At the Service of the "Absolute" - The Legacy of Fr Devadatta Kamath, SJ (1934-2024)

Fr Devadatta Kamath, SJ (1934-2024)

Poet, priest, composer, writer, philosopher, scholar, teacher, professor, grammarian, translator, historian and Jesuit, Fr Devadatta Kamath, fondly known "Fr Deva" is indeed a multi-faceted personality. He was a man ready to embark on any work the Society entrusted to him either, it is the professor of Indian philosophy at St Joseph's Seminary in Mangalore or teacher and dean at the Juniorate in Trevendrum, Mundgod and Bangalore, or chaplain at Stanislaus Convent at St Philomena's Hospital, Bangalore or Lourdes Hospital in Dharwad, Fr Devadatta was ever ready for any work.

1. As a teacher

Fr Devadatta leaves behind a rich legacy of the persona he was, and the literary work for us always to cherish. Having lived for 90 years, Fr Devadatta taught thousands of students mostly priests, religious, brothers and Nuns. Those who came into his life either fell in love with the person he was or kept a distance from him because of his stern corrections on the class assignments that he gave. Even though a good number of us did not like to see our composition notebooks both in Kannada and English in red ink all over. However, today, we are grateful to him because we are able to reach a certain degree of perfection in our capacity to write in both these languages because of Fr Deva.

Personally, I consider Fr Devadatta as my mentor, who always supported me, not only during my Juniorate study year in the utterly unsophisticated Mundgod (a place not meant for Jesuit Juniorate studies at all in 1995) but also when I was troubled by the appointment to go to Russia to join the Jesuit mission (2000). Therefore this is my short homage to my beloved teacher, whom I never missed seeing and meeting in whichever city he was.

2. Flair for langauges

Even though he called "Kannada" as his first love, Fr Deva was born in a Konkani family of Kulshekar, Mangalore to Anthony Piedade D'Mello and Mary Magdelene Pinto on 08 November 1934. His baptismal name Joseph D'Mello later got changed into Devadatta Kamath during his Scholastic days in the Society of Jesus as the wind of inculturation became prominent in India with the Vatican II. It was nothing but going back to the original roots of the family history of Konkani Christians.

Fascinatingly, the young Deva did his early studies in Mangalore and later for his Master's and Doctorate in Sanskrit he went to Karnataka University, Dharwad. He recounted often that when he went to study in Dharwad, he knew hardly any Sanskrit as he did not do what we have today PUC or BA. However, as a young boy in Mangalore, he wrote two novels in Kannada. One got it published when he was in the 9th form and for which he received even remuneration and the other got published during his Novitiate days in Calicut. Unfortunately, he lost track of the second novel. As a brilliant young man, Fr Devadatta was always at his best. As a young theology student, he translated St John's Gospel from original Greek into Kannada and a copy of this can be found in the Archives of the Karnataka Province.

3. A great composer of hymns

Konkani Catholics of Canara must be grateful to his meaningful and melodious Konkani liturgical hymns which have not only awesome music but also lyrics, namely, E deva mogala taroka which captures the No 23 "Principle and Foundation" treatise of Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius of Loyola. The other popular one is dedicated to Mary Bodvya Sangi karya naman. There are many more, which can be found in the Konkani Hymnal Konkni Bhaktik Gita Pustak published by Mangala Jyothi of Mangalore Diocese. Fr Deva also composed many of the Kannada hymns as well. All these hymns flowered from his pen because of his deep faith and rich theological thinking.

4. Available and ready to take up challenges

Fr Devadatta was a hardcore Jesuit - ready to serve anywhere with an impeccable history of availability. It must have been tough for him to move from St Joseph's Seminary, Mangalore having taught during his young and energetic years. Yet, once the decision was made, he is available for Jesuit works. That is how he landed in Thiruvananthapuram, Mundgod, Bangalore and Dharwad. As a Jesuit, he was ready to take up any work that was given to him either teaching Kannada and English in the Juniorate, or saying Masses in the Convents and Hospitals, or guiding people through counselling or giving retreats or writing the history of the Society of Jesus in Karnataka, history of Mangalore Diocese, history of the Ursuline Sisters of Mangalore or any task that was entrusted with.

5. Jesuit historian of Karnataka Province

Keeping oneself busy and occupied, study or producing the work for the future generations, Fr Devadatta was at his desk putting his thoughts or research on a paper. Along with the Bible, we never missed to see the Oxford Dictionary on his table until he landed up in the hospital recently. He always kept his mind fresh and gave enough food for his brain so that it remained active and lucid. Thus he could be useful until his last breath. Until his hearing slowed down, he was always accompanied by a radio, which gave him news along with newspapers and journals, which he read daily.

In its more than 140 years of Jesuit presence in Karnataka, Fr Devadatta meticulously wrote the History of the Karnataka Jesuit Province in two parts with six volumes under the title "Burning Bush." Part I with two volumes are published and the other four volumes of Part II are on the way to publication. He is the first Jesuit to do such a meticulous and well-researched work on the history of the province in recent years even though other two attempts were made by two other Jesuits Fr Denis Pinto and Fr Alexis P. Menezes.

Here is the list of his works:

1. The Burning Bush: The History of Karnataka Jesuit Province (2006)– Part I, Vol. I
2. The Burning Bush The History of Karnataka Jesuit Province (2006) – Part I, Vol. II
3. The Burning Bush The History of Karnataka Jesuit Province – Part II, Vol. I  (In the process of Publication)
4. The Burning Bush The History of Karnataka Jesuit Province – Part II, Vol. II (In the process of Publication)
5. The Burning Bush The History of Karnataka Jesuit Province – Part II, Vol. III (In the process of Publication)
6. The Burning Bush The History of Karnataka Jesuit Province – Part II, Vol. IV (In the process of Publication)
7. A Catholic Catechism Part 1, 2, 3 (2011)
8. Janakana Manadanna – Kristayana (ಜನಕನ ಮನದನ್ನ) -2012
9. Frad Saib and the Church of Cordel (2012)
10. St John’s Gospel (Handwritten in Kannada)
11. Defiant Submission. A History of the Diocese of Mangalore Vol-I (2014)
12. Defiant Submission. A History of the Diocese of Mangalore Vol-II (2014)
13. Dharmakanda (ಧರ್ಮಕಾಂಡ) - 2017
14. History of the Ursulines of Mangalore

6. A Jesuit with authentic love and compassion

Even though there was a scholar and meticulous corrector in him, Fr Deva had a tender love, towards others. This is what made many to keep in touch with him and regularly called over the phone or met him. He had great empathy towards those who were suffering either because of illness or because of the ills of this world. That is why he spent a good part of his time writing letters. He loved cracking jokes and had hundreds of incidents from the lives of various people who came alive in his humour. He had great admiration for Jesuits who were hard-working. Even though he disagreed with people having chosen the place of Mundgod for Juniorate studies, Fr Deva considered Mundgod as one of the most sprawling and admired missions of the Society of Jesus in Karnataka. 

Fr Devadatta Kamath passed away on 16 November 2024 at 07.00 in the morning at Santrupti, Fatima Retreat House, Mangalore at the age of 90. He has donated his body for medical research to Fr Muller's Medical College, Mangalore.

Fr Deva is indeed one of the inspiring Jesuits, who believed in adding value to one's life by being useful and helpful to others. May he rest in peace, requiescat in pace.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

16 November 2024

Becoming Signs of Hope and Contradiction - A Call to Holy Disruption

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time: November 17, 2024

Readings: Daniel 12:1-3; Psalm 16:5,8-11; Hebrews 10:11-14,18; Mark 13:24-32

To listen to the audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/w9GATiX7U4c

As we draw near to the end of the liturgical year, the liturgical readings on the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time encourage us to live with vigilance and hope, grounded in faith. In a world marked by challenges—conflict, social injustice, and environmental crises—our call as Christians feels ever more urgent. We are reminded that to be a follower of Christ in today's world means to be a bearer of light, compassion, and courage. Amid the uncertainty, we are called to be steady and resilient, living out our faith not in fear but in trust, not in isolation but in community. Jesus invites us to be people, who build bridges, seek peace, and respond with compassion to the cries of those around us.

1. A Call to Holy Disruption

In Mark 13:24-32, Jesus presents an apocalyptic vision of the end times—a world plunged into darkness, cosmic forces in upheaval, and the heavens themselves shaken. It is a powerful and unsettling image, and it is meant to unsettle us. Yet, we find within this disruption a promise of redemption: the coming of the Son of Man in "great power and glory," gathering all people to Himself. Jesus’ words challenge us to look beyond the surface, to see that God's kingdom is not just a place or a future event but an active reality that breaks into our lives even now.

Often we do not like something that is "disruptive." We want to hold on to the old ways even though they may not help us in any way. We feel comfort in such things. We are happy and cozy about the things of the past which have set the trend for our lives in spite of the changed generations. Today we live in a disruptive age, with the arrival of Generative Artificial intelligence (AI), Machine Learning and the Internet of Things (IoT), new disruptive technologies have reshaped our everyday commute or transportation like Uber, Ola, Rapido and Namma Yatri, hospitality sectors like Airbnb, monetary transactions via QR codes, Communications like snap chats, WhatsApp, and so forth, entertainment like Instagram, Shorts etc, operations and supply chains like Amazon and Flipkart have reimagined our lifestyle. So too our spiritual side has changed rapidly. We see the radical challenges that Jesus poses to our comfort.

2. Seeing the Signs of Our Times

This message is radical, pushing us to confront what we would often rather ignore. We live in times of unprecedented crises—wars and conflicts that seem endless, an environmental crisis threatening the very foundation of life on earth, and systems of injustice that oppress millions. We are challenged to see these not merely as background noise to be endured, but as urgent calls for action and transformation. Jesus’ words are a warning against complacency, a reminder that discipleship demands our full engagement. To follow Christ today is to be deeply disturbed by the suffering of the world, to feel the weight of its injustices, and yet to find hope and purpose in the promise of His coming.

Jesus speaks of “learning from the fig tree,” a tree that shows signs of change and growth in its seasons. For us, this means opening our eyes to the signs around us—the signs of our times. We are called to live with alertness, a radical openness to how God is moving in our midst, and a willingness to respond with courage and conviction. This isn't a passive waiting for Christ’s return; it is a call to a holy restlessness. We are summoned to stand against the forces of oppression, to question systems that exploit and divide, and to embody the compassion and justice of God’s kingdom now.

3. Prioritizing the Eternal over the Temporary

Jesus’ statement that “heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” invites us to reorder our lives. It is to reorder from materialism and status, focusing on simplicity, generosity, and true Christian community. In a society obsessed with wealth, status, and security, His words remind us that none of these things endure. Our faith calls us to radical simplicity and generosity, to turn away from the endless pursuit of what is temporary, and to root our lives in what is eternal. This means reshaping our priorities and choosing to invest in relationships, community, and service rather than in material gain. It is to follow Jesus on a path that may lead us against the grain of society, toward solidarity with the poor, the marginalized, and the brokenhearted.

These are not easy teachings. Living this way means becoming a sign of contradiction, an active reminder of God’s alternative vision for the world. It is a call to courage in a world that prizes comfort, to compassion in a world that preaches self-interest, and to a faith that does not shrink from the realities of suffering and loss but moves toward them in love. So let these shake us awake, filling us with a holy urgency to live for what truly matters. May we become not just spectators but participants in God’s vision for a redeemed world, answering the call to radical discipleship and embodying the hope of Christ in a world that desperately needs it.

Questions for self-reflection

1. How do I respond when my comfort or security is challenged by the needs of others or by calls to justice? 
2. When I look at the state of the world—its crises and injustices—do I see these as opportunities for Christian action, or do I feel overwhelmed?
3. How can I cultivate a sense of holy urgency in my discipleship, actively looking for ways to bring hope and healing?
4. How do I respond when I encounter suffering, either personally or in the world?
5. Am I living with a sense of purpose that reflects my faith? 

Prayer based on Psalm 16

Lord, You are my portion and my cup; You hold my future in Your hands. I set You always before me; with You at my side, I will not be shaken. Fill my heart with joy and my soul with peace as I walk the path of life You have laid before me. Help me to trust in Your presence, which brings fullness of joy, and in Your right hand, where eternal pleasures await. Keep me close, Lord, that I may dwell secure in Your unending love. I make this prayer in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

15 November 2024

God’s Economy - A Management of Giving Entirely

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: November 10, 2024

Readings: 1 Kings 17:10–16; Psalm 146:7–10; Hebrews 9:24–28; Mark 12:41–44

To listen to the audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/7fRyN3enFJE

The world that we live in today is not so kind and authentic. In today’s world, we often witness a contrast between appearances and authenticity, between acts of charity performed for recognition and those born from genuine self-sacrifice. In 1 Kings 17:10–16, we see a humble widow who, despite her own need, offers her last bit of food to the prophet Elijah. Her quiet trust and willingness to give from her scarcity highlight a faith rooted in dependence on God’s provision. In Mark 12:41–44, Jesus contrasts the wealthy scribes, who give out of their abundance, with a poor widow who offers two small coins—her entire livelihood.

1. A radical trust in God displaces superficiality

The stories of the two widows in 1 Kings 17:10–16 and Mark 12:41–44 reflect two ways of giving: one that comes from a place of selfless trust and one that, though outwardly generous, may lack depth. In a society that often values image over substance, these passages invite us to reflect on our own motivations and the authenticity of our giving. Are we like the scribes, seeking to impress, or like the widows, offering all we have in quiet faith? In most cultures, widows are not treated well. Often they become outcasts and neglected lot. But God is gracious and generous towards them. They may not have a lot of wealth but they have a great, loving and generous heart. That is their solace and the source of their strength.

Called to Radical Love: Drawing Closer to God and Neighbour

31st Sunday in Ordinary Time: November 03, 2024

Readings: Deuteronomy 6:2–6; Psalm 18:2–4, 47, 51; Hebrews 7:23–28; Mark 12:28–34

To listen to the audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/mpAsRHy6XSw

As we gather on this 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time, we are mindful that November holds a special place in our Catholic tradition—a time dedicated to remembering and praying for our beloved departed. The Church invites us to renew our trust in God’s promise of eternal life while reflecting on our own journey towards holiness. In today's readings, we are reminded of God’s unwavering love and mercy, even amidst our human frailties. May this reflection help us seek God more earnestly and extend our prayers for those who have gone before us, so that they may rest in His eternal peace.

1. God's presence through the act of love

In Mark 12:28–34, Jesus is asked about the greatest commandment, and He responds with a profound yet simple truth: to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbour as ourselves. It is nothing but a total, undivided love for God. This isn’t merely a feeling or a duty; it’s a wholehearted devotion that touches every part of who we are—our thoughts, desires, actions, and intentions. It is a continual choosing of God above all else. God's presence must permeate not only our prayers but our relationships, our work, our decisions, and the way we spend our time. 

When God Stops for Us: Embracing Christ’s Light in a Chaotic World

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time: October 27, 2024

Readings: Jeremiah 31:7–9; Psalm 126:1–6; Hebrews 5:1–6; Mark 10:46–52

To listen to the audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/ki76QxAUmOg?si=Xd53OjjKkLA37cjT

In today’s world, marked by uncertainty, suffering, and a deep sense of disconnection, the human heart longs for healing, meaning, and an intimate connection with God. Amid existential challenges—personal struggles, societal pressures, and global crises—there is a growing awareness of our need for something beyond the material, a transcendent hope. The stories and teachings found in Scripture, particularly in the accounts of Bartimaeus in Mark 10:46–52 and the role of Christ as High Priest in Hebrews 5:1–6, speak directly to this longing.

1. The Cry of the Heart

In Mark 10:46–52, we encounter the powerful story of Bartimaeus, a blind beggar sitting on the roadside, who calls out to Jesus, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" Despite the crowd's attempt to silence him, Bartimaeus persists until Jesus hears him and invites him to come forward. When asked what he desires, Bartimaeus responds simply, "Rabbi, I want to see." Moved by his faith, Jesus heals him, and Bartimaeus follows Jesus on the road.

Servant Leadership: Reimagining Success Through the Eyes of Christ

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time: October 20, 2024

Readings: Isaiah 53:10-11; Psalm 33:4-5,18-20,22; Hebrews 4:14-16; Mark 10:35-45

To listen to the audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/R635JHHNh9w

In today’s fast-paced and often challenging world, we are constantly confronted with the pressures of success, recognition, and the desire for control. Many of us struggle with feelings of inadequacy, temptation, and the burden of our weaknesses. In this context, the Scriptures offer a timeless message of hope and transformation. Through the lessons in Mark 10:35-45 and Hebrews 4:14-16, we are invited to reimagine greatness not as power or status, but as service and humility. Moreover, we are reminded that in our frailty, we are not alone — Christ, our compassionate High Priest, understands our struggles and offers us the grace and strength we need to endure. These reflections speak directly to our contemporary experience, urging us to embrace a life of humble service and to approach God with confidence, trusting in His ever-present mercy and grace.

1. The Desire for Greatness vs Service of God

In the Gospel of Mark 10:35-45, we witness a profound lesson about the nature of discipleship and the heart of Christian service. James and John, two of Jesus’ closest disciples, approach Him with a bold request: they want to sit at His right and left in His glory. This request reveals a common human tendency — the desire for power, recognition, and status. But Jesus gently redirects their ambitions toward a higher calling, one that challenges worldly notions of greatness.

Letting Go to Follow - From Possessions to Purpose

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time: October 13, 2024

Readings: Wisdom 7:7–11; Psalm 90:12–17; Hebrews 4:12–13; Mark 10:17–30

1. The Call to Let Go

In Mark 10:17–30, we find the story of the rich young man who seeks eternal life but is challenged by Jesus to sell his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Him. The young man in the story sincerely desires eternal life and approaches Jesus with respect and eagerness. However, when asked to sell his possessions and give to the poor, he walks away saddened. Following Jesus requires a willingness to let go of earthly or worldly attachments.  Only when you detach from the things here, one will be attached to the above. Jesus does not condemn wealth but rather points out that unreadiness to let go of things is not the true sign of authentic discipleship. What are the things in our lives—possessions, ambitions, habits—that we find difficult to release? Are we willing to put them aside to follow Christ more closely?

Redefining Greatness: Embracing Humility in a World of Competition

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time: September 22, 2024

Readings: Wisdom 2:12,17-20; Psalm 54:3-8 James 3:16-4:3; Mark 9:30-37 

To listen to my Audio Reflections please click here

In the secular world, greatness is often defined by status, power, wealth, and influence. People strive to be recognized, admired, and celebrated for their achievements, positioning themselves above others through success, authority, or material gain. The pursuit of greatness in this sense often fosters competition, pride, and a focus on personal ambition. In contrast, Jesus redefines greatness entirely. He teaches that true greatness lies in humility, service, and selflessness. In the Reign of God, those who serve others, especially the least and the marginalized, are considered the greatest. Jesus calls His followers to embrace a childlike humility, seeking not worldly recognition but a life dedicated to loving and serving others. This radical understanding of greatness challenges us to shift our focus from self-promotion to self-giving.

1. The call to humility and being open to God

In this passage Mark 9:30-37, Jesus speaks of His impending suffering and death, yet the disciples, preoccupied with their own concerns, fail to grasp His message. Jesus predicts His betrayal and crucifixion, but the disciples argue among themselves about who is the greatest.  Jesus uses this moment to teach a profound lesson in humility. Jesus brings a child into their midst and says, “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all” (Mark 9:35). This statement turns the world’s concept of greatness upside down. Jesus does not dismiss the desire to be great; rather, He redefines what true greatness is — found not in power or status but in service and humility.

Embracing Christ’s Identity: A Call to Faith, Service and Purpose

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time: September 15, 2024

Readings: Isaiah 50:4-9; Psalm 116:1-6, 8-9; James 2:14-18; Mark 8:27-35

To listen to the audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/RdxhYMlTm9c

The sense of identity is a foundational aspect of human existence, shaping how we understand ourselves, our purpose, and our place in the world. In the context of Jesus, identity is deeply intertwined with spiritual calling and divine relationship. Jesus' sense of identity was rooted in His relationship with God the Father, His mission to bring salvation, and His embodiment of divine love and truth. This strong sense of identity empowered Him to remain steadfast in His purpose, even in the face of suffering and rejection. As a believer understanding our identity in Christ invites us to live in alignment with God's will, finding true purpose and meaning through our connection to Him.

1. Authenticity and Identity of Christ as Real

Mark 8:27-35 is a profound passage where Jesus asks His disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” This question is central to the identity of Jesus and the nature of discipleship. For this St Peter responds, “You are the Messiah,” a truth that sets the foundation for Christian faith. However, Jesus quickly reminds the disciples that understanding Him as the Messiah isn't about power or earthly glory, but suffering, sacrifice, and humility. Jesus’ identity as the suffering servant calls us to rethink the nature of power in our lives. Discipleship is about following Christ in humility, recognizing that the path to life goes through self-giving love, not personal gain.