Br. Selvaraj was my companion as a student of St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School, Dindigul. He joined our novitiate at Beschi, Dindigul in 1957. He was always known to be a calm and unassuming person. To say that he was “calmness personified” would not be an exaggeration.   While greeting him on the occasion of his Golden Jubilee (2007) the then General, Fr. Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, referred to this point: “The Lord has blessed you during these fifty years of dedication to the Society’s mission… Your companions admire your simple unassuming character and your tenacity in works entrusted to you. You present a gentle and cheerful image of the Jesuit Brother to all who encounter you, strengthening that image with your efficiency and charm in human relations. You have spent yourself in humble tasks like St. Alphonsus Rodriguez and Blessed Garate. May the Lord who sees the work done in secret, be your reward.” 

Except for the last few years of his life, Br. Selvaraj had been working in most of our institutions south of the river Cauvery. Whatever work was assigned to him he did quietly and to the satisfaction of his community. It is unfortunate that during the past few years he became a victim of a terminal illness which he endured with utmost resignation till the end came on 8th June at Dindigul.

Fr. Danis Ponniah, our Provincial, was the chief celebrant at the funeral Mass the next day. In the funeral homily, Fr. Vincent Britto emphasized:  “Br. Selvaraj was a man of prayer and faith in God… Even at times of pain and suffering he was calm wearing a beautiful smile on his face constantly.”

• Paul C. Jesuraja, SJ