Fr. Jerome Gonsalves SJ (7th May 2021): Pune Jesuit

 Fr. Jerome will be specially remembered as caring teacher and pastor, who kept the wellbeing of the people he served with joy always close to his heart. His students at St. Joseph's Technical Institute, Pune, and at the Xavier Technical Training Center, Shrirampur cherish his dedicated and loving ministry. Fr. Jerome was a devout, zealous Jesuit and a warm, mission-driven companion to many. Fr. James Shelke and Fr. Jerome made an inspiring team, as they toiled together, with one mind and one heart, for the development of the Shrirampur mission. With deep resolve, Fr. Jerome would often say, “We must do something for our people!” — revealing his passion, commitment, compassion, and his intense love for the people he worked with and worked for. With the heart of a good shepherd, his evenings were dedicated to spending time in the villages to celebrate the Eucharist with the scattered flock.

As Director of the Social Centre in Ahmednagar, he worked tirelessly for the development of village communities in the drought-prone district, to renew the environment through soil and water conservation projects, with the people's active participation. His priority was to seek justice and a life of dignity for the weak and vulnerable groups: especially children and women, through networking and collaboration. He remained committed lifelong to their empowerment.

Fr. Jerome also served the Province Youth Coordinator and Vocation Promoter. With his ever- enthusiastic spirit and the support of companions and friends, he organized youth camps within and outside the Province to promote vocations. Fr. Jerome passed into God's eternal embrace on May 7, at the Sonali Memorial Hospital in Pune. He surrendered his life to the will of God—as he always did. Fr. Jerome, our dear companion and friend, joins us now in prayer for vocations and intercedes for us, as we continue together our mission journey in love, faith and hope. 

Fr. Ramesh Tribhuvan SJ (6th May 2021): Pune Jesuit

Fr. Ramesh was admitted to St. Luke's Hospital, Shrirampur, on 18 April, after being affected by the Corona virus. After eight days in the hospital, he recovered to some extent and returned to his parish at Rahuri. However, a couple of days later, when his health condition started deteriorating, he was rushed to the Evangeline Booth Hospital, Ahmednagar, where he finally breathed his last on 6 May, 2021.

The news of his death left his parishioners shocked and grief-stricken because they had lost their 'smiling priest'. Fr. Ramesh's smile was truly infectious. With a cheerful and zealous missionary spirit, he reached out to the faithful, proclaiming the joy of the gospel and helping them resolve their challenging problems and difficulties.

Right from his novitiate days, Fr. Ramesh displayed a bold and courageous spirit. With his radiant and cheerful smile, he endeared himself to his flock and his fellow Jesuits. After his ordination on 7 November, 2009, Ramesh served in several parishes. The faithful really loved him. He also did remarkable service in the Social Centre where he served as Project Coordinator of the watershed projects. He will always be remembered for his commitment and hard work. Thank you, Fr. Ramesh, for the precious gift and blessing you have been to the Province. God saw you were tired, and wanted you to share in the joy of His Heavenly Kingdom. Do intercede for all of us. 

FR. JOSEPH MENEZES SJ

                  12 June 1944 – 16 July 2018 

 

Fr. Joseph Menezes was born on 12th of June 1944 in Pune and brought up in Pune. He was inspired by the zealous dedication of the Jesuit Fathers and Brothers, especially those who had come as missionaries, who molded his heart and mind in St. Vincent’s High School and St. Xavier’s Parish. Responding generously to God’s call, he entered the Society of Jesus on June 20, 1962, and began to follow Jesus closely in his life. He had dedicated himself in service of the poor and needy. 

Having completed a Diploma in mechanical Engineering during his formation, technical education had remained his major apostolate all through the years of ministry. He had served at St. Joseph’s Technical Institute, Pune, and at the Xavier Technical Training Institute, Shrirampur, for years in various capacities moving back and forth between the two institutes, serving with commitments and love. 

As a Director, he introduced a number of relevant course to train less-privileged rural youth in both the institutes, to help them live a life of dignity and earn a livelihood to support their families. Under his able leadership, the technical institutes have grown as reputed centers for practical, professional skill-training and precision production.  

He has always cherished a deep love and heart for the poor. In the institutes, he has accompanied the poor students in their studies, and supported them financially, to help them stand on their own feet.  

As Parish Priest of Shrirampur and Kolhapur parishes, his parishioners always appreciated his availability, pastoral care, liturgical services and homilies. His reflections, rooted in the Ignatian spirituality, flowed from his heart, and inspired his congregation. Being a man of the Spiritual Exercises, he loved to share this treasure by giving retreats, especially to religious, and had been very much appreciated for his spiritual direction. The Province is grateful to him for his counsel, guidance and prayer. He passed away on 16th of July 2018 at Shrirampur. May the good Lord grant him eternal reward! Fr. Joe has touched the heart of the faithful and in reaching out across the miles, we count ourselves truly blessed. We pray that God may grant him eternal rest.