Mangalore, July 06: Rev. Fr Robert Crasta, a senior priest of the Diocese of Mangalore who dedicated over five decades to pastoral and educational ministry, passed away on the morning of Monday, 6 July 2026, at St Zuze Vaz Home, Jeppu. He was 82.
Born on 14 October 1944 in Bela, Fr Crasta was the son of Cornelius Crasta and Remedia Monteiro. He was ordained to the priesthood on 1 December 1971.
Throughout his extensive vocation, Fr Crasta served across various parishes within the diocese. He began his pastoral journey as Assistant Parish Priest at Omzoor (1971–1974) and Urwa (1974–1975). He later took on the role of Parish Priest, serving the communities of Thanirbavi (1975–1977), Petri (1980–1985), Nidpalli (1994–2002), Sullia (2006–2007), Kateel (2007–2012), and Fermai (2012–2017).
In addition to his pastoral leadership, Fr Crasta made significant contributions to the field of education. He served as a Lecturer at Milagres in Kalianpur (1977–1980), Puttur College (1994–2002), and Pompei College (2002). He also served as the Principal of the institution at Madanthyar from 1985 to 1994, guiding the academic and moral development of numerous students.
Following his retirement from active ministry in 2017, Fr Crasta resided at St Zuze Vaz Home, a facility for retired priests in Jeppu, Mangaluru.
The Diocese of Mangalore commends him to the mercy of the Lord and prays for the repose of his soul.
Funeral Details:
The Funeral Mass and Burial Rites are scheduled to take place on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, at 4.00 p.m. at St Vincent Ferrer Church, Valencia
May the Lord grant him eternal rest. May he rest in peace.