Bangalore, 18 May 2024 (CCBI): Bishop Joseph Suren Gomes, S.D.B, Bishop Emeritus of Krishnagar, West Bengal, passed away on Saturday, 18 May 2024, at 5:55 am in Manorama Hospital, Ranaghat, due to cardiac failure. He was 80 years old. The funeral services will be held on Monday, 20 May 2024, at 10:30 am in the Cathedral of the Most Holy Redeemer, Krishnagar.
Bishop Gomes led the Diocese of Krishnagar from 2002 until his retirement in May 2019, serving faithfully for 17 years. Born on 14 February 1944 in East Bengal (now Bangladesh), he was the fourth child of John Gabriel Gomes and Teresa Gomes of Ranaghat, West Bengal, located about 50 km from Kolkata. Among his six siblings, Joseph Suren Gomes chose the religious life, joining the Salesian Congregation.
He began his religious journey at the apostolic seminary in Bandel in 1958 and completed his higher education at Salesian College in Sonada, where he also studied philosophy. For theological studies, he attended Kristo Jyoti College in Bangalore. He was ordained a priest on 21 December 1974 at Ranaghat Church for the Salesian Province of Kolkata.
Bishop Gomes served in various institutions, including as rector of Don Bosco Krishnagar for six years. He was the assistant parish priest at Bangaon parish for two years. At age 58, Pope St. John Paul II appointed him the 7th Bishop of Krishnagar on 17 April 2002, and he was ordained bishop on 31 May 2002.
Throughout his tenure, he was a dedicated member of the CCBI and served as vice president of the Family Commission. Bishop Gomes was a priest for 49 years and a bishop for 21 years, leaving a lasting legacy of faith and service.
Dr. Stephen Alathara