Kottur Mission is attached with Queen of Angels School , which is blooming under his able leadership. He was the Secretary for the Diocesan Commission for Prison Ministry. He actively organised health camps and special programs for prisoners, particularly on Christmas, Republic Day and other festive occasions. He was a very enthusiastic and committed priest,” Bishop Henry recollected.

Bro. Arun, from Jawelgera Parish, who had completed his philosophy studies, had been working closely with Fr. Nikson for the past three months. Bishop Henry noted that Bro. Arun had a deep love for the poor and approached his work with genuine dedication. “Their sudden passing is an immense loss to the diocese,” Bishop Henry stated. “We lost two young souls. However, God has His own plan for everybody and we can only say yes to His Holy will.”

Their funeral Mass took place on Monday, February 10, at 5:30 PM at St. Anthony’s Cathedral, Cowl Bazaar, Ballari.

Large number of Priests from the Diocese of Bellary, Priests from Davangera , Religious from various communities , lay faithful and others participated in the heart breaking funeral service.

Thereafter the mortal remains of Fr. Nikson A was taken to the Roman Catholic Cemetery, Cowl Bazaar, Ballari and interred in the place allotted to priests. The mortal remains of Bro Arun Kumar was taken to St Francis Assisi Church, Jawalgera , Raichur district ,his native place after the funeral Mass at St Antony’s Cathedral, Bellary on 10th February. Bishop Henry D’Souza, Bishop of Bellary, large number of priests participated in the concelebrated funeral Mass on 11th February at Jawelgera. His mortal remains are buried in the parish cemetery of Jawelgera, Raichur District.

Bishop Henry extended his heartfelt condolences to family members of Fr Nikson, Bro Arun, priests, religious communities, and the faithful of Munirabad and Jawalgera parishes, urging everyone to remain united in prayer during this time of grief. The Bellary Diocese remembers Fr. Nikson and Bro. Arun for their unwavering faith and selfless service, praying for their eternal rest.