Fr Denis Coelho SJ (90), passed away in Bangalore on Friday, February 12, 2016. 

Funeral on Saturday, February 13 at 3.00 p.m. at Mount St Joseph, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore.


Born in 1926, Fr Denis joined the Jesuits in 1946 and was ordained a priest in 1958.

Fr Denis was the Principal of St Joseph’s European High School, Bangalore for over 10 years. It is during this time that he groomed many students in sports. One of them Rahul Dravid went on to become an international cricket star and remembers Fr Denis as his mentor and guide even to this day.

Fr Denis also served as Rector of St Joseph’s Indian High School, Bangalore and Mount St Joseph, Bangalore. He was a spiritual director of Jesuit brothers at Satya Nilayam Jesuit Philosophate in Chennai for three years. After his retirement he served as the chaplain of Lourdes Hospital and Convent in Dharwad and also as parish priest in Chittapur.

Fr Denis is known as an affable priest and able administrator. He was also known for his fine sense of humour, not to forget his spiritual depth. A loving priest who had an insight into human beings, he loved his students and was kind and warm towards them. Scores of his students remember him fondly even today.