(1939-2014)
Born at Cansaulim on 24/12/1939
Secondary education: St Paul’s, Belgaum
Entered SJ 1/07/1957 at Vinayalaya
Philosphy at Pune 1962-1965
Theology at Innsbruck 1966-1970 (PhD 1970-1971)
Ordained priest on 31/08/1969 in Switzerland
Diploma in Modern Hebrew: in Jerusalem 1974-1975
Licentiate in S. Script Rome 1975-1976
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Fr Rui de Menezes is no longer with us: he returned to the Father early morning on
Saturday 22 March. The news reached us at the beginning of the Community Mass in which
the Gospel relating the parable of the Prodigal Son was proclaimed. Indeed there must
have been a great welcoming celebration in Heaven with his near and dear ones around,
especially with his elder brother Fr Celso SJ who died in 1968 following a tragic road
accident not far from De Nobili College, Pune, where Rui spent most of his life. Fr Rui’s
departure was so very quick, ever since colorectal cancer (also known as colon cancer)
was detected in November 2013. whilst teaching a course in Bangalore. He underwent
surgery on November 14th
appeared that things were under control until further complications set in and he had to be
removed to Nirmala Nagar Hospital where in spite of the loving care of Charles Borromeo
Sisters his internal system gave in and he departed to the Lord.
Born in Cansaulim Goa in 1939, Rui did secondary school at St. Paul’s Belgaum,
and joined the Society in 1957. He had a brilliant academic career beyond the regular
priestly studies: a Doctorate in Theology in Innsbruck (Austria), Licentiate in S. Scripture in
Rome and Diploma in Modern Hebrew in Jerusalem.
His life as a Jesuit was characterised by distinguished academic service and by the
teaching of generations of students at the Pontifical Athenaeum, Jnana Deepa Vidyapeeth,
Pune, where he taught from 1979 until his retirement in 2004. He was also visiting professor
in many seminaries like the Morning Star College, Barrakpore in West Bengal, Vidya Jyoti,
Delhi, St Peter’s Pontifical Institute, Bangalore, and the Pilar Seminary, Pilar Goa, Rachol
Seminary Goa and lectured regularly in the Archdiocesan Seminary San Luis Potosi in
Mexico, in Spanish naturally! He could speak besides in French, German, Italian,
Portuguese, Latin, English, Marathi and Konkani. In Pune he was at various times Dean of
Theological Studies, Rector Magnificus of the Athenaeum and Rector of De Nobili College
and showed himself as an effective fund raiser for the various construction and
maintenance projects that he undertook.
Fr Rui has done us Goa Jesuits proud by contributing so diligently to the formation
and education not only of the Jesuits of the Assistancy but also numerous Diocesan
Seminarians and other Religious women and men. He was truly an academician with a
heart of a pastor. As such he cared for the poor as well as for those with means but not
much else. His friendly ways and passion for life attracted many to his circle of friends.
, 2013 and then followed slow recovery at St Paul’s Belgaum. It
We the Goa Jesuits thank God for the marvels He wrought in his life and for the
marvels he wrought in the lives of many people, especially the many hundreds of students.
May God grant him eternal joy and peace. R.I.P
1 comment:
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