Mangaluru, Apr 10: Fr Melwin J Pinto SJ, Pro-Chancellor of St Aloysius University, Rector of St Aloysius Institutions, and Vice President of the Mangalore Jesuit Educational Society (MJES), passed away on Friday at the age of 63.

Born in 1963, Fr Pinto completed his schooling and higher education at St Aloysius before joining the Jesuit order on June 20, 1981. He held a Master’s degree in English, a degree in Education, and diplomas in psychology, counselling, and school administration.

He was ordained a Jesuit priest on April 14, 1997. Over the years, he served in several key roles, including headmaster of St Joseph’s Primary and High School in Hassan from 1996 to 1999. He later founded St Joseph’s Indian PU College and served as its principal until 2007.

Fr Pinto went on to serve as headmaster of St Aloysius High School, Mangaluru (2007–2011), and later as principal of St Joseph’s PU College, Hassan, until 2012. He also contributed internationally, working with Vatican Communications and Radio in Rome on the English desk for Asia and Indian languages.

In 2017, he was appointed superior and director of Fatima Retreat House in Valencia, serving a two-year term, after which he became superior of the Jesuit study home ‘Vidyaniketan’ in Dharwad.

Remembered by colleagues and students as a deeply thoughtful yet humble person, Fr Pinto was known for his warm smile, gentle nature, and meaningful homilies. Many recall his ability to make others feel valued and respected.

The St Aloysius community and the Jesuit province have expressed profound grief at his passing, remembering him as a leader who combined professional dedication with quiet compassion. Funeral details are awaited.