A Life so Purposefully Lived, Deserves to be Beautifully Remembered
A Life so Purposefully Lived, Deserves to be Beautifully Remembered
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Fr. Arun de Souza, SJ (1962-2024)
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing away of Fr. Arun de Souza SJ on June 24, 2024. Fr. Arun served as a faculty member in the Sociology Department of St. Xavier’s College since 2004, and was instrumental in starting the Masters programme in Public Policy. He was appointed Rector of the College in 2012, and then Provincial of the Bombay Province in 2017. His life was marked by a purposeful commitment to education, faith and social justice.
Fr. Arun was an alumnus of St. Xavier’s College, where he completed his B.Sc. in Chemistry before following his calling to join the Society of Jesus. His academic journey was distinguished by a Master’s degree in Theology from Jnanadeepa Vidyapeeth, Pune, and a Ph.D. in Sociology from the Delhi School of Economics. His academic and intellectual pursuits reflected his deep love for learning and his desire to engage critically with the world around him.
During his tenure as Professor and Rector at St. Xavier’s College, Fr. Arun was committed to fostering an environment of academic excellence, while maintaining the Jesuit tradition of holistic education. He became a much-loved figure on campus, known for his passion for teaching and his deep connection with students. Fr. Arun was an educator who believed that learning should go beyond the classroom, often encouraging his students to "problematize the obvious" and question deeply held societal beliefs. He was a mentor who nurtured his students' growth, both intellectually and personally, leaving a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of being taught by him.
After completing his term as Provincial of the Bombay Province, Fr. Arun took a well-needed sabbatical in a Jesuit University in Zimbabwe, further broadening his international and academic experience. He returned to the College in July 2023, rejuvenated and ready to contribute once again to the institution he so deeply loved. His return was a blessing for Xavier’s, as his wisdom and vision continued to guide the College during a crucial period of change, as the College embraced the National Education Policy (NEP 2020), and was rapidly expanding its professional and self-financed courses.
Fr. Arun's influence extended beyond the classroom and Boardroom. His heart was with the Jesuit mission of working for social justice, particularly in rural areas. He was recently appointed Director of a Jesuit-run rural research centre in Nashik, where he was eager to apply his academic expertise to serve marginalized communities.
Though Fr. Arun’s administrative roles were many, his true passion remained in academia. His happiest moments were in teaching, reading, and engaging in intellectual discourse. Fr. Arun’s colleagues and students will miss his gentle wisdom, his inviting presence, and his steadfast dedication to the Jesuit mission. He may no longer be bound by the confines of “social location,” but his spirit remains a guiding force for the College.
Fr. Arun’s life was one of extraordinary purpose and grace, filled with compassion, intellect, and an unwavering commitment to the betterment of others. His legacy will live on in the lives of the students he mentored, the College he led, and the communities he touched. We are deeply grateful for his life and his example, and though we mourn his loss, we are comforted by the knowledge that his prayers and intercession will continue to be a source of blessing for us.
May his soul rest in peace, and may his memory continue to inspire us.
Dr. (Fr.) Keith D'Souza, S.J.
Rector, St. Xavier's College, Mumbai
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