Reading about the late Fr. John Correia-Afonso
in your New Year’s “Jesuit Parivar” brought back pleasant
memories of him, as I studied in St. Xavier’s College about the
same time (1942-46) – except that I was in the Science section.
Most of us were in the catholic Students’ Union, of which I
think John—as we knew him—was the Secretary. We “boys and girls”
(all septo and octogenarians now, I guess) remember him as an
exceptional organizer and very knowledgeable.
I remember clearly taking us on an
excursion-cum-picnic to the Borivili ruins – where now stands
the Mary Immaculate Convent School, he sent us on a treasure
hunt, to find “anything of interest” , Naturally we found
nothing! At our age at that time we were wont to have other
“interests” — he very jocularly told us as much! Yes, he was a
pleasant companion and good fun to be with. I’ll always regret
not meeting him later – even though I attended a few of the
Family get-togethers at Vinalaya, as I am the sister-in-law of
Fr. Rudolf Fernandez.
May I also mention here, in a lighter vein – our Botany
Professor Fr. Santapau - a rather stern and strict
disciplinarian, whom we nicknamed the “Breadman” because of the
latter part of his surname. Fr. Coyne, the then Principal, was
“the Prince” not only because his office but for his princely
demeanor.
These are just a few of the very pleasant
memories of an old, old lady who thoroughly enjoyed her four
years in St. Xavier’s. It’s a wonder she managed to pass out
with Honours! I guess only the Jesuits know how to do so! My
late husband Lt. Col. Vency Fernandez (who is Fr. Rudolf’s elder
brother) and my two sons also studied in St. Stanislaus, as did
my two elder grandsons and now my two youngest grandsons. My
daughter and one of my grandsons, too were in St. Xavier’s. So,
all in all, I have much to be grateful to the Jesuits, and thank
you, and God bless you all.
From Terrence Fonn, Bandra
Again, after reading JP Diwali 05, one is amazed at the
variety of vocations within the Jesuit way of life — from
recruits from railway platforms in Mumbai and Mumbai’s rag
picking fraternity (Raju Anappa NSJ) to Vinayalaya Jubilarians
reminiscing about 50 glorious years of religious life in the
Society (Jubilee Reminiscences).
When I reminisce about novitiate days, I think about the
benign leadership of Dominic Berenguer – he was a man of his
times! I recollect this because once while rummaging through a
dusty drawer before a Gospel sharing session in one of our
Bandra Parishes, I picked up a prayer book we used in those
days: “Alone with God!” Opening the book at random my eyes
lighted upon a prayer somewhat like this: “Lord, teach me to
know you and to despise myself!” Utterly pre-Vatican II stuff!
So, how am I to love my neighbour as I love myself (Mt. 12,31)
by despising myself?
I also remember Jerome Aixala, our Latin professor of those
days: “Audaces fortuna juvat!” (Fortune favours the bold) Tony
de Melo was a novice in those times. But now his subversive
publications (which like new wine cannot be put into old
wineskins) ”do not fit into moulds of religion” They are a call
to “Wake up to life” (Tony’s Tapes)
From Family and Friends