Life in History

The Karnataka Jesuit Province, originally the "The Mangalore Mission" today comprises the whole of the territory of Karnataka State. Started in 1878 with an international group of Jesuits from Italy and Germany, in a small town of Mangalore, the Jesuits continue to follow in the footsteps of the early Fathers and Brothers who gave themselves to the service of faith, education, health, language and happiness. They made our land richer by establishing educational institutions, hospitals, parishes, retreat houses, etc. The Jesuits in Karnataka continue to strive and to live the spirituality in word and action taught by the founder St Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556) which inspired the first Fathers and Brothers who set their foot on our soil. The founding Fathers and Brothers even though being foreigners not only learnt our mother tongues Konkani, Tulu, Kannada, Tamil, Hindi, etc., but also ate our food and integrated themselves in our society as any one of us. 

"The mission territory inherited by the Jesuits from the Carmelites and called Mangalore Mission comprised then what would later constitute the dioceses of Mangalore and Calicut and later still Kannur too. Having laboured in this territory for nearly three-quarters of a century they would disengage themselves from a part of it called Malabar and move over to the rest of Karnataka and even to North East." Fr Devadatta Kamath, SJ The author of "The Burning Bush: The History of the Karnataka Province."

 Their labours, both in their successes and failures, spread through 146 years are what this web blog contains.

Map of Karnataka, where Jesuits are working

The depository of Karnataka Jesuit archives continues to gather material from Jesuits and their institutions as a way to keep the memory of our predecessors and institutions alive. With its thorough record maintenance and systematic organization, the experience of the past continues to inspire the present and future generation of Jesuits and their collaborators in striving to bring Glory to God in all things. You are always welcome to contact us if you would like to get the history of our Fathers and Brothers better known to others.

Karnataka Jesuit Province archives contain a very interesting and resourceful depository of handwritten manuscripts of Jesuits like Fr Angelo Maffei (1844-1899), Fr Augustus Diamanti (1848-1919), the handwritten consult meetings from 1880, the novitiate diaries, letters to Rome and Jesuit Superior General's letters to the Mission Superior of Mangalore since 1879, contracts with various institutions and persons, photographs like the visit of the Diwans of Mysore Kingdom to the St Aloysius College, Mangalore, edifying letters and memoirs written by the early Jesuits of Mangalore Mission to the Venice-Milan province Jesuits, the books written by the Jesuits of the Karnataka Province, Historia Domus of all the Jesuit communities, publications of various institutions and apostolates, correspondence with various dioceses and provinces of the Society, philately and so on. 

The archives also contain unpublished works of many Jesuits like Fr Devadatta Kamath's II part of Burning Bush with four volumes, Fr Francis Rebello's theatrical drama, etc. Karnataka Jesuit Province which is 144 years old, preserves in its archives all material and matters connected with its works, members and communities. Hence, every individual Jesuit, community, apostolate and its ventures are recorded and preserved in the archives. It is hoped that such a collection of material will help in preserving the memory of the past, assist in writing the history of the province and communities and enable the researchers to carry out their academic works. 

Until recently, Karnataka Jesuit Province treasured artifacts collected by many Jesuits including Fr Lawrence D’Souza (1932-2009) and postal stamps and coins by Brother Gabriel Ferruccio, SJ (1939-2013) and Fr Alexis P. Menezes (1922-2002). Now, most of it has been donated to the upcoming Museum of St Joseph's College, Bangalore and St Joseph's School CBSE, Bangalore and St Aloysius College Museum, Mangalore. 

A short video introduction to the  Karnataka Jesuit Archives and to its artifacts. 

For Any Queries Contact Details: 

- Fr Royston Pinto SJ, LCL

  In Charge of the Archives/ Publications of Karnataka Jesuit Province. 

Provincialate of the Jesuits in Karnataka

Loyola Mandir, 

96 Lavelle Road, 3rd Cross, 

Bengaluru - 560001.

Email: karjesuitarchives@gmail.com

Landline Phone Number: 08022293066

Mobile Number: +917899244060 

Website: http://www.karnatakajesuits.org/

Renovated Jesuit archives inaugurated at Loyola Mandir - A photo report can be found here   

Rest in Peace Fr Richard Sequeira SJ

 

Fr Richard Sequeira SJ

Born: 12.05.1934

Joined SJ: 01.07.1954

Ordained: 29.03.1967

Final Vows: 15.08.1973

Died: 10.01.2025

 

Type of work	Place	Years
Loyola Nivas	Mangaluru	1970-1971
Socius to Provincial	Loyola Mandir, Bengaluru	1972-1975
Professor of Philosophy & Spiritual Father	St Joseph’s seminary, Mangaluru	1975-1977
Socius to Provincial	Loyola Mandir, Bengaluru	1977-1978
Minister of Philosophy, Professor of Anthropology & cosmology	St Joseph’s seminary, Mangaluru	1978-1983
Rector	St Joseph’s seminary, Mangaluru	1983-1988
Sabbatical		1988-1989
Professor of Philosophy	St Joseph’s seminary, Mangaluru	1989-1992
Socius to Provincial	Loyola Mandir, Bengaluru	1992-2001
Novice Master	Mt St Joseph, Bengaluru	2001-2004
Staff, Juniorate	VN, Trivandrum	2004-2006
Acting Superior	Pratiksha, Bengaluru	2006-2007
Superior	Pratiksha, Bengaluru	2007-2013
Province Archivist	Loyola Mandir, Bengaluru	2006-2013
Superior	Loyola Mandir, Bengaluru	2009-2013
Staff	VN, Trivandrum	2013-2016
Asst. to Province Archivist	Loyola Mandir, Bengaluru	2016-2020
House Treasurer	Loyola Mandir, Bengaluru	2017-2020
Staff of Novices	Mt St Joseph, Bengaluru	2020-2025

Fr Richard Sequeira SJ (90), son of the late Albert Sequeira & Pauline Pinto (Makale, St Agnes ward), brother of the late Norbert Sequeira, the late Gilbert Sequeira, the late Lizzy Sequeira, Rosie M V Fernandes, the late Sr Carmelita TARBES, the late Sr Linus A.C., the late Patrick Sequeira, Sr Carissima AC (Mount Carmel Central School, Maryhill, Mangalore), the late George Sequeira, and Carmelita Dias, passed away on Friday 10, 2025. 

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.

May the soul of the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
~Amen~

Books Edited or Translated or Compiled or Coordinated by Fr Richard Sequeira SJ

1. They Live On: In Grateful Remembrance of the Departed Jesuits- 2007

2. Harmony: Inter-faith Prayer Service for Various Occasions-2011

3. Noble Knight: Prayerful Preparation for the Feast of St Ignatius- 2011

4. A Still Small Voice: Profiles of Jesuit Pioneers in Karnataka- 2017

5. Silent Steps: Profiles of Our Jesuit Brothers-2018

6. Down Memory Lane- 2019

7. Walk to Freedom: Grateful Remembrance of Dear Departed Jesuits- 2019

8. A Prophecy that became History: A Brief History of Evangelization in the Karnataka Province- 2020.

9. Restless for Christ- V (Unpublished- In English)

10.  Jesuits Saints and Blessed Calendar  (Unpublished-in Kannada)

11.  New African Saints: The Twenty-Two Martyrs of Uganda (Unpublished-in Kannada)

12. Jesuit Ordo (Edited) of Gujarat Sahitya Prakash for Several Years

For the Funeral Service follow:  https://www.youtube.com/live/Uvb_rWSedyw

About Fr Richard: https://www.karnatakajesuits.org/news/fr-richard-sequeira-sj-remembered-for-lifetime-of-service-and-scholarship

Eulogy on Fr Richard Sequeira SJ by Fr Charles Lasrado SJ, Delivered on 12 January 2025 at   Mt St Joseph Chapel 

Dear Fathers, Brothers, Sisters, and family members of Fr. Richard, We have gathered today to bid farewell to Fr. Richard Sequeira, whose 90 years were filled with service, wisdom, and kindness, leaving behind countless cherished memories for all of us. My first encounter with Fr. Richard goes back to April 1986, when I was a pre-novice preparing for my Four-Sheet exam. He was one of my four-sheet examiners. Almost 39 years have passed, yet his words of advice and guidance continue to echo in my mind. It was during this early meeting that I began to appreciate his humility and wisdom. In 2007, when I served as the province treasurer, I had the privilege of living with Fr. Richard at Loyola Mandir. During those years, I came to know him not just as a spiritual guide but also as an academic mentor. I would often seek his help with the documents and letters I drafted, and he would go over them with an eagle’s eye. His attention to detail was meticulous, ensuring that every word and phrase was just right. He took the time to explain not only the correction but also the reasoning behind it, making sure I understood the process. I particularly recall one instance while working on my Ph.D. thesis, which included complex math ematical formulas. Fr. Richard, with his MSc in Mathematics, noticed an inconsistency. He gently pointed it out, saying, “Charlie, something is missing here,” and explained the missing elements. He didn’t just correct my work but helped me understand the problem in a clearer way. Fr. Richard never sought to impose his knowledge. Instead, he focused on empowering others to grow and learn. 

In addition to his academic brilliance, Fr. Richard’s spirituality was profound. His ability to commu nicate deep spiritual truths with simplicity was extraordinary. He never pushed his views onto others but allowed them to reflect and find their own insights. His teaching was not just intellectual—it was life-altering. His quiet humility and grace were a constant reminder of the essence of true spirituality. There was an element to Fr. Richard’s life that often reminded me of Dr. Manmohan Singh. I often thought of Fr. Richard as “Manmohan Singh without a turban.” Like Dr. Singh, Fr. Richard had an in nate ability to navigate complex situations with clarity, all while maintaining a humility that was deeply inspiring. He didn’t seek accolades or attention but worked tirelessly behind the scenes, lifting others up with his wisdom and guidance. Beyond his intellectual and spiritual depth, Fr. Richard’s greatest quality was his boundless compassion. He was a man who truly listened. Whether offering spiritual direction, comforting the sick, or caring for the elderly at Pratiksha, he was always there. His empathy was remarkable, and he embodied the spirit of Christ, serving others without seeking recognition. Even in his later years, when his body became frail, his spirit remained strong. He lived simply, with few material needs, and found joy in giving-of his time, wisdom, and love. His generosity knew no bounds, and he was always ready to lend a helping hand or a listening ear. Fr. Richard’s Jesuit life was a reflection of the Society’s charism: deep prayer, intellectual rigor, and above all, a commitment to service. He served the Society in many roles: Socius to the Provincial, Province Archivist, Rector of St. Joseph’s Seminary, and professor of philosophy, anthropology, and cosmology. His meticulous work as an Archivist preserved the history of the Karnataka Jesuits, ensur ing that their legacy would be remembered for generations to come. Throughout his life, Fr. Richard’s focus was never on titles or accolades but on service. His legacy is built on his commitment to the mission entrusted to him, his deep humility, and his genuine desire to help people grow and flourish. Whether in his academic work, spiritual ministry, or personal relation ships, Fr. Richard always sought to empower others. Fr. Richard leaves behind a legacy of love, humility, and service. He was not only a priest, teacher, and scholar but also a friend, mentor, and guiding light. His life was a living example of Jesuit values—always giving, always serving, and always leading by example. We will miss Fr. Richard dearly. His gentle spirit, wisdom, kindness, and unwavering dedication will never be forgotten. His impact on our lives is immeasurable, and his legacy will continue to inspire us. Fr. Richard, may you rest in the peace of the Lord, surrounded by His love and grace, as you take your place among the saints. Amen.

Rest in Peace Fr Scotus Fernandez SJ

 

Fr Scotus Fernandez SJ aged 77 with 57 fruitful years in the Society of Jesus went to his eternal abode today at 7.12pm (10 December 2024) in Satribari Christian Hospital, Guwahati. 

Rest in Peace Fr Devadatta Kamath SJ

 Rest in Peace 

Fr Devadatta Kamath SJ

Born: 8.11.1934

Joined SJ: 08.06.1955

Ordained: 24.03.1966

Final Vows: 02.02.1974

Died: 16.11.2024

Type of work	Place	Years
Warden	SAC, Mangalore	1969-71
Chaplain	Bhadravati	1971-72
Professor	St Joseph’s Seminary, Mangalore	1973-94
Teaching	Trivandrum common Juniorate	1994-95
Dean of Juniorate studies	Mundgod	1995-96
Retreat Ministry	MSJ, Bangalore	1996-97
Minister	SJC, Bangalore	1997-99
Teacher of Juniors	Trivandrum common Juniorate	June-Dec 99
Asst Warden	SAC Hostel, Mangalore	Jan-May 2000
Retreat Apostolate, Province Historian	DA, Bangalore	May 2000-02
Sub-min, Province archivist	Arrupe Nivas, Bangalore	2002-03
Writing History of the Province	IHS	2003-04
Chaplain	St Philomena’s	2004-11
Asst Min, Treasurer	AIMIT	2011-12
Writing Hist of Mangalore diocese	Seminary	2012-13
Chaplain	Lourdes Convent, Dharwad	2013-15
Convalesce	FRH, Mangalore	2015-2024

FR DEVADATTA KAMATH, SJ (1934-2024) 

Literary Works:

1.     The Burning Bush: The History of Karnataka Jesuit Province (2006)– Part I, Vol. I

2.     The Burning Bush The History of Karnataka Jesuit Province (2006) – Part I, Vol. II

3.     The Burning Bush The History of Karnataka Jesuit Province – Part II, Vol. I  (In the process of Publication)

4.     The Burning Bush The History of Karnataka Jesuit Province – Part II, Vol. II (In the process of Publication)

5.     The Burning Bush The History of Karnataka Jesuit Province – Part II, Vol. III (In the process of Publication)

6.     The Burning Bush The History of Karnataka Jesuit Province – Part II, Vol. IV (In the process of Publication)

7.     A Catholic Catechism Part 1,2,3 (2011)

8.     Janakana Manadanna – Kristayana (ಜನಕನ ಮನದನ್ನ) -2012

9.     Frad Saib and the Church of Cordel (2012)

10. St John’s Gospel (Hand written)

11. Branch of the Vine, Fruit of the Branch. The History of Ursuline Franciscan Congregation (1887-2013) -2013 (Edited)

12. Defiant Submission. A history of the Diocese of Mangalore Vol-I (2014)

13. Defiant Submission. A history of the Diocese of Mangalore Vol-II (2014)

14. Dharmakanda (ಧರ್ಮಕಾಂಡ) - 2017

Funeral Mass Video Available on: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDKk687Pqt4

An article written by Fr Olvin Veigas SJ: https://celebratefaith.blogspot.com/2024/11/at-service-of-absolute-legacy-of-fr.html

Eulogy on FR DEVADATTA KAMATH, SJ (90/69) (08 NOV 1934 – 16 NOV 2024) 

Father Devadatta SJ was a devoted servant of God, a tireless scholar, and a beloved brother in the Society of Jesus. Father Deva was not just a priest but also a historian whose life’s work illuminated the rich tapestry of our faith and the legacy of the Jesuits. I saw Fr Devadatta as both a philosopher and a historian. Once he perceived something as truth, he pursued it relentlessly, expressing it no matter the cost. It is said, “The historian’s task is to unveil the mystery of God’s work in human history. In life, he sought the truth; in death, he now meets the Truth itself.” One of our young Jesuits, Fr Olvin Veigas, who considers himself a privileged student of Fr Deva, describes him as a “poet, priest, composer, writer, philosopher, scholar, teacher, professor, grammarian, translator, and historian.” I last met Fr Deva, as he was fondly called, at his 90th birthday celebration just 10 days ago. He was eager for the celebration and appeared cheerful despite his physical frailty. Though he was delighted by the presence of many Jesuits around him, his body betrayed signs of weakness. During my tenure as Superior of Fatima Retreat House (2017–2019), I interacted with him often. He would share his life with a great sense of pride and fulfilment, yet he could also get deeply philosophical, questioning everything—even what most consider absolute truths or non-negotiable values. He believed in expressing his opinions fearlessly, with little concern for diplomacy. But despite his intellectual pursuits he still nurtured affection for his friends, relatives and the poor. On rare occasions, he would recall his childhood with poignant emotion, particularly the struggles he faced. He held his elder sister and brother in the highest regard for their sacrifices, which enabled him to pursue his education. Fr Deva was born to Anthony Piedade D’Mello and Mary Magdalene Pinto of Kulshekar Parish on November 8, 1934. During his scholastic years, he changed his baptismal name, Joseph D’Mello, to Devadatta Kamath as a gesture of inculturation. He often lamented having to learn English, which he considered a colonial imposition, and instead developed a deep love for Kannada. His natural scholarly talents emerged early-he wrote novels in Kannada even while still in school. 

Although he initially aspired to join the Capuchins, familial pressures led him to the diocesan seminary. It was there that he discerned God’s call to join the Society of Jesus. Despite facing significant obstacles, he succeeded in his efforts to become a Jesuit. Fr Deva ultimately pursued studies in Sanskrit, earning a doctorate from Karnatak University, Dharwad, despite his initial desire to specialize in Kannada. Owing to his studies in Sanskrit, for over 20 years, he served as a professor of Indology at St Joseph’s Seminary, Mangalore, teaching both philosophy and the ology students. A brilliant and versatile mind, Fr Deva had even translated the Gospel of St John from the original Greek into Kannada during his theology studies, a hand-written work preserved in the Karnataka Jesuit Province archives. As a professor, he was respected for his erudition and exacting standards. His students admired him not only for his knowledge but also for his human touch and genuine concern for their well-being. A taskmaster with a keen eye for perfection, especially in language and grammar, Fr Deva set high standards for his students. He is remembered by the diocesan clergy for his precision in language as the editor of ‘Unitas’, the Annual seminary magazine, and for being the regular director of the annual play on Seminary Day. Known for his hard work and thoroughgoing ways, he would never produce anything second rate, nor would he tolerate that in his students. Fr Deva was also a gifted composer of hymns. Some of his well-known Konkani liturgical hymns include “E Deva Mogala Taroka”—a hymn inspired by the Principle and Foundation of St. Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises— and “Bodvya Sangi Karya Naman,” dedicated to Mother Mary. Many of these hymns, along with his Kan nada compositions, are still sung in churches today, preserving his theological depth and musical genius. Recognizing his historical insight, with his compilation of the history of the Ursuline Franciscan Congregation at the time of their centenary, his superiors entrusted him with documenting key milestones of the 125-year history of the Karnataka Jesuit Province, and the history of the Diocese of Mangalore. He spent a sabbatical at the Gregorian University in Rome, enriching his spirituality and equipping himself to guide retreats and mentor young Jesuit Juniors after the Seminary administration was handed over to the Diocese. Fr Devadatta has meticulously recorded the History of the Karnataka Jesuit Province in two parts. Part I “Burning Bush” in two volumes is published and the other four volumes of Part II are yet to see the light of day. He is perhaps, the first Jesuit to do such a meticulous and well-researched work on the history of the province in recent years. His other works include: Janakana Manadanna – Kristayana -2012 Defiant Submission. A History of the Diocese of Mangalore Vol-I and II Dharmakanda – 2017 As a versatile personality, he kept himself busy and fully occupied during his years of retirement. He was often engaged in putting his thoughts down on paper some of which he said, should be published after he left this world. Despite his academic commitments, Fr Deva never ceased to nurture his personal growth. His desk was always adorned with the Bible and the Oxford Dictionary, tools that symbolized his enduring thirst for knowledge. He always wanted to be useful and productive until his last breath. When he was hard of hearing, he used a radio with high volume giving him news along with newspapers and journals, which he read daily. Fr Devadatta Kamath passed away on November 16, 2024, at 7.00 a.m. at Santrupti, Fatima Retreat House, Mangalore, at the age of 90. Last month, he suffered a fall that left him completely immobile. Despite his condition, he will be remembered for enduring his suffering silently, with full cooperation and gratitude toward his caregivers. Fr Deva’s profound sense of social responsibility was evident in his decision to donate his body for medical research to Fr Muller’s Medical College, Mangalore. He was undoubtedly an inspiring Jesuit, a man of simplicity and hard work, who leaves behind a remark able legacy of deep commitment to God and the mission entrusted to him. As a true man of the Magis, he consistently strove to do more for the greater glory of God. Goodbye, Fr Deva. You have scripted the history of our Jesuit province and land, and your name will forever stand out prominently in its annals. May your soul rest in peace. 

        Fr Melwin J Pinto SJ (Delivered on 17 November 2024 at Divine Mercy Church, FRH Mangaluru)