FR. FRANCIS BERNARD SJ

The late Fr. Francis Bernard was also a late vocation.  He joined the Society at the age of 36.  The reason why he joined late is because he worked for one year as a lecturer in St. Joseph’s College, Trichy and for another year in St. Xavier’s College, Ahmedabad to provide for his old widowed mother. Only when he had done his duty as a beloved son did he join the Society of Jesus.  Fr. Bernard had a brilliant academic record having studied for a B.A. in English at Loyola College, Madras where he won four medals.  He then took an M.A. in English Literature,  studying at Madras Christian College. He was studying at St. John’s Seminary Nellore and after a year of theology, he joined the Bombay Province in June 1959.  Since he had completed a good part of his studies for the priesthood, he was ordained a priest on 19 March 1964. 

Most of his active ministry was spent in the field of education.  He taught in two prestigious Institutions of the Bombay Province, namely, St. Xavier’s Boys’ Academy and Campion School over a period of ten years.  As an educatonist, he was deeply appreciated for his expertise in the teaching of English.  As Vice Principal of Campion School, he carried out his administrative duties efficiently and established a good rapport with students, Staff and parents. While at Campion School and St. Xavier’s Boys’ Academy, he readily offered his services in celebrating the Eucharist and assisting in the confessional at the nearby Holy Name Cathedral.  

Fr. Bernard spent a record thirty-two years in St. Mary’s Community, from 1977 till last year when he was taken to the Jesuit Nursing Home.  Here, I would like to thank Fr. Simon D’Souza S.J., Sr. Ancy, the nurses and attendants and the entire staff at the Nursing Home who took good care of Fr. Bernard in his last year and helped him feel comfortable over there.  During these years at St. Mary’s, Fr. Bernard served as an English teacher in St. Mary’s I.C.S.E., as a Counsellor and had also offered his services in the parish at St. Anne’s.  In the Jesuit community, Fr. Bernard was a wonderful Guest Master.  He liked to make people feel happy and comfortable.  As a member of the community, he has always worked strenuously to promote an atmosphere of peace and fruitful collaboration for the greater glory of God. 

Fr. Bernard’s students have always admired him for his proficiency in English literature and his classes in Value Education.  He was well read and approachable, making it easy for students to seek his guidance.  Until recently, Jesuit Scholastics found him very helpful in guiding them with their written assignments for college.  His skill in counselling had led to scores of his students from Mumbai, India and other parts of the world, keeping in touch with him for his timely and wise guidance.  A number of Jesuits, diocesan priests and lay people used to visit him regularly for guidance in their spiritual lives.  Many found in him a wonderful listener and a reliable friend.  In spite of his failing health, he had made himself available to guide and help people.  There was always a steady flow of regular ‘clients’ stopping by his room.  In the midst of his counselling sessions, he had made himself available to celebrate the Eucharist at Asha Dan (Mother Teresa’a Home) and even conduct recollections and renconcilaition services.

Towards the end of his life, I remember Fr. Bernard telling me that he felt God very close to him.  He felt very happy in the Society of Jesus and he had received a lot of love and affection.  He felt that his blindness and his breathlessness were special gifts to him from God.  One quality for me that stood out in Fr. Bernard was his sense of gratitude.  He was extremely thankful for very small favours done for him.  I am sure the Lord is saying to him:  “Come, my beloved.  Since you were so faithful to me in your life on earth, now enjoy everlasting bliss in my kingdom.”   Amen.

Fr. Joaquim Tellis S.J.