Remembering Rev. Fr. Sebastian D'Cruz: A Life of Faithful Service and Mission

Allahabad 1st Nov 2025: The Diocese of Allahabad mourns the loss of a beloved priest, Rev. Fr. Sebastian D'Cruz, who passed away peacefully on October 31, 2025, after battling illness for almost two months. He was 85 years old.

Born on November 3, 1940, in Belman, Mangalore, Fr. Sebastian was raised in a devout Catholic family deeply rooted in Christian faith. His parents, Mr. Santhan D'Cruz and Mrs. Juliana D'Cruz, nurtured his early calling to serve God, which blossomed fully in his lifelong vocation as a priest. He embraced the motto, "To work until you can," with unwavering commitment.

Fr. Sebastian’s journey of faith began in earnest through his studies at St. Joseph's Primary and Elementary School in Belman, followed by St. Aloysius College in Mangalore. His spiritual formation deepened at St. Paul’s Minor Seminary in Lucknow and St. Joseph’s Major Seminary in Allahabad, where his ordination took place on December 12, 1971.

Over five decades, Fr. Sebastian faithfully served various parishes and missions across the Diocese of Allahabad. His ministry started as Assistant Pastor at Khrist Bhavan, Mudila, where he learned humble service. He later led Khrist Jyoti Ashram and St. Theresa’s Mission, not only guiding parishioners but shaping young minds through his leadership in schools. His pastoral care extended through his roles in St. Mary's Mirzapur, St. Patrick's Kanpur, and as the founding parish priest of St. Paul's Church in Sultanpur, which he built from the ground up.

From 2002 onwards, he served diligently as Minister at the Bishop’s House in Allahabad and continued his pastoral mission at St. Mary's Church, Muirabad, and St. Anthony’s Church in Chandari. Throughout his life, he remained a beacon of humility, prayer, and steadfast dedication until his final days spent at the Bishop's House and Nazareth Hospital in Prayagraj.

Fr. Sebastian will be remembered for his gentle compassion, missionary zeal, and pastoral wisdom. His humility and humor endeared him to many, while his deep faith and prayer life inspired countless faithful. His legacy is one of tireless dedication to the Church and the communities he served.

The Diocese of Allahabad extends heartfelt gratitude for the gift of Fr. Sebastian’s ministry. While mourning his passing, the faithful celebrate his life and the profound impact he had on their spiritual journeys.

The faithful and all who knew Father Sebastian are invited to pay their respects at the Bishop’s House, Prayagraj, from 8 a.m. on November 3, 2025. The funeral Mass will be held on the same day at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Prayagraj, followed by burial at Rajapur Christian Cemetery.

May the Eternal High Priest, Christ Jesus, grant unto Father Sebastian the eternal joy of His heavenly kingdom. May his soul rest in peace.

By Fr Joel Fernandes

Diocese of Allahabad