Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, May 8: Fr Ravi Santhosh Kamath SJ, a respected Jesuit priest, theologian, teacher, and spiritual mentor who influenced generations through his scholarship and pastoral care, passed away in the early hours of Friday, May 8, at Father Muller Medical College Hospital. He was 86.
Fr Ivan Mendonca SJ, superior of Fatima Retreat House, said Fr Kamath had been battling age-related health issues in recent days and was on nasal feeding support. He breathed his last at 3:45 am.
Funeral arrangements are yet to be officially announced. Sources indicated that the last rites are likely to be held on Sunday, subject to confirmation from the family.
Born on October 5, 1939, at Kuntal Kambla in Bajpe, Fr Ravi Santhosh Kamath was born Ronald Pereira and was lovingly called “Ronnie” by family and close friends. He was the eighth among twelve children in a deeply religious family that later produced several priests and nuns.
After completing his early education at Bajpe Church School and higher studies at St Aloysius College, he pursued Philosophy and Psychology studies in Dharwad and also earned a diploma in foreign languages from Karnataka University. Known for his extraordinary linguistic talent, he was fluent in Latin, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Tamil, Malayalam, Tulu, Kannada, Hindi, and English.
He joined the Jesuit Seminary in Calicut in 1958 and later obtained a doctorate in Systematic Theology from the Gregorian University in Rome. Returning to Mangaluru, he served for nearly 36 years as professor of theology at Jeppu Seminary, where he became a guiding force for generations of seminarians and priests.
Remembered as a gifted preacher and inspiring educator, Fr Kamath also conducted foreign language classes under ‘The French Connection’ initiative at Fatima Retreat House for several years. His approachable nature, humour, and readiness to help people made him widely admired across communities.
Many faithful fondly described him as a ‘people’s priest’ for his close bond with ordinary people. Whether counselling families, mentoring youth, visiting the elderly, or accompanying people in their spiritual lives, he remained deeply involved in pastoral service throughout his ministry.
In March 2021, Fr Ravi Santhosh Kamath celebrated the golden jubilee of his priesthood, marking 50 years of dedicated service as a Jesuit priest.
His passing has drawn condolences from the Jesuit community, clergy, former students, and faithful across Mangaluru and beyond. They remembered him as a humble servant of God whose life reflected scholarship, compassion, simplicity, and unwavering commitment to humanity.
Watch Fr Ravi Santhosh Kamath SJ on Daijiworld TV's 'Hello Father':