Fr. Melwin J Pinto, St. Aloysius University Pro-Chancellor and Jesuit Educationist, Passes Away

Mangalore, April 10, 2026: 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, April 10. He was 63.

Fr. Melwin had recently undergone a successful angioplasty procedure. However, he subsequently developed complications, including a clot in the brain, followed by a brain hemorrhage that required emergency surgery. Despite being under intensive medical care and close monitoring by cardiac and neurosurgical teams, he remained in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit. He passed away following these complications.

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

He was ordained a Jesuit priest on April 14, 1997. Prior to his ordination, he served as headmaster at St Joseph’s Primary School and High School in Hassan from 1996 to 1999. He later went on to found St Joseph’s Indian PU College, where he served as principal until 2007.

Fr. Pinto subsequently served as headmaster of St. Aloysius High School, Mangaluru, from 2007 to 2011, and later as principal of St Joseph’s PU College, Hassan, until 2012. He also served as a Rector of St. Joseph’s Indian High School Institutions.

He also contributed to Vatican Communications and Radio in Rome, working on the English desk for Asia and Indian languages.

From May 2017, he served for two years as superior and director of Fatima Retreat House in Valencia, before being appointed superior of the Jesuit study home ‘Vidyaniketan’ in Dharwad.

Known for his radiant smile and gentle demeanor, he was widely appreciated for his insightful homilies and his ability to make everyone he encountered feel valued and respected.

Public viewing will take place at St Aloysius College, Mangaluru, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM at Divine Mercy Church, Fatima Retreat House, where the Funeral Mass will be held at 3:30 PM on Monday, April 13, 2026, followed by burial at the Jesuit Cemetery, Mangaluru.

The St Aloysius community and the Jesuit province have expressed deep sorrow at his passing, remembering him as a leader who combined professional excellence with quiet kindness. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced shortly.

By Catholic Connect Reporter