Obituary of Fr. Sebastian Kanekattil, S.J (89/75))

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day” (2 Tim 4:7-8).

Fr. Sebastian Kanekattil was a joyful Jesuit, a visionary missionary and a priest whose life reflected the goodness of Christ. Looking at the life of Fr. Sebastian, we can truly say that he lived his priesthood with remarkable fidelity, enthusiasm and joy. As the first Vicar General of the diocese of Buxar, he helped the new bishop to lay strong foundations upon which much of the Diocese continues to grow even today. His administrative ability, practical wisdom, farsighted vision and tireless dedication became an invaluable blessing for the young diocese.

He had an extraordinary ability to build relationships. He had good friends and generous benefactors in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria and several other countries. They became companions in mission because Fr. Sebastian won their confidence through sincerity, integrity, simplicity and genuine affection. Wherever he travelled, he made friends. People remembered him not because of what he possessed but because of the joy they experienced in his presence.

Fr. Sebastian was an interiorly free person. He was free from resentment, jealousy and narrow-mindedness. He had an amazing capacity to forgive, to move forward and to see the goodness in every person. He encouraged people constantly. He was gentle, deeply compassionate. He welcomed people without judgement and comparison. He had a way of affirming their gifts and gently inspiring them to become better. His words lifted them, his smile gave them confidence, and his friendship gave them strength.

Fr. Sebastian possessed remarkable vision. His life was dedicated to spreading the Kingdom of God. He was courageous to venture into new unknown fields. Long before communication became a pastoral priority, he recognized its importance for pastoral communication, evangelization and social transformation. His pioneering role in establishing Ravi Bharathi in the Nav Jyoti campus, Patna, remains a lasting contribution. He understood that communication builds communities, creates understanding, and becomes an instrument of proclaiming the Gospel.

Fr. Sebastian’s simplicity, humility, availability and willingness to serve revealed the spirituality of St. Ignatius, a spirituality that seeks only the greater glory of God. His life reminds us that the true worth of a priest is not found in buildings erected or positions held, but in the hearts he has touched. Fr. Sebastian touched countless hearts. His legacy lives on in the diocese of Buxar, in the Society of Jesus, in Ravi Bharati, in the youth he inspired and in the innumerable friends he made across India and the world. His holiness was related to humanness. He was close to people who were suffering in any form. Don’t get discouraged. He encouraged people to trust in God and in themselves.

We thank God for the gift of Fr. Sebastian to Patna Province of the Society of Jesus. We entrust him back to God whom he served with unwavering faith. The friendship he cultivated on earth now finds its fulfilment in the eternal communion of saints.