Fr. Ravi Santhosh Kamath SJ, Veteran Jesuit Priest and Beloved Spiritual Guide, Passes Away at 86

Mangaluru, May 8, 2026: Fr. Ravi Santhosh Kamath SJ, senior Jesuit priest, theologian, educationist, and beloved spiritual guide, passed away on Friday, May 8, at 3:45 AM at Father Muller Medical College Hospital. He was 86.

According to Fr. Ivan Mendonca SJ, Superior of Fatima Retreat House, Fr. Ravi Santhosh Kamath had been in fragile health in recent days and was under nasal feeding. He passed away due to age-related health complications.

Funeral details are awaited and are expected to be announced later today. It is understood that the funeral may likely be held on Sunday, subject to confirmation from the family.

Born on October 5, 1939, in Kuntal Kambla, Bajpe, Fr. Ravi Santhosh Kamath was the eighth among twelve siblings. Christened Ronald Pereira, he was affectionately known as “Ronnie” among his family members and close friends. He completed his schooling at Bajpe Church School and later pursued higher studies at St Aloysius College.

Gifted with exceptional academic ability and a passion for languages, he obtained postgraduate degrees in Philosophy and Psychology in Dharwad, along with a diploma in foreign languages from Karnataka University. Fluent in several languages including Latin, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Tamil, Malayalam, Tulu, Kannada, Hindi, and English, he was widely admired for his intellectual depth and communication skills.

Coming from a family blessed with several priests and nuns, Fr. Santosh joined the Jesuit Seminary in Calicut in 1958. He later earned a doctorate in Systematic Theology from the Gregorian University in Rome and went on to serve as professor of theology at the Jeppu Seminary for nearly 36 years. Generations of priests fondly remember him as an inspiring mentor, eloquent preacher, and dedicated teacher.

For several years, he also conducted foreign language classes through “The French Connection” at Fatima Retreat House. His cheerful personality, accessibility, and readiness to help anyone who approached him earned him immense love among Catholics and non-Catholics alike. Known for his jovial spirit and pastoral warmth, he was affectionately regarded by many as a “people’s priest.”

Fr. Ravi Santhosh Kamath celebrated the golden jubilee of his priesthood in March 2021, marking 50 years of devoted service as a Jesuit priest. Throughout his ministry, he remained deeply connected to people from all walks of life — visiting the elderly, guiding youth, counseling families, and accompanying countless faithful in their spiritual journey.

Remembered for his tireless service, ever-smiling presence, and compassionate heart, he leaves behind a lasting legacy in the Church and in the lives of thousands he touched through his ministry, scholarship, and humanity.

The Jesuit community, clergy, and faithful across Mangaluru and beyond have expressed deep sorrow at his passing and have remembered him as a humble priest who dedicated his entire life to God and the service of people.

The Funeral Mass is scheduled to take place at the Divine Mercy Church, Fatima Retreat House, Jeppu, Mangalore, at 3.30 pm on Sunday, May 10. The burial will follow at the Jesuit Cemetery in Jeppu, Mangalore.

• 2.00 pm: Prayer service at Santrupti Jesuit Residence, Fatima Retreat House
• 2.15 pm: Mortal remains will be placed at the Divine Mercy Church for the faithful to pay their respects
• 3.30 pm: Funeral Mass at Divine Mercy Church, followed by burial at the Jesuit Cemetery, Jeppu, Mangalore

By Catholic Connect Reporter