Fr. Joaquim Mascarenhas SJ
1940 - 2009

Joaquim as he was known, was born on 2nd April 1940 in Goa, in a family of 3 children. He joined the society at the age of 18 yrs in June 1958. Shy by nature, but rather balanced in his views, he received his first vows on 21st June 1960 at the novitiate in Vinayalaya and was ordained at St Mary’s Kurseong on 27th March 1971. He made his final vows at Holy Family, Andheri on 31st July 1977. In fact Holy Family became a second home to him, as he had a special attachment to this parish. He spent his Juniorate 1960 – 62 at Vinayalaya, and studied the Languages in Nashik 1962     Thereafter for 3 years 1963 – 66 he did Philosophy at De Nobili College Pune and Regency in Campion School, Bhopal. He studied Theology in Kurseong & Delhi 1968 – 72 from whence he came to Holy Family for his Pastoral Year 1972 – 73.  His Tertianship saw him for the following 2 years at Beschi College, Dindigul, Tamil Nadu. Then onwards he pursued further studies successfully completing his B.Ed & M.A

From 1972 to 1998 Fr. Joaquim distinguished himself as a Principal in many of the Jesuit Province Schools such as Holy Family, St. Mary’s ISC (Mazagaon) St. Xaviers Dhobi Talao, St Mary’s SSC (Mazagaon) blossomed under his expertise. He was blessed with sound health, and education was his top priority. He retired in 1998 and then till 2009 took on the Parish Ministry at Holy Family Church. The final lap of his services in Education saw his health deteriorate, and the type of person he was – never wanting to be a burden to anyone – kept his troubles to himself – often not wanting to draw or garner any attention to himself.

However his life as a Jesuit and his devotion to Education will always be remembered by the many lives he has touched. The field of Education in fact was his mission. At Holy Family School, he was at the helm of affairs for 3 terms, having spent a greater part of his priestly life here as a Jesuit and endeared himself to the parishioners as well. It was here then I came in closer contact with Joaquim. He could well be described as a young , energetic hardworking and dynamic Principal, Thoroughly dedicated to his vocation as a priest he was always ready to accept changes and challenges without question or doubt. To be appointed as Principal for three terms at Holy Family High School is indeed a commendable feat and is itself a witness to his dedication, efficiency and commitment to duty! He was always wanted and welcomed by both Staff and Students. Alongside his work he pursued his studies academically and professionally in order to enhance the quality of his academic leadership.

He was instrumental in planning and implementing many of the changes brought about at Holy Family. The shifting of the school premises and the 80/20% policy whereby admissions were granted to 80% of the weaker section of applicants and 20% to the others were two such significant changes, true to the Jesuit motto of educating the masses.

The introduction of the Marathi Section received his whole hearted encouragement and co-operation inspite of the many hurdles and teething problems that soon arose, coupled with the severe criticism and opposition from the parents and others – indeed a strong supporter of the Jesuit Option for the Poor.

He was especially innovative in devising ways and means to improve the educational process, like the setting of examination papers with a blue print to be presented along with, the evaluation process – all for the benefit of his students. His analytical mind I would say worked overtime, and whatever he devised or planned, he always set an example by leading the way himself then getting the Staff to follow “Example better than Precept” was his motto, no wonder then, he was well versed with the prose’ and cons of any scheme he proposed and this was ardently taken up by the Staff.

Joaquim as a person had always been shy, an introvert by nature, a man of few words, never wanting or seeking praise, patient and tolerant preferring to be alone – would never vent his anger on any one – silence was his weapon, but he endeared himself to parishioners, Staff and students alike because of his simplicity and humility. In the words of Joe D’Abreo it is very difficult to find a humble Jesuit – here was one” – I fully endorse this statement.

In his, younger days, he was a disciplinarian, strict yet ready to forgive and forget. He was the no – nonsense type, calling a spade a spade, but his quiet, unassuming nature was truly admirable.

In the pastoral field, Fr. Joaquim was involved with the youth, the Konkani – speaking parishioners, attending to their spiritual needs with great commitment even when he was physically not fit.

A good football enthusiast he endeared himself to the youth in his heydays when, he was full of the joy – de vivre. ‘Others before self was Fr. Joaquims guiding norm. Solving Crossword puzzles, reading, going on long walks were his favourite pastimes in his later years some of his parishioners, teachers from the various schools and students still kept in touch with him at Holy Family regularly. The funeral which saw a packed church at Holy Family – the attendance of many a past students, ex-teachers and well wisher stand as a proof of the respect and admiration he had earned for himself down memory lane. May God grant him eternal rest in the kingdom of the blest ….. May his soul rest in peace.

Fr. Francis Swamy, ,SJ