Indian Jesuit theologian passes away

Jesuit theologian and a former professor of Mathematics at St Xavier’s College, Kolkata, Father Poulose Mangai died in the Holy Family Hospital, New Delhi on March 26. He was 64.

His funeral Mass was held at St. Xavier’s College Chapel, Kolkata, on March 29, at 10.30 in the morning.

His remains were interred at Dhyan Ashram cemetery, Diamond Harbour Road, the same afternoon.

“He was a fine priest, a man of simplicity and integrity with a sharp brain and a compassionate heart. He was always amiable, available, approachable and helpful,” said Father Amulya during his homily at the funeral service. 

Father George Mlakuzhy, Poulose’s professor at Vidyajyoti, Jesuit Theologate in Delhi and later his colleague at the same college, recalled at the funeral that “Poulose led a saintly life, inspiring both his students and colleagues.”

Father Poulose was a professor of mathematics at St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata from 1991 to 1992. 

Later, he was assigned to teach theology at Vidyajyoti, Jesuit Theologate in Delhi where he taught for about 20 years. 

He was a humble and dedicated Jesuit who was always available for any assignments his superiors gave him. 

His lifestyle left a mark of simplicity and compassion among the generations of students he mentored.

As a priest, he was a friend of all, especially the poor, the street children who called him ‘Dadabhai’ (brother) and the rickshaw pullers in Delhi, who looked to him as ‘a source of support and friendship’. He was a spiritual guide, writer and social activist as well.

“In his death, the Jesuits lost a true companion and a spiritual guide, and the marginalized and the downtrodden lost a great friend who always supported their struggle,” said Jesuit Father Dominic Savio, principal of St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata (formerly Calcutta).
    
Father Poulose was born on September 15, 1957, in Kalady, Kerala, south India. 

Before joining the Jesuits, he was a mathematics lecturer in a government Engineering College in Kerala. He was ordained on November 18,  1995.

(With inputs from Teresa Rozario)