The Lord called Fr. Andrew unto Himself on 10th Sep 2021, when he was in Jalandhar as a member of the NAAC Committee visiting Hans Raj Mahila Maha Vidyalaya. He died in his sleep. He was buried in the cemetery of Loyola College, Chennai on 12th September, 2021.
Fr. Andrew was born on 17th February, 1961, entered the Society on 10th July, 1981, ordained a priest on 21st November, 1993, and pronounced his final vows on 8th May, 2005. He was a multi-talented and multi-faceted person; he was an example and inspiration to many.
Effective Educationist: He served as the Deputy Principal, St. Xavier’s College, Palayamkottai (2012-2013), the Principal of both St. Joseph’s College, Tiruchi (2013-2018) and Loyola College, Chennai (2018-2019). He was convinced of the Province options and joyfully empowering the marginalized students.
Active Administrator: As Director of Loyola Hostel, he was strict but duty conscious. As the Secretary of Loyola College, Chennai he showed interest in the ongoing leadership formation of the staff and students.
Inspiring Formator: As Director of the Pre-Novitiate and Apostolic Home, he instilled in the minds and hearts of the formees, the spirit of magis. As a counselor to the Scholastics, Berchmans Illam, he set an example by his own way of life.
Finance Expert: He served as the Chennai Mission Treasurer and the Campus Treasurer of Loyola College, and developed documents on Guidelines for Financial Administration, Development Fund, Depreciation Fund etc.
Institution-Builder: He put his heart and soul in the mission given to him. The LICET building, LIBA building, A-Block in Loyola Hostel, have been supervised by him; he would visit the site everyday giving directions.
Fr. Andrew had a tender devotion to St. Joseph and believed that he would help our needs, however difficult it might be. In the year of St. Joseph, he left us! May God grant him eternal Peace!
Francis P Xavier, SJ
