Mangaluru: Rev. Fr Brian Pereira SJ officially assumed office as the 31st Rector of St Aloysius Institutions, Mangaluru, following a solemn prayer service held at the Jesuit Oratory of the St Aloysius Community on May 10, 2026.
The ceremony was attended by fellow Jesuits and members of the Aloysius community.
Symbolic handover ceremony
Fr Melwyn D’Cunha SJ, Vice-Rector, welcomed the new Rector and symbolically handed over the leadership of the 146-year-old institution by presenting him with a statue of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, along with the keys of the tabernacle of the Jesuit oratory.
Accepting the responsibility, Fr Brian Pereira stated that the institution must continue the legacy and empathetic leadership of late Rev. Fr Melwin Joseph Pinto SJ.
He remarked that real life is challenging yet exciting in the way God leads people forward, adding that “God counts on us.”
Appointment following demise of former Rector
The appointment follows the untimely demise of former Rector Rev. Fr Melwin Joseph Pinto SJ on April 10, 2026, which deeply saddened the Aloysius community.
Subsequently, Rev. Fr Arturo Abascal Sosa SJ, Superior General of the Society of Jesus, appointed Fr Brian Pereira as the new Rector on April 16, 2026.
Vast experience in leadership and youth formation
Fr Brian Pereira is widely respected for his contributions to education, administration, youth formation, and leadership development.
He holds an M.Sc. in Chemistry from St Joseph’s College, Trichy, and a Master’s degree in Counselling from Loyola University, Maryland, USA.
He is also a certified NLP trainer and life skills coach with extensive experience in leadership and youth training programmes across India.
Key positions held over the years
Over the years, Fr Brian has held several important positions within Jesuit institutions and organisations, including:
- Vice-President of Bangalore Jesuit Educational Society
- Rector of Jesuit communities
- Director of Navasadhana Jesuit Pre-Novitiate
- In-charge of Jesuit Youth Works in South Asia
- Founding Director of Karnataka Jesuit Youth Apostolate
He also served as Rector of St Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Bengaluru, and later as Rector of St Joseph’s Institutions, Bengaluru.
Most recently, he was the Director of the Human Resource Development Centre of the Karnataka Jesuit Province.
Pioneer in youth empowerment programmes
Fr Brian is particularly known for initiating the IGNITORS Integral Formation Programme, which has positively influenced over two lakh youth across India through leadership and character-building initiatives.
He has also actively contributed to MAGIS initiatives focused on the holistic development of Catholic youth in Karnataka.
In addition, he has been involved in outreach programmes such as “Bembala – St Joseph’s Outreach Programme,” aimed at supporting underprivileged communities and promoting social responsibility.
Vision for inclusive education and social responsibility
Known for his compassionate leadership and commitment to value-based education, Fr Brian is expected to further strengthen the Jesuit mission of academic excellence, youth empowerment, and social outreach at St Aloysius Institutions.
Faculty members, students, alumni, and well-wishers of the institution have warmly welcomed his appointment and expressed confidence in his leadership.
Conclusion
The appointment of Fr Brian Pereira SJ marks a new chapter in the long-standing legacy of St Aloysius Institutions, with expectations of continued growth, inclusive education, and commitment to Jesuit values of service and excellence.