Bishop Francis Braganza of Baroda passes away

(Dec. 21, 2011) The former bishop of the diocese of Baroda in western India’s Gujarat state has passed away. 89-year old Jesuit Bishop Francis Braganza died on Wednesday at Xavier’s residence in Ahmedabad. Born in Bandra, Mumbai, on January 29, 1922, Bishop Braganza joined the Jesuits in 1938. Following his priestly ordination in 1951, he has held several responsible posts, among them vice provincial of Gujarat Jesuit province, assistant to the General and professor and principal of St. Xavier’s College, Ahmedabad. Pope John Paul II appointed him Bishop of Baroda in April 1987, and his consecration took place in June that year. He retired on August 29, 1997. Bishop Francis Braganza’s funeral is scheduled for Thursday in the Rosary Church, Baroda.