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
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)
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