Exit Fr Vaz, Enter Fr Pinto! Fr Melwin Joseph Pinto SJ Takes Charge as Rector of St Aloysius Institutions, Mangaluru from former Rector Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ, on Tuesday, 22 September 2020 – A Exclusive interview by Team Mangalorean
Mangaluru: After a very short period of the announcement of Fr Dionysius Vaz, SJ as the new Provincial of the Karnataka Jesuit Province, another good news gushes in with the appointment of Fr Melwin Pinto, SJ as the new Rector of the St Aloysius Institutions, Mangaluru. Fr Dionysius Vaz, SJ rendered his selfless service for around four and a half years. He left no stone unrolled to keep up the reputation of the institutions. His love for the poor, it was under his leadership tremendous relief work was done in and around Mangaluru city during the early months of the pandemic. The way he addressed the needs of the economically backward students is noteworthy. His oratory and counselling skills were of par-excellence.
Present Rector of SAC, Fr Melwin Joseph Pinto SJ
Former Rector of SAC, Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ
These specifics made it a Himalayan task to find a new leader for the St. Aloysius Institutions amidst several novel challenges. It is indeed a blessing to have Fr. Melwin Pinto, SJ as the new Rector. He is a man with an intellectual depth, extensive public relation skills, experience of working internationally and above all a humane, jovial, approachable and a compassionate person. On 22 September 2020 during the Annual Governing Body Meeting of Mangalore Jesuit Education Society, Fr Melwin Pinto, SJ took charge as the new Rector. Even though the prestigious, St. Aloysius College felt it hard to part away with Fr. Dionysius Vaz, SJ, the arrival of Fr Melwin Pinto, SJ has filled us all with lots of hope and assurance.
Fr MELWIN JOSEPH PINTO SJ- a Intellectual Priest, Spiritual, Jovial, Compassionate, Smiling & Cheerful :
“The priesthood is the love of…..Jesus,” said John Vianney, the 19th century French priest who is now the patron saint of Catholic clergy. This ideal to lovingly serve the faith community, is the central focus of the Church’s ordained ministry, according to the catechism. For Catholic Christians, priests are mentors, teachers and friends who celebrate both the ordinary and special events in their lives. Therefore, it is important to find the right priest to share these moments with you – and for that matter, Fr Melwin Pinto SJ is the right example. It is my greatest privilege to honor this great religious person with this tribute on his assignment as the new Rector of St Aloysius Institutions, Mangaluru. ” The Son of Man comes not to be served, but to serve,” Jesus said, and, after washing their feet, told his disciples to do what he did. Serving people is what Jesus did, and doing what Jesus did is a privilege – and that’s what Fr Melwin has been doing since his ordination.
If rectors were simply program managers, this transition might be simple. But of course, they are not. A priest is shepherd to the sheep, consolation to the grieving, beloved parent to a congregation’s children, theological instructor to the curious, liturgical leader, and pastor of the tight and holy community that is the parish. Departure of one rector is wrenching; installation of another is rejuvenating; and to go from the depth of one to the height of the other requires a process.
Transition, including its Search component, is an exciting and blessed process. It is an opportunity for the Spirit to be present in unique ways. It is an opportunity to see through new eyes, decide with a free mind, re-write the future without constraints. It is challenging and time consuming, but it is an investment well worthwhile. It is frequently described as one of the most intensely gratifying ministries in the Church/Chapel., and I think the General of Society of Jesuits has picked the right person to be at the helm as the Rector of St Aloysius.
Prior to Fr Melwin Pinto taking over as Rector of St Aloysius Institutions, other Rectors that served at SAC, to name a few, were: Fr Ronnie Prabhu SJ (1980-86), Fr Avelline D’Souza SJ(1986-1992), Fr Ralph D’Costa SJ(1998-2001), Fr Vijayakumar Prabhu SJ (2001-2004), Fr Francis Serrao SJ (2004-2009), and Fr Joseph Rodrigues SJ (2009-2013), Fr Leo D’souza SJ, Fr Denzil Lobo SJ, and Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ, among many others. Today the Catholic faithful expect their priest to be a dynamic preacher, impressive celebrant, effective healer, sensitive listener, able administrator, friendly person, dedicated caretaker of the Church/Chapel and institution, sounding board and even, sometimes a punching bag – Fr Melwin has all these abilities and has kept his promises to serve as a good, God-fearing priest. The clergy, the faithful, the well-wishers and the students of St Aloysius should be very grateful to Fr Melwin for his loyalty to this great institution, his wonderful gentleness and humor, his smile and friendliness and for the wonderful things he has done for St Aloysius and so many people.
Fr Melwin Joseph Pinto SJ, born on 31 December 1963 in Bendore/Kadri area in Mangaluru had his Schooling and College education at St Aloysius Mangaluru- and later he joined the Society of Jesus (SJ) congregation on 20 June 1981. His education credits are- MA (Eng), M.Ed. Diploma in Psychology and Counseling; Diploma in School Administration. Ordained as a Jesuit priest on 14 April 1997, Fr Melwin worked as- Headmaster, St Joseph’s Primary School, Hassan, 1996-97; Headmaster, St Joseph’s High School, Hassan, 1998 – 99; Principal, St Joseph’s Indian Composite PU College, B’lore, 1999 – 2007 (Founder Principal of St Joseph’s Indian PU College); Headmaster, St Aloysius High School, Mangalore 2007 – 2011; Principal, St Joseph’s PU College, Hassan 2011-12 and Section Head, English Desk for Asia and Indian languages, at Vatican Communications & Radio, Rome. February 2012 – April 2017
Until recently Fr Melwin was the Superior and Director, Fatima Retreat House, Valencia- Mangaluru, from May 2017 – May 2019. He served as Superior, of South Indian Common Jesuit Juniorate, Trivandrum, May 2019; Superior, of South Indian Common Jesuit Juniorate, Trivandrum, May 2019 , until recently appointed as Superior, Vidyaniketan, Jesuit Study Home, Dharwad, before this new post of Rector of St Aloysius Institutions, Mangaluru was offered to Him. Fr Melwyn’s hobbies are Counseling, Spiritual Direction, Directing Ignatian Retreats, Seminars on Education, Leadership, Self Esteem, Soft Skills, among others.
Fr Melwin Pinto SJ truly is an inspiration to many people, young and old, in his daily interaction with them. The inspiration one gets from a humble person’s declaration of humanness and frailty is taken from the Scripture’s words: ” Man does not live on bread alone but by the words of God.” Fr Melwin is a terrific man to know both personally and professionally. He never ceases to amaze anyone with his knowledge, but mostly his humility. His love for the Church and Holy Eucharist is evident by the way he reverently says Mass, and he is an intelligent priest who delivers excellent homilies. As the common phrase goes,” Smile, and the world will smile with you”, Fr Melwin’s smile lights up his face, and all those around him. An intelligent man with great personality, He is also kind and gentle, cheerful and smiling, loving and caring; and he also represents humility and has a way of making his acquaintances feel equally important. People and students are attracted to him because he is kind, soft-spoken, gentle and friendly.
During our short life here on Earth we meet plenty of people. Among them are our best friends and our teachers, and I could not tell which one between these two influences the life most. In my opinion both are important in their own ways. Teachers educate us, and their life experience and wisdom can give us good advice and support. Friends are there when you need them for good advice and comfort. To summarize, we are accompanied in our life by many wonderful people – they teach us, they support us and they will be in our hearts forever. They make us who we are and what we are, and both of them, the friends and the teachers, are very important parts of our lives. Although Fr Melwin wasn’t my teacher at St Aloysius, I was very much associated with him during the programmes that were held at Fatima Retreat House, and when Fr Melwin was the Director there from May 2017 till May 2019. Few years later, as he is back at St Aloysius Institution as Rector, I still feel proud, blessed and honored to be the friend of this great educator and mentor.
Excerpts from the exclusive interview with Fr Melwin Joseph Pinto SJ :
Q : I just want to ask first of all your calling to the priesthood, at what age you became aware of it ?
I always had a childhood dream of becoming a priest, although not very serious. As I grew up I began losing sight of it. While in the PUC at St. Aloysius I even gained a little notoriety with my pranks. But I did have a change of mind at one point and an urge at the age of seventeen like a stirring deep within which was inviting me to commit myself to the Lord by being a Jesuit.
Q : When did you tell your parents about wanting to become a priest? What was their reaction, and also from your family members?
I informed my parents about my desire to join the Jesuits when I was seventeen, just before my PUC exams. My mum and dad didn’t really trust me, knowing my playful nature. They, along with my older siblings, were rather apprehensive about my intentions, but nonetheless, quite supportive.
Q : Narrate your experiences as a Catholic priest?
Very difficult to put all my experiences as a priest, in a nutshell. It is so varied. Most of my years were spent as a school principal. The first few years, I was too hard on students in the name of discipline. It is later on that I realized that ‘love’ and acceptance can reform children more effectively than punishments and ‘disciplining’. It was a joy to educate children for more than 15 years. While at the Vatican Communications, I got to know the Church more closely and had the joy of serving the universal Church. Back in the country, directing retreats, counselling, pastoral ministry, formation of our young Jesuits… all these experiences have surely enriched me. If I have enjoyed doing my ministry and serving the Lord as a priest, its because of the love I have received from so many people… my Jesuit companions, staff, students, parents, retreatants, counselling clients as well as benefactors, friends and well-wishers.
Q : Has anything changed in your personal life as a priest, as a man of God and Church?
Yes, a lot of things. Initially, I got caught up in trying to be ‘successful’, as though everything depended on me. It is later that I discovered the truth that I am just an instrument in the hands of the Lord. I have neither merited nor achieved anything in life. Now I do understand and perceive everything as service. My success is immaterial when I do the Lord’s work. This perspective has humbled me to be at the service of people as a man of God and the Church. That is why, perhaps, I wanted perfection and discipline at any cost. Now I come to realize that when I love God’s people, I can understand them, be compassionate and bring out the best in them.
Q : What should be the qualities of a good Catholic priest?
In my opinion, a good Catholic Priest should be a man of God and truly prayerful. But this prayerfulness should be manifested and reflected in his attitudes to life, his values, his choices, his preferences and in his dealings. He should be truly joyful, compassionate especially towards the poor and the suffering and forgiving. Being good administrators, great communicators and preachers, wonderful organizers, famous builders… may be just nice, but surely secondary. Without the qualities of the heart, for me, is neither a good nor a successful priest. (1Cor 1-3).
Q : If someone would ask you to say one sentence about Mangalore Catholic Diocese, what would be that?
The Mangalorean Catholic Diocese has had a painful past, but has grown into a faithful, talented and intelligent laity and clergy, who perhaps lack the enlightenment and vision to participate in public life.
Q : I know you still look young, active and quite energetic, what’s your advice to those seeking a vocation for priesthood?
“Oh, that today you would listen to His voice, harden not your hearts” (Ps 94: 8). I would love to tell a young man, (or a young woman, for that matter) “If a naughty young brat like me could respond to God’s call, why not you? The Lord needs you because he loves you. Respond courageously and you will not regret it.”
Q : What would be your advice for young priests today?
My only advice to a young priest is to give himself totally to the Lord. A half-hearted commitment is no commitment. A young priest can set the tone for his priestly life in the first five years of his priesthood. Complacency and a divided heart can be self-destructive.
Q : Now that you are taking up the responsibilities as a Rector, what are your major plans for this prestigious institution?
Honestly speaking, I have no plans, as such. I have come with no agenda. I will sit with my brother Jesuits to discern and deliberate what the needs of the people are. I would be open for a wider consultation with regard to the needs of all stakeholders of the institution. Plans have to emerge, not be predetermined.
Q : How does your experiences as a priest to date fit you for the role of Rector at St Aloysius Institutions?
To be honest with you, I have never considered myself suited for this job, although I have had administrative experience in the field of education and communications. It is just that my Superior General has entrusted me with this mission of leadership, trusting in my capacity to deliver the goods. I hope to live up to that trust.
Q : How would you describe your lifestyle of leadership?
I basically trust everyone who works like a team with me. I believe in the basic goodness of every person and try to hone that goodness for the welfare of all. It may be the tallest director of work or the seemingly insignificant sweeper or security personnel, I would respect them and invite them to be trustworthy by giving themselves totally to their duty. I basically believe in taking everyone along with me for the good of the institution.
Q : Is there anything unusual about your pathway to ministry as Rector of St Aloysius Institution?
I guess I will have to find my pathway to this ministry as I go along and find out whether it has been unusual in any way. I would certainly view this role as my ministry of priesthood and represent the Lord in all my attitudes, thoughts and actions.
Q : What are your expectations that you like to put forward?
None at all.. Perhaps I am only hoping and anticipating a lot of cooperation, support and team work.
Q : What in your opinion is a good Catholic?
A good Catholic is one who listens to the word of God, practices it in his life and despite his short-comings keeps striving towards Christian perfection.
Q : What’s your opinion on Roman Catholic priests and celibacy?
Roman Catholic priests are human beings who are fallible. Some years ago, Pope Francis in one of his remarks said, “most of the prelates in the Vatican are very holy and some are not so holy.” I suppose that is the reality and is true of Catholic clergy as well. As for priestly celibacy, I guess we cannot initiate a debate here since it does not pertain to my immediate ministry.
Q : There has been a lack in the praying practice. How can Catholics learn to pray better?
I suppose different people have different way to pray. For some they are in the ‘praying ministry’. Those who are not need not be considered less holy or prayerful. The way they pray may be different. No one can be judged by their prayer practices. We need to respect everyone who prays in a way that is suited best to their way of life. Ultimately what determines someone who is prayerful, is the fruit that one produces, and not how long one prays or how one prays. For instance, a person who prays for hours together and has no love or compassion for the poor, or refuses to be merciful or forgive a neighbour, cannot be considered prayerful.
Q : In some Western Countries they are pushing to have women ordained as priests-what is your opinion on that?
If there are such people in different countries, it could be understood as they have a lack of priests and they are in dire need of sacraments. But there are others who argue in favour of women clergy as a matter of gender rights. That cannot be justified, since there are strong theological implications. Once again, to initiate a discussion on a hotly debated topic may not be suitable here. That’s the domain of theological experts.
Q : What’s your message to the Catholics who are losing faith in their religion, and joining other Christian organizations?
What do I say about kids who reject a cake in order to eat bread crumbs? I have absolutely no issues with someone who rejects the Catholic Church after having studied all aspects of Faith in the Church. After that, it is a matter of choice and a right to choose. But with a shallow knowledge of the Catholic Church when they abandon their faith, it is highly ridiculous. What is more absurd is that they criticize the Catholic Church with that half-baked knowledge.
What is your message as a Rector, especially to the young generation?
Pope Francis often tells young people to never lose hope and to be always joyful and energetic. He tells them to ‘swim against the current’. I would love to reiterate that. In these terrible pandemic times, I would specially call upon the young people not to lose hope. A new order will emerge through this crisis in which they are bound to succeed provided they do not lose hope.
Team Mangalorean congratulates Fr Melwin Joseph Pinto SJ on taking over the prestigious RECTOR Post of the Prestigious St Aloysius Institutions, Mangaluru
