Belthangady church awaits body of Archibishop Ambrose Madtha

Members and Father of the Holy Redeemer Church in Belthangady in Dakshina Kannada district today expressed shock over the death of Indian Archbishop Ambrose Madtha, who was killed in a road accident in Abidjan of Ivory Coast.

Fr James D'Souza of the Holy Redeemer Church said Madtha's body was expected to reach Belthangady and all were waiting for it.

He recalled visit of Madtha in May this year to the church for its inauguration. "Madtha, the Papal envoy of the Ivory Coast, will long be remembered for donating a Rs 15 lakh bell to the church, which he imported from Italy", D'Souza said

He recalled the civic reception given to Madtha in 2008 and the mastery the Archibishop had over 17 languages.

Madtha, who completed his school education in Belthangady, studied at St. Aloysius High School and obtained his masters degree in Economics from Nagur university.

He became the father of the church in 1982 and in 1990 the Papal envoy. He had worked in Ghana, Africa, Argentina, El Salvador, Albania, South America and Taiwan.

D'Souza described Madtha as a man who loved simplicity in life and well informed.

Madtha (57) was killed when his car collided with another vehicle on December 8 while he was returning from North-Eastern town of Odienne.