Father Paul Vaz, 77 years, passed away in Mumbai on the evening of January — due to cardiac arrest. He had been, for 55 years in the Society of Jesus, the Jesuit community grounded in the spiritual vision of their founder, St Ignatius of Loyola and the love of Christ. He was well known and loved among several Mumbaikars due to his committed and involved work with the urban marginalized and poor, especially domestic workers and even riot victims. He was also the Superior of Seva Niketan, Director of Xavier’s Institute of Management and Rector of St Xavier’s College.

His funeral will be held tomorrow, Thursday, January 19, at 10 am at St. Anne’s Church, Mazagaon followed by the burial at Sewri Cemetery.

Thirty years ago, when Bombay had burned with the fires of hatred, Father Vaz was among several others who organized communal harmony meetings and marches at the YMCA, St Pius’ Goregaon. Under his leadership Seve Niketan took initiatives for riot affected victims especially in Tulsi wadi, M.P.Mills compound near Bombay central and Saat Rastha, Tardeo. He and others also networked with other organisations of citizens, mobilised resources, material and personnel to reach relief to riot the victims at various other riot affected areas as well.

Dr.Hazel D’lima  former Principal of Nirmala Niketan, College of Social Work; Sr.Jeanne Devos who’s work among domestic workers resulted, along with others, in the enactment of the legislation to protect the working conditions of domestic workers, and Bishop Alwyn D’silva spoke to Sabrangindia offering glowing tributes.

“He taught me the methodology to empower the poor. He had a clear vision of development. He was a prophet in his time.”

Bishop Alwyn D’Silva

“The College of Social Work recalls with much appreciation and gratitude the contribution of Fr. Paul Vaz to the Institute during the latter half of the 1980’s. He was a visiting lecturer to the students of the MSW class and taught the subjects of: Problems of Underdevelopment in our Society and Contemporary Development Problems. It was a time when the issue of social justice and concern for the weaker sections of society was making its voice heard in academic circles and Fr. Paul was a strong protagonist for the victims of an unjust system. The students found much interest in his lectures and looked forward to his classes.

Moreover he was simple, approachable, always welcoming to his students in or out of the class. He was also actively involved in several of the action projects of the College as in the Census of Pavement Dwellers in Mumbai, the work of the students during the Hindu-Muslim riots in the city and in the issue of domestic workers.

His presence and his contribution is preciously remembered especially by the past students and faculty of the College. May he be blessed with eternal joy and peace in the Presence of the One he served so faithfully! ”

Hazel D’Lima, former Principal, Nirmala Niketan.

“A warm, encouraging voice for the rights and dignity of the poor can no longer be  heard. We will miss Paul Vaz SJ.  We will remain grateful for ever. Paul continues to be present among House workers when they get their rights, their dignity. Paul was co-pioneer in the late eighties for NDWM ( National Domestic Workers Movement) In Seva Niketan started Urmila the first group of top workers and encouraged others to start. Paul, as director of Seva Niketan, was the inspiration and encouraged it whole heartedly. That was not so acceptable at that time. Paul made it possible and encouraged it right through. For the thousands on Adivasi domestic workers, as young girls, behind closed doors, Paul initiated the Hindi – later tribal masses on Sunday in St Xavier’s college and different parishes in Mumbai. For so many young girls, who came unprepared from the tribal area into a city as Mumbai and then behind closed doors, this was a chance to meet friends from their areas , meet people of the movement and break through their loneliness and isolation. For the national movement, NDWM, Paul remains a source of encouragement, search and hope. Now may He rest in peace and lives on in the movement. 

Jean Devos for the National Domestic Workers Movement.

“He was noted for his concern for the urban poor and planned and executed many innovative programmes for them. As director of XIMR, the management institute and during his tenure he tried to link it up with international business schools. He was also getting deeper into ecology and environment and was supporting environmental initiatives. After his term with XIMR, he started offering courses on Earth-centred retreats which were a sort of Eco-Retreats. He seemed to be very happy with these retreats.

He stood by the slum dwellers near Nesbit road bridge Byculla, B.I.T. blocks community, Kherwadi (Bandra East)  slums, Hotel boys education, Domestic workers, Bhiwandi riot relief and part of evolving the Mohalla Peace committees, riot relief works in Tulsi wadi, M.P. Mills compound, Saat rastha”

Fr.Tony Dias.

Related:

PS Krishnan, a man devoted to social justice: Obituary

Anil Murmu Jharkand, An Obituary

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