Place Year
Joined Novitiate Christ Hall, Calicut 1955
First Vows Christ Hall, Calicut 1957
Ordination Bendur, Mangaluru 1967
Tertianship Mount St Joseph 1970
Final Vows St Aloysius College, Mangaluru 1972
RESPONSIBILITIES HELD IN THE SOCIETY
Type of work Place Years
Vocation Promoter Gonzaga House 1968-70
Asst. Head Master St Aloysius High School, Mangaluru 1970-75
Headmaster St Aloysius High School, Mangaluru, 1975-88
Head Master St Joseph’s Indian High School, Bengaluru 1988-91
Parish Priest Mundgod 1991-9
Manager & Correspondent, Loyola School, Mundgod 1991-05
Director Vivek Pragathi, Haliyal 2005-09
In charge Sindagi Centre 2009-12
Spiritual Ministry Fatima Retreat House, Mangaluru 2012-14
Spiritual Ministry Mundgod 2014-15
Spiritual Ministry Loyola, Mangaluru, 2015-16
Convalesce, Fatima Retreat House, Mangaluru, 2016-2021
Courtesy: https://karnatakajesuits.org/news/obituary-fr-lawrence-pinto-sj
A Tribute to My Headmaster Fr Lawrence Pinto Sj-a Jesuit Priest of Poor Students & People
By Alfie Dsouza, Team Mangalorean. -December 19, 2021
Mangaluru: It is said, “The best and the most beautiful things in the world, cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt within the heart”. These are my sentiments about Fr Lawrence Pinto Sj, my former Headmaster at St Aloysius High School, Mangaluru in the year 1975. The last time, me and few of my classmates of 1975 year met Fr Lawrence Pinto Sj was on 4 January 2020, after we all had a class reunion a day prior to meeting Fr Lawrence Pinto and Fr Denis Rasquinha Sj, (both who were Headmasters at St Aloysius High School) when they were residing at Fatima Retreat House, Bengaluru. We all loved our school days at St Aloysius and we still cherish and have fond memories of those yester years. We still remember our strict and disciplined Headmaster in Higher Primary school-Fr Denis Coelho SJ, fondly known as “Shivaji” (because of his appearance) and in High school, Fr Denis Rasquinha SJ and Fr Lawrence Pinto SJ , whom we all loved very dearly.
More than we were overjoyed to meet our mentors, the Jesuit duo were also extremely overwhelmed to see us and they happily interacted with us. Surprisingly, even at this Golden age, both Fr Rasquinha and Fr Pinto recognized us, and even remembered our names. A Popular teacher and former headmaster of St Aloysius High School, (SAHS) Mangalore Fr Lawrence Pinto SJ (88) died at Father Muller hospital in the city on Thursday, December 16. He had served in SAHS for 18 years, including 13 years as headmaster. He was also the headmaster of St Joseph’s Indian High School, Bangalore for three years where he retired. After his retirement he founded Loyola primary, high school and PUC in Mundgod, Uttara Kannada district. Later, he was also responsible for starting Loyola School, Sindagi, Bijapur. The funeral rites were held at Fatima Retreat House, Valencia, Mangalore on Friday December 17, at 4 p.m., where a large gathering of priests, nuns, former students, well-wishers, among others paid their final respect to a great soul.
Fr Lawrence’s primary ministry was education, but it was education with a difference. As our headmaster for three years, I have noticed him as a man of discipline but not one with an iron fist, and also strict. However, he was affectionate and polite with the students, and always helped those students coming from lower-class families. He had great love towards poor children. He always gave an opportunity to explain the mischief had or hadn’t created before taking a decision on the ways to punish, that too in a manner in which students learned not to commit the mistake again as well as learn a lesson from the punishment.
Fr Lawrence was simple, down-to-earth, and soft-spoken. Born on 20 April 1933 in Kinnigoly, he was the youngest of six children, hence very shy of meeting any strangers. He had only an elder sister with whom he used to go for daily mass. He joined the Society of Jesus congregation on 1 July 1955; did his Novitiate at Christ hall, he did his philosophy in Shembag and his theology in Kurseong. He was ordained on 29.03.1967; and his final vows on15.08.1972. He was a Vocation Promoter at Gonzaga House-1968-70; Asst. Headmaster at St Aloysius High School, Mangaluru-1970-75; Headmaster at St Aloysius High School, Mangaluru- 1975-88; Headmaster at St Joseph’s Indian High School, Bengaluru-1988-91; Parish Priest at Mundgod- 1991-99; Manager & Correspondent at Loyola School, Mundgod-1991-2005; Director at Vivek Pragathi, Haliyal- 2005-09; In charge at Sindagi Centre- 2009-12; Spiritual Ministry at Fatima Retreat House, Mangaluru- 2012-14; Spiritual Ministry in Mundgod- 2014-15; Spiritual Ministry at Loyola, Mangaluru- 2015-16; and Convalesce at Fatima Retreat House, Mangaluru- 2016-2021
Fr Jossie D’Mello SJ Socius Karnataka Jesuit Province, the PRO of Fr Dionysius Vas SJ the present provincial in his message says, “Fr Lawrence was simple, down-to-earth and soft-spoken. His primary ministry was education. However, it was an education with a difference. Working in the city institutions for several years, after his retirement, he moved to Mundgod to open a school for the poorest of the poor. His pioneering spirit, courage and enthusiasm was amply rewarded as this school grew from strength to strength becoming Loyola Institutions, a composite PU College welcoming children from all levels of Society. With the demise of Fr Lawrence, Karnataka Jesuit Province has lost a great lover of the poor, a pioneer in the field of education and a simple and compassionate human being. Our sincere condolences to the bereaved family members of Fr Lawrence Pinto and to the members of Fatima Retreat House, Mangaluru. Adieu, Fr Lawrence, till we meet again. United in prayers”.
Fr Lawrence looked serious but he had a loving heart that cared for people. He had a good rapport with his priest friends and companions. He was the uniting factor among his family members. He always played a twofold role as pastor and teacher. He would reach the school before everyone else after duly attending his religious and social service work. He was a man of team work . All these things made him so special. it is learnt that Fr Lawrence suffered a lot during the fag end of his life. But he never complained anything about his sickness or pain. He was patient and endured all sufferings till the end. He was appreciative of all the help given to him by the doctors and nursing staff of Fr Muller hospital.
Fr Lawrence Pinto’s funeral was held at Divine Mercy Church/Fatima Retreat House on 17 December, with Mass concelebrated by Rev Dr Peter Paul Saldanha-the Bishop of Mangaluru Diocese, joined by Fr Dionysius Vas SJ-Provincial of Karnataka Jesuit Province; Fr Melwin Pinto SJ-Rector of St Aloysius Institutions, Mangaluru; Fr Maxim Misquith SJ-Superior and Director of Fatima Retreat House, Mangaluru; Fr Gerard Furtado Sj-Headmaster of St Aloysius High school, Mangaluru; Fr Cedric Prakash Sj- Social activist from Ahmedabad, Gujarath; Fr Francis Menezes Sj- the panegyrist; Fr Terence Farais Sj; Fr Norbert Fernandes Sj; Fr John Gomes Sj; Fr Alphonse Fernandes Sj; Fr Joseph Monteiro Sj; Fr Cyril D’mello Sj; Fr Pradeep Crasta Sj, among others.
In his homily, Fr Gerard Furtado Sj said, “In the Gospel John, we come across intimate relationship between God the Father and Jesus. People as the children of God have close relationship with God the Father. This relationship helps in building trust and faith in God. Those who believe in Jesus become one with the salvation work of God the Father. Fr. Lawrence Pinto SJ through his preferential option for the poor in the field of Education and Social work has been able to build faith-oriented relationship with God the Father”
Here are a few messages paying respect to Fr Lawrence Pinto Sj, of my classmates of batch 1975 at St Aloysius High School, Mangaluru :
” Fr Lawrence Pinto was a Good Teacher, Kind, Polite and Knew His Subject Well. He Taught Us Science. Once It so happened in the Eight Standard, I didn’t finish his Class Work and it was a little late. I was worried \about missing the School Bus and started crying. He was adamant and even boxed my ears.
Later I reached home and told my Mother what happened, and she stared at me and said "Madhu, Fr L Pinto is then a Good Teacher. He is keen that you learn the Subject ." What happened almost Fifty Years ago is still fresh in my Memory. He always called out Names twice. Madhukar, Madhukar. He was well Mannered and Spoke Less. Will Miss You Sir. You Are Now At The Feet Of The Lord. Rest In Eternal Peace..Om Shanti”- Madhukar S Rao
“Fr Lawrence lived for the underprivileged and touched their lives in many impactful ways. He saw to it that the Siddhis, Kurbas, Adivasi, Lambani tribes get education. He built the Loyola institutions in a backward area and was loved by students, teachers and parents. We will truly miss our beloved Headmaster. His contribution to society was immense. Here’s a hidden tidbit- Fr Pinto was the Godchild of my grandmother, Late Winifred Colaco and on that count, I was one of his favourites. Fr Pinto used to give me red swordtail and guppy fish and that’s how I took a keen interest in fish rearing when I grew up. No doubt he was a great priest and a great human being. May His Soul Rest In Peace”– Dr. Anand Pereira
Fr Lawrence had a bold, convincing voice. He was available to the pastoral and other needs of the people. Most of all, he was aware that his mission was educating youth and children, especially the poor. Fr Lawrence Pinto you have said goodbye to this world and we believe that you are now living in the company of God. And yet we trust that you will continue to live here on earth in our minds and hearts. Adieu! So we pray, “Eternal rest grant unto him oh Lord and let your perpetual light shine upon him and may the souls of the departed find rest and peace in you, Amen”.
Photos: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=MangaloreanNews&set=a.4398945886876276
Reviews from Readers on the death news of Fr Lawrence Pinto, SJ at https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=905095
Wilson, Mangalore Fri, Dec 17 2021
Have vague memories of Fr. L Pinto as headmaster but do remember him as a disciplined person and students were careful in their behavior when he was around. He has really aged well could not recognise him. May his soul rest in peace.
Oliver Aranha, Mangalore/Kuwait/Toronto Fri, Dec 17 2021
Rest in peace Fr. Lawrence, a smiley face and a kind heart.
Alwyn, Mangalore, Fri, Dec 17 2021
Father was known to us as Fr. L Pinto, from our high school days at SAC, under his guidance, my life has changed a lot, he was always with me when i was going out of course. I cannot forget his advices and suggestions given to me in mounding my future. today, he is not with us, but his teachings are the guiding pillars in me. May his soul rest in peace.
Sandy, Udupi, Fri, Dec 17 2021
Rest in peace, good Father.
Ranjan, Bangalore, Fri, Dec 17 2021
ST.ALOYSIUS --days --Was a good School Headmaster -- - dedicated - disciplined - ensured School was kept to high standards - Studies -- Sports - Cleanliness - great school campus - --- It was a time when teachers were very much dedicated - Carrot / Stick -- approach -- and having good teaching skills - It was also a time --anyone who went for tuitions - was considered a duffer ---- Unlike these days -- -- Tuitions are a must and proudly spoken about -- MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE --
Sr Sybil, St Raymond's Convent, Vamanjoor, Fri, Dec 17 2021
May his soul rest in peace
Valerian Baretto, Bantwal Bangalore Rajajinagar, Fri, Dec 17 2021
We knew him right from 1977 the day he blessed our marriage engagement. We met him also in Bangalore. He helped many of the faculty members of St. Josephs Indian High School get houses in K.H.B.Colony in Bangalore. He is remembered by all his students and teachers. May his soul Rest in Peace. Our condolences to his Nephews and Nieces who are more than a dozen.
Edward Lobo, Agrar/Bangalore, Fri, Dec 17 2021
Fr Lawrence was our assistant headmaster from 1971 to 1973 and later became one of the longest serving headmasters of St.Aloysius High School. Was always smiling and very helpful. He taught us catechism in 9th std. Before he came to Mangalore he was teaching in Darjeeling and used to tell us about the winter over there. His selfless service in Mundgod will be remembered always. Rest in peace dear Father.
Boniface D'souza, Moodubelle/Bangalore, Fri, Dec 17 2021
Heartfelt condolences. May his soul rest in peace.
Rita pinto, B V Rd Ml, Fri, Dec 17 2021
May his soul rest in peace
Rita pinto, B V Rd Ml, Fri, Dec 17 2021
May his soul rest in peace
Alwyn Lobo, Bellevue, Washington State, USA, Fri, Dec 17 2021
O God, Thou didst raise Thy servant, Fr Lawrence Pinto, to the sacred priesthood of Jesus Christ, according to the Order of Melchisedech, giving him the sublime power to offer the Eternal Sacrifice, to bring the Body and Blood of Thy Son Jesus Christ down upon the altar, and to absolve the sins of human in Thine own Holy Name. We beseech Thee to reward his faithfulness and to forget his faults, admitting him speedily into Thy Holy Presence, there to enjoy forever the recompense of his labours. This we ask through Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord., Amen.
mohan prabhu, mangalore/canada, Fri, Dec 17 2021
Blessed art thou who has ministered to the poor. Rest in Peace, dear Fr, Pinto
Leeda Fernandes, Bellore - Denmark, Fri, Dec 17 2021
Very sad news. Fr Lawrence very Humble and kind to everyone. A great loss for Jesuit community. Heartfelt condolences to all jesuit fathers and the Family members. May Fr. Lawrences soul rest in Peace.
M. DSouza, Mangaluru/USA, Fri, Dec 17 2021
Fr Pinto treated everyone equally. English Medium/Kannada Medium, Christian/Non Christian, Rich/Poor, Urban/Rural he did not differentiate anyone. He taught me biology in 8th standard and was our headmaster in high school. I remember the assembly we used to have. In summer he used to visit all poor children's homes and evaluate the situation at home. I know many instances, where children used to approach him during lunch time and he used to give them cash for lunch. He used to give fee concession to all deserving students. This priest is a saintly figure. Calm, smiling and respectful. Thousands of Mangalorean students have been benefitted by his service. Rest in peace. Fr Pinto. You lived your life as per Lord's teachings. Enjoy your rewards in Heaven.
sanjay pinto, manglaore, Fri, Dec 17 2021
He was known as Fr L Pinto right? I was thinking from yesterday...I was also in X B standard in 1981..Nice priest and very disciplined...May his soul rest in peace...I was one of the beneficiaries of the mid day meal scheme of Jesuit Priest...they used to give us lunch coupon and we used to eat at Hotel Ritz in Shedigudda..full plate meals for Rs 1.20 till 1981
Ritapinto, B V Rd Ml, Thu, Dec 16 2021
May his soul rest in peace
DP, Balmatta / Burlington, MA, Thu, Dec 16 2021
Rest in Peace, Dear Father. You will be always remembered.
Alfred dsouza, Mangalore, Thu, Dec 16 2021
You will be always remembered dear fr. Thank you for giving me the best childhood memories. May God grant you eternal peace.
Drs.Rita and Lionel Dias, Mangalore, Thu, Dec 16 2021
Rest in peace Father-Will miss you at retreat house on walks rosary and prayers
Ben D'Souza Prabhu, Mangalore, Bombay Bandra now in Canada, Thu, Dec 16 2021
My dear Rev Fr Lawrence Pinto, you are called by our Gracious Lord to do quite a number of things there in our Lovely Paradise. Dear Lord do take care of our loving Priest to stay with you in your Kingdom for ever Many THANKS to you our dear brother and friend !!!
Joel D'Souza, Highlands, Mangalore. Thu, Dec 16 2021
Truly a people's priest. Humblest of the humble. Gentle, soft-spoken with that never-vanishing trademark smile. Enjoy the eternal hereafter Father.
ROY, mangalore, Thu, Dec 16 2021
Tough disciplinarian with a heart of gold. Had the time to listen to the student, made no distinction between students and treated all the same.20 years as Headmaster at st. Aloysius high school, he would have seen thousands pass through its hallowed portals. Rest in peace Fr. Lawrence and enjoy your heavenly reward.
LJS, Dakshina Kannada, Thu, Dec 16 2021
Rest in peace Fr. Lawrence 🙏🙏🙏
William Rodrigues, Milagres, Mangalore, Thu, Dec 16 2021
Very very nice Priest....humble and soft spoken. May his soul rest in peace.
Manohar, Udupi, Thu, Dec 16 2021
Rest in peace.
Vivian D Sousa Coove, Coove via Magundi Chikkamagalu 577160, Thu, Dec 16 2021
As a Headmaster he was a very good administrator, A loving Headmaster to students. He was accepting good suggestions given by teachers, Very democratic while conducting staff meeting. He worked among poorest of poor students in Mundgod Karwar district. May his soul rest in peace Vivian DSouza Ex teacher St Aloysius Highschool
Hegde, Bangalore, Thu, Dec 16 2021
A good School principal .. disciplined ... Encouraging both studies and sports ..good value systems.. It was a generation of no bias .. Class ..Rich or poor .. caste .. religion.. no special favours to catholics as claimed nowadays Needless politics .. May his soul rest in eternal peace ..
Fredrick Sequeira, Kallianpur, Thu, Dec 16 2021
"Well done my servant".You are instrumental in providing education to the poorest of the poor who I presume are now well placed. Jesus Most Merciful n Divine Saviour grant unto his soul eternal peace.
An Adieu to our favourite headmaster https://newskarnataka.com/more/tribute/an-adieu-to-our-favourite-headmaster/
Funeral service of Fr Lawrence Pinto, SJ in Video - YouTube
Remembering Fr Lawrence Pinto as guru and friend by Dr Izabella Selvaraj
