Fr Jose Manuel Damiao das Merces Dias was a native of Mormugao, Goa. He worked in the Church of Siridao, Goa and at Bodiem, Goa. He was the son of Leopoldina Gouveia and Caetano Panciano Dias. He was ordained by the Patriach D Mateus in the Church of the Convent of Pilar.