Fr. Victor Eugene D’Silva was born at Bondel, Mangaluru, on 23rd August, 1942. He was the fourth among five children. He did his initial schooling at St. Lawrence Higher Primary School, Bondel. He completed his high school at St. Aloysius High School, Mangaluru. He joined the Society of Jesus on 30th June 1960. He was ordained priest on 8th May, 1974. He made his final profession on 15th August 1977. He passed away on 3rd November 2022.
A simple, soft-spoken person, Fr. Victor’s primary ministry was education. He served as Headmaster of St. Joseph’s High School, Hassan, and St Joseph’s Indian High School, Bengaluru. He was ready for pastoral as well as retreat apostolates. After retirement, he was asked to be part of the staff at the South Indian Common Juniorate at Trivandrum. He took up this work willingly for two terms. Seeing his keen interest in the retreat apostolate, the Superiors appointed him superior and director of Fatima Retreat House, Mangaluru. He served Asha Kiran scholasticate, Mangaluru, as Minister.
A man of Karnataka, he mastered Kannada, not neglecting English. In both these subjects, he showed competence in different educational institutions of the Province.
With the demise of Fr. Victor, the Province has lost a great Kannada Scholar, a pioneer in the field of education, and a simple and compassionate Jesuit. We thank God for giving us the privilege of knowing and loving Fr. Victor.
Ajay Nelson D’Silva, SJ
