KARACHI Aug 23: Simeon A Pereira, Emeritus Archbishop of Karachi, died here on Wednesday. He was 78. He will be laid to rest beside the grave of Cardinal Joseph Cordeiro in the Grotto at the Cathedral grounds.

A mass will be held on Sunday at 11am at the Saint Patrick's Cathedral in Saddar. Earlier, the viewing of the body will take place at 9.30am.

The condolence book will remain open at the Archbishop's House, Saint Patrick's Cathedral, according to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Karachi which announced with deep sadness the passing away of the illustrious priest.

Simeon Pereira was born in Karachi on Oct 19, 1927; was ordained priest on Aug 24, 1951. He was nominated Bishop on July 3, 1971, and ordained Bishop on Oct 7, 1971; and succeeded to the Holy See on Feb 14, 1994.

Soon after his ordination, Fr. Simeon was appointed secretary to Archbishop Alquin and Chaplin to the Sisters and flock at Manora.

His next posting was Father-in charge Don Bosco Boarding for Boys.

In 1952, he proceeded to Quetta as assistant rector (to Father Joseph Cordeiro) Saint Pius X Seminary. A few years later, he was appointed Parish Priest, Saint Francis Church, Old Haji Camp.

He then took over Saint John's Church, Drig Road, with its many far-flung Bastis.

Here in the year 1972, Bishop Nicholas Hettinga spotted him as the pearl of great price to obtain, for which he was prepared to stake all, even the whole of his Diocese, says a press release.