HUNDREDS filled the pews of the St Andrew Parish Church at mid-morning yesterday to say farewell to esteemed retired bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, the Right Reverend Dr Neville Wordsworth deSouza, who, after giving several decades of his life to ministry, passed away on December 12.

He had been ill for some time.

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, other Government officials, members of the Opposition and leaders of national life were among those who came to pay their last respects to Bishop deSouza, whose exemplary life of ministry and integrity was extolled during the almost four-hour long service.

His wife Iona and children Kay, Paul, and Erica, in their tribute, described the clergyman as someone who — although deeply committed to his spiritual practice — was “not perfect”, but who “loved us and we loved him”. They said he was a gentle spirit graced by God, “worthy of his word, humble, unassuming and quiet”.

There were nods of agreement from the congregation as Bishop of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands the Dr Howard Gregory remembered Bishop deSouza’s caring traits and his knack for remembering the names and faces of those whom he met, even briefly.

Dr Gregory reflected also on the former bishop’s pursuit of truth and justice for all, and his firm belief that the church must speak out on all things that affect the well-being of the nation.

He pointed out that Bishop deSouza was often misunderstood because of his vocal views on politics and its link to societal ills, but that his vision was only for the advancement of the Jamaican people.

“Bishop deSouza’s ministry and preaching was not about communism… it was not about preoccupation with the political culture… His was a call to heal society, and the community of faith in particular, to the realisation of our full humanity,” Dr Gregory asserted.

He said bishop deSouza, nevertheless, challenged the populace, as well, to face up to its responsibility and to stop placing the blame for everything that happens on Government.

Bishop deSouza was the 12th bishop of the Diocese. He was ordained a deacon of the church in June 1958, became a priest a year later, and served in the communities of Porus, Grange Hill, and May Pen cures prior to being consecrated as suffragan bishop of Montego Bay in February 1973. He was enthroned as bishop of Jamaica in November 1979.

“He was a fearless voice who challenged those responsible for governance as well as leaders in every sphere of our national life regarding the ordering of the life of the society in a way that ensured social justice for all,” the Diocese stated in its written tribute to the late bishop.

The 87-year-old bishop was laid to rest in the St Andrew Parish Church cemetery, under the tearful watch of his widow, children and extended family, as well as the many others whose lives he had touched in one way or another.