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.