Br. Augustine James was a man of few words and had a beautiful smile. Before joining the Society he was working in Maraneri, a village near Trichy, in order to support his family financially. The villagers were inspired by his regular participation at the Eucharist and at para-liturgies. He was considered a model to the youth of that village. For more than 21 years as a Jesuit brother he served the Andhra Province in various capacities at St. Xavier’s School, Suryapet, Loyola Academy, Hyderabad, Loyola Public School, Guntur and Andhra Loyola College, Vijayawada. On hearing of his demise, Fr. P.S. Amalraj, Provincial of Andhra, and others rushed to BeschiIllam, Dindigul, to join in the Eucharist on 30th January 2019. It was presided over by Fr. M. Devadoss. At the end of the Eucharist Fr. P.S. Amalraj spoke about Br. Augustine, and then conducted the burial rites. 

In Madurai Province he was at LTI, Madurai, as the carpentry in-charge and warden of the hostel for eight years. St. Joseph’s College, Trichy, St. Michael’s Estate, Palamalai, St. Joseph’s Industrial School, Ooty, St. Joseph’s Agri Farm, Perumalmalai, Sacred Heart College, Shembaganur, Dhyana Ashram, Chennai and BerchmansIllam, Chennai, are the other institutions he served. Most of his work was related to farming, construction and maintenance.

What helped Br. Augustine to embrace hardships in his mission was his special devotion to Mother Mary. Till the very end he was never heard complaining about anyone or anything. He was simple all through life and deeply rooted in Christ. In silence, he observed people around him and reached out to those in need. He loved everyone and never hurt anyone. May he rest in peace!

• Joseph Antony Samy, SJ
  

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