Oldest priest in Bombay Archdiocese passes away

Monsignor William Nazareth (seated), who was 100 years old, seen here with a fellow clergyman

HUndred-year-old Monsignor William Nazareth, the oldest priest in the Archdiocese of Bombay, passed away on Thursday morning at the clergy home he resided at. Monsignor William was born on September 8, 1919. The funeral mass of Nazareth, popularly known as Monsignor Willy, will be held at the Cathedral of the Holy Name, Colaba, at 10 am on Saturday, followed by burial at St Andrew's Church, Bandra.

He was best known for his connection with the Metropolitan Marriage Tribunal, which he founded. In the 28 years of serving as the chief judge of the tribunal, he has seen the number of cases grow from four in an entire year to over a hundred. In his 72 years of priesthood, he has blessed several generations through the administration of the sacraments. Monsignor Willy's clerical experience also led to two publications, 'Homilies for Various Occasions' and 'How to Marry Happily and Stay Happily Married'.

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