Fr. John Misquitta was a multi-faceted personality – an educationist, theologian, pastor, socius to novice master, and dministrator.
In losing Fr Misquitta, the Bombay Province has lost a great stalwart. Fr. John was a jogger. His jogging may be used as a metaphor to describe his Jesuit life. He was a man always on the move – mobile, agile, available, creative, and a never-tiring soul filled with the spirit of Magis. He was instrumental in beginning the Xavier Development Program (XDP) and a department of religious studies when he was the Principal. After retirement, he moved seamlessly from the urban to rural works. He had his doctorate in Chemistry before his ordination. He did his second Doctorate in theology after his retirement. He was instrumental in starting a distance education course in theology for laity which is
run now by Vidyajyoti, Delhi.
He had been a trailblazer. Whatever positions he held – a teacher, minister, academic administrator, treasurer, pastor, Superior – he always looked upon these positions of responsibility as many opportunities for service. He was known for his administrative efficiency, academic leadership and intellectual excellence and integrity. He strove for excellence in his personal and apostolic life.
His smooth transition from ministry in an urban set up to a rural one, from Chemistry to theology, from formal education to non-formal education, from administrative works to faith- formation is a shining example to younger Jesuits of what it means to be a Jesuit today. He brought a youthful energy and intellectual dynamism to his apostolic life. The amount of psychological and intellectual energy he displayed at his age was indeed a source of encouragement and challenge to all in the Province. He passed away on 3 April 2023.
(Excerpts from the introduction given by the Provincial, Anil Pereira, SJ at the funeral Mass)
