Fr Ravi Santhosh Kamath, a revered Jesuit priest, theologian, teacher, and spiritual mentor who touched generations through his scholarship and pastoral care, passed away on Friday at 3:45 a.m. at Father Muller Medical College Hospital. He was 86.

According to Fr Ivan Mendonca, Fr Kamath had been battling age-related health complications in recent days and was under nasal feeding support.

A life rooted in faith and learning

Born on October 5, 1939, in Kuntal Kambla, Bajpe, Fr Ravi Santhosh Kamath was christened Ronald Pereira and affectionately called “Ronnie” by family and friends. He was the eighth among twelve siblings in a deeply religious family that later produced several priests and nuns.

After completing his education at Bajpe Church School and St Aloysius College, he pursued postgraduate studies in Philosophy and Psychology in Dharwad and earned a diploma in foreign languages from Karnataka University.

Widely admired for his extraordinary linguistic talent, he was fluent in Latin, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Tamil, Malayalam, Tulu, Kannada, Hindi, and English.

Inspiring generations as teacher and mentor

Fr Kamath joined the Jesuit Seminary in Calicut in 1958 and later obtained a doctorate in Systematic Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.

He served for nearly 36 years as professor of theology at Jeppu Seminary, shaping generations of seminarians and priests through his teaching, wisdom, and pastoral guidance.

He also conducted popular foreign language classes under “The French Connection” initiative at Fatima Retreat House.

Remembered as a ‘people’s priest’

Known for his cheerful spirit, humility, and compassion, Fr Kamath remained closely connected with people from all walks of life. He mentored youth, counselled families, visited the elderly, and guided countless faithful in their spiritual journeys.

In March 2021, he celebrated the golden jubilee of his priesthood, marking 50 years of devoted Jesuit service.

Funeral arrangements are awaited and are expected to be announced later