Fr. Richard Sequeira SJ Remembered for Lifetime of Service and Scholarship
On : 2025-01-11
Mangalore, January 11, 2025 – The Karnataka Jesuits mourn the loss of Fr. Richard Sequeira SJ, a venerable figure in the Society of Jesus, who passed away on January 10, 2025, at the age of 90. Known for his unwavering dedication and scholarly contributions, Fr. Sequeira leaves behind a legacy that spans seven decades of service to the Church and the Society.
Fr. Richard Sequeira was born on May 12, 1934, to Albert Sequeira and Pauline Pinto in Makale, St. Agnes ward, Mangalore. He joined the Society of Jesus on July 1, 1954, and was ordained a priest on March 29, 1967. He took his final vows on August 15, 1973. Throughout his life, he remained deeply committed to his faith and his calling.
Fr. Sequeira's career within the Society of Jesus was marked by his diverse roles across different institutions. He served as a Professor of Philosophy and Spiritual Father at St. Joseph’s Seminary, Mangalore, and later took on responsibilities as Rector and Minister of Philosophy. His leadership extended to being the Novice Master at Mt St Joseph, Bengaluru, and holding various administrative roles at Loyola Mandir, Bengaluru. He guided several Jesuits as their Spiritual Father.
Beyond his administrative duties, Fr. Sequeira was a prolific author and editor, contributing significantly to the preservation of Jesuit history and spirituality. His notable works include "They Live On: In Grateful Remembrance of the Departed Jesuits" (2007), "A Still Small Voice: Profiles of Jesuit Pioneers in Karnataka" (2017), and several other publications that reflect his deep spiritual insights and scholarly rigor.
Fr. Sequeira's tenure as Province Archivist at Loyola Mandir, Bengaluru, from 2006 to 2013 was particularly instrumental in documenting and cataloguing the rich history of the Karnataka Jesuit community. His meticulous work in collecting and preserving archival materials ensured that the legacy of the Jesuit order in Karnataka remains intact for future generations. His contribution to compiling an editing the Jesuit ORDO in India, for several decades was marked by meticulous scrutiny and his eye for details.
In addition to his scholarly pursuits, Fr. Sequeira was known for his humility and quiet dedication to his calling. His impact on those around him extended beyond the academic realm, touching the lives of many in profound ways.
Fr. Richard Sequeira SJ's passing is deeply mourned by his surviving relatives, including his sister, Carmelita Dias, and the broader Jesuit community. The Karnataka Jesuit Province expresses its heartfelt condolences to all who knew and loved him. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Timeline of major responsibilities carried over by Fr Richard Siqueira, SJ
| 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 |
Salient Literary contributions by Fr Richard Siqueira, 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)
Praying for you Fr Richard, Our sincere condolences to Fr. Richard's family, friends, and the Mount St. Joseph community. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Fr William Marcel Rodrigues, SJ
