Fr Francis Serrao Appointed New Provincial of Karnataka Jesuits
from Fr Melwin Pinto S J
Mangalore, Feb 21: The Jesuits of Karnataka have got a new provincial in Fr Francis Serrao (affectionately known as Fr Frankie). His name was announced in the late hours of Thursday February 19. Though three names (the terna) are chosen through an elaborate electoral and selection process, the ultimate appointment comes from the office of the Superior General of the Society of Jesus, one of the largest Catholic religious orders of the world having its curia (headquarters) in Rome, Italy. He takes over from Fr Vijay Kumar Prabhu. It may be recalled that Fr Frankie took over the reigns of St Aloysius College from Fr Vijay Prabhu when the latter was appointed the Provincial of the Jesuit Province five years ago.
Born in Moodbidri on August 15, 1958, the youngest among the 8 brothers, 6 of whom have been ordained priests (2 are diocesan priests, 2 SVDs and he and Fr Celestine Sera, also of the Karnataka Province, who are Jesuits)
Fr Frankie has earned a Masters in Theology (MTh) and has had a wide ranging experience in the social apostolate working among dalits and tribals in Anekal (Bangalore) and Mundgod (Dharwad) mission stations. He has been teaching theology to the Jesuit scholastics in formation and he is being invited to hold talks and seminars on various social and theological issues.
For the past five years he has been in St Aloysius College as the Rector and has been widely acclaimed as one of the most successful, accomplished and popular superiors that the institution has seen. The College has seen tremendous and phenomenal progress in the past five years under his visionary leadership.
His love for the poor and needy has made the college open its arms further to many more needy students. His proactive role in the recent untoward happenings of the church attacks was indeed commendable, striving for greater communal peace and harmony. He has been greatly regarded as the 'People's Rector' with his tremendous skills of inter personal and public relations. He has been a counselor and guide to many students of the institution giving a personal touch to his administration.
Fr Frankie will soon move to the Provincial house located at Lavelle Road in Bangalore. All the Jesuits and all those who are associated with them in several parts of Karnataka where they are working, rejoice in this great new appointment, with a hope that the Jesuit Order will reach out to many more people with their services under the able leadership of Fr. Francis Serrao.
On the lighter side, Fr Frankie has earned many accolades from the students and friends alike that he has a stark resemblance of the ace cricket commentator Harsha Bogle.