Bengaluru, November 3, 2026: Fr Brian Bonaventure Pereira, SJ, who was the rector of St Aloysius Institutions in Mangaluru since May 2026 officially assumed office as the Provincial Superior of the Karnataka Jesuit Province on Tuesday, November 3, succeeding Fr Dionysius Vaz, SJ, at a solemn ceremony held at the Chapel of Inigo Sadan, Bangalore. The occasion marked the beginning of a new chapter in the leadership of the province, which comprises 317 Jesuits engaged in diverse apostolates across 135 units and ministries.
The transition of leadership was marked by prayers, gratitude and a renewed commitment to the mission of the Society of Jesus at a solemn Eucharistic celebration in the presence of several Jesuits. As Fr Brian took over the responsibility of guiding the province, the occasion also provided an opportunity to acknowledge the dedicated leadership and service of Fr Dionysius Vaz, who completed six years as Provincial.
A Legacy of Six Years: Gratitude and Hope
Reflecting on his six-year tenure, Fr Dionysius Vaz expressed profound gratitude to the Jesuits of the Province for their companionship, cooperation, co-discernment and generous support throughout his term. He recalled the difficult times of COVID 19 during which he took over the reigns as the provincial of Karnataka Jesuits and acknowledged God’s grace guiding him and the province in his time of serving the province.
In his final Provincial's Musings published in Karunada Saurabha, the Karnataka Jesuit Province newsletter, Fr Dionysius described the six years as a "precious journey of grace". He acknowledged that the responsibility of governance could never have been carried alone and credited the collective commitment of the Jesuits, the Provincial administration, superiors, Directors of Works and commission coordinators for making his ministry meaningful and fruitful.
He also expressed special gratitude for the prayers, affection and fraternal support he received during his recent illness, describing the experience as a profound reminder of what it means to be brothers in the Lord.
Reflecting on the challenges confronting the province and society, Fr Dionysius highlighted the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence on education, work and relationships, the need to uphold justice and democratic participation, the challenges posed by drought in North Karnataka, and the continuing struggle against corruption. He called upon the Jesuits to remain courageous, united and creative in advancing their mission amid these changing realities.
He expressed particular hope and gratitude for the five ordinations during the year, seeing them as a sign of God's continuing call to labourers in His vineyard.
Welcoming his successor, Fr Dionysius had earlier expressed his warm congratulations and confidence in Fr Brian, assuring him of his prayers. Referring to his extensive experience in vocation promotion, youth formation, community leadership, institutional administration and accompaniment, he observed that Fr Brian was well prepared to undertake this important responsibility.
In a heartfelt message to his successor, Fr Dionysius wrote: "Brian, the Province is yours to lead
