A life of faith, wisdom and art; Pune Jesuit priest Fr Desbruslais passes on

Desbruslais’s passing away brought forth an overwhelming outpouring of love and heartfelt tributes. While Lok Sabha MP Shashi Tharoor took to X to speak about how Desbruslais had shaped generations of priests at the Jnana Deepa Institute for Philosophy and Theology in Pune, several in the Catholic community remembered him as a transformative presence among the youth.

Desbruslais’s funeral mass will be held St. Xavier’s Church on September 17, followed by a burial service at the Sepulchre Cemetery in Hadapsar.

Theatre professional Deepak Morris had a four-decade association with Desbruslais as a friend and collaborator. “Theatre was a space that Desbruslais considered as vital to human growth as the classroom or the chapel. For him, theatre was never merely performance, it was truth-telling, connection and transformation,” says Morris, who worked extensively with Desbruslais on several plays.

“So deep was his trust that when his teaching or spiritual duties took him out of Pune, he would often ask me to step in and direct. That faith was humbling, and it reflected the way he empowered those around him,” says Morris.

“Even in later years, when paralysis set in, Debruslais retained his unwavering commitment to give opportunities to youngsters and allow people to experience the magic of being on stage, discover the joy of performance, and feel the deep connection with the audience,” says Morris.

Desbruslais’s deepest impact

Michelle Bambawale, an educator and writer who starred in a couple of Desbruslais’s plays, notably Dateline Jerusalem in 1984, recalls the 80s when her short-lived career as an actor peaked in Pune. “He pushed us to think beyond our selfish teenage selves, to think about the other, the disadvantaged, the different, across every religion and economics. We learned liberation theology, philosophy, film, literature, the role of the media, and, of course, theatre,” Bambawale says.

Born in Calcutta on December 21, 1940, Desbruslais studied at St. Xavier’s College before joining the Society of Jesus. Later, at Jnana Deepa Institute in Pune, he was exposed to liberation theology and taught at the seminary for over 40 years.

One of Desbruslais’s most enduring legacies has been the SSU, a youth group he initiated in Pune to inspire and unite young people in faith and service.

Bambawale recalls that the SSU summer camps were the highlight of their college years. “Even today, I meet people who were with me at the SSU camps who talk about Desbruslais in awe and reverence for the work he did and the influence he had on their lives,” she says.

Glenn Adshead, director, Clergy Wellbeing at the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth, Australia, remembers Desbruslais having taught him philosophy in Pune. “Among Desbruslais’s remarkable qualities was his humility — his ability to walk with people from all walks of life,” he says.

Desbruslais’s deepest impact was with the youth, a mission he embraced wholeheartedly. “Through SSU plays, camps, retreats, Sunday crazy games, cups of chai at K’s (the old Kayani restaurant on Sachapir Street), and the occasional socially lubricating beverage, Desbruslais created spaces of encounter — moments that awakened minds and stirred hearts,” says Adshead.

Malcolm Sequeira, Bishop of Amravati, remembers Desbruslais’s unconventional yet deeply spiritual approach that helped countless youngsters build confidence in themselves. “His creatively written and staged musical plays not only showcased talent but fostered community and profound social values,” Sequeira added.