St Aloysius Prakashana, the publishing unit of St Aloysius College (Autonomous), Mangalore published a book titled, “Pride of Kanara; True Son of India, Fr Jerome D’Souza SJ” on 7 August 2023 at the Eric Mathias Hall. The book is authored by Prof. Edmund Frank, Dean, PGDBM at St Aloysius College, Mangalore. He is also the Vice President of the Federation of the Jesuit Alumni Associations of India and former President of St Aloysius College Alumni Association (SACAA)

The Bishop of Mangalore Rev Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, released the book at the Eric Mathias Hall before a large audience. A portrait of Fr Jerome D’Souza was also unveiled by the Bishop. This portrait will be installed in the College Museum.

The Principal of the College, Rev Dr Praveen Martis SJ in his welcome address said that it was a wonderful occasion to release the book on an Alumnus of the College like Fr Jerome D’Souza who rose to National and International fame. Fr Jerome’s contribution as a member of the Constituent Assembly in securing the Fundamental Rights and Minority Rights was immense. He congratulated the Author Prof Edmund Frank for taking the efforts to write the book in a language and style easily understood by the readers.

Dr Ronald Fernandes spoke, giving an evaluation of the book and said that he had been an admirer of Fr Jerome and narrated some of the important highlights from the book. He spoke at length about the reasons that compelled Fr Jerome to move from Mangalore to Trichy.

Prof. Edmund Frank told the audience that he knew Fr Jerome very well during his Post Graduate studies at Loyola College from 1971 to 1973. Fr Jerome during their daily evening walks had narrated to him, his experiences in the Constituent Assembly and at the General Assembly of the United Nations Organisation from 1949 to 1957.

Quoting former Prime Minister Morajee Desai he said that Fr Jerome was a veteran educationist and strived to create an atmosphere for national integration to enable the minorities to join the mainstream of national life. Rightly so, the Government of India honoured Fr Jerome posthumously by issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs 2.00 denomination in his name and in his honour on his Birth Centenary year on 18 December 1997.

Sr Maria Shamitha AC, Provincial of the Apostolic Carmel, Karnataka Province, said that Fr Jerome is hailed as one of the architects of the Indian Constitution and that his only sister, Sr Viola joined the AC Congregation. It was the right occasion for her to thankfully reflect on the services Sr Viola rendered to the Congregation in various capacities.

Mr Edwin D’Souza, the grand-nephew of Fr Jerome from Mulki, represented Fr Jerome’s close relatives and said that he and his family were living in the same house Fr Jerome was born and lived in.

Rev Fr Silvester D’Costa, of the Mulki Parish to which Fr Jerome belonged said that he was happy that Fr Jerome belonged to Mulki and that they were planning to build a Centre in his memory from which others could benefit.

Dr Alwyn D’Sa, the Registrar of the College was also the convenor of the programme. Dr Vidya D’Souza, Director of St Aloysius Prakashana proposed a vote of thanks. Dr Mona Mendonca anchored the programme very well.