Father Richard Saldanha Passed Away Suddenly in India

Father Richard Saldanha, pastor of St. Joseph and St. Ursula Catholic parishes in Chatham since 2008, passed away suddenly on vacation and traveling in his home country of India. He was 58. He is survived by two brothers and four nieces. The funeral, while arrangements have not been finalized, will most likely occur in India. Memorial Masses would occur locally.

Richard Saldanha was born on October 2, 1951 in Mangalore-Karnatak, India. He obtained a Bachelor’s degree in History from Karnataka University, a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from the Papal Athaenaeum in Poona (Pune) India, a Master’s degree in English from Calcutta University and a Master’s degree in Theology from Morning Star College Regional Seminary, Calcutta.

Ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Calcutta on May 11, 1979, Father Saldanha was headmaster at St. Peter's High School and chaplain to Mother Teresa's Mother House from 1979-1985. From 1985-1987, he was the director of Boy's town of Mother Teresa. He served as a parish priest at St. Patrick in Dum Dum from 1987-1993, at Sacred Heart, Asansol as well as pro-vicar of Cathedral from 1993-1998, and at St. Theresa, Durgapur from 1998-2003.

Father Saldanha came to Canada in 2003, residing in parishes in the Archdiocese of Toronto: Immaculate Conception, Port Perry in 2003 and Saints Martha and Mary, Mississauga in 2004. In 2004, he came to the Diocese of London, serving briefly in summer ministry at Our Lady Help of Christians, Watford; St. Matthew, Alvinston; and All Saints, Strathroy. He served as administrator of Our Lady Help of Christians, Watford and St. Matthew, Alvinston until 2008 until he became pastor of St. Joseph and St. Ursula, Chatham.

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