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Fr. Aloysius Pieris: A Valedictory Epitaph in Words-by Avishka Mario Seneviratne
Source:Thuppahis
whoose chosen title when Fr Aloy passed away recently, reads thus: ….. “ : . (-)”
He was my spiritual father, mentor, teacher, and friend. Fr. Aloy welcomed me as a serious “scholar” when I was just a teenager. He taught me the scientific approach to scholarship, the discipline at the desk, and instilled in me values and morals. He showed me how to be a praying Christian and, above all, shaped my method of thinking. Without doubt, he made the greatest impact on my life.
. . .
When there was a personal or professional crisis, I ran to Tulana, which was almost a hop, step, and jump from home. My evenings after school, and later after work in Ratmalana, were often spent there. We spoke of history, Church affairs, art, film, theology, and politics (on which we often “agreed to disagree.”) I once joked with him, saying, “Father, I was born in 1998 and you in 1934, how did I become 64 years older, or you 64 years younger?”
The last thirteen years of my life were shaped by him, and many of my triumphs are a direct result of his guidance.
Through him, I came to know many remarkable personalities, among them Robert Crusz, Sr. Greta Nalawatte, Late Sr. Frances, Fr. Fr. Sarath Iddamalgoda, Nimal Pieris, and Dr. Shiela Fernando. Along with the staff of Tulana, they were his true friends and stood by him through many challenges. As we remember Fr. Aloy, these individuals too must be acknowledged for their steadfast devotion to him.
In my own small way, I introduced Fr. Aloy to some of my family and friends in Kelaniya and elsewhere. We even began a small Bible study group with weekly sessions. On one occasion, I surprised him by bringing Michael Roberts, who was visiting Sri Lanka, to Tulana. The two, being old school friends, had not met in decades. In time, I introduced many others who came to appreciate the joy of a good conversation with him. These memories will always bring a smile to those who knew him.
Fr. Aloy was, in many ways, a global figure. One only needs to search his name to understand the extent of his influence. He studied Buddhism under some of the greatest minds of the era, including the late Walpola Rahula Thero, Prof. K. Jayatillake, and Prof. David Kalupahana. A scholar of Sanskrit and an authority on Abhidhamma, he stood as one of Asia’s foremost Liberation Theologians. Many of his publications are used as textbooks overseas.
For over sixty years, he remained a leading voice in promoting the reforms of Vatican II in Sri Lanka, often at a time when much of the Church chose to ignore them. He championed the cause of the poor and lived a life of remarkable simplicity. Clad in a simple sarong and his trademark “Astron” cap, he had a way of putting everyone at ease.
He was also a man of culture. He could play several musical instruments, especially the piano, and would often sing an old C. T. Fernando song. In a moment that reflected both courage and creativity, he once, with the permission of the late Fr. Chiriati, removed the Blessed Sacrament at Nirmala Jesuit House to screen classic films for the youth of Bambalapitiya.
Yet, despite all his academic achievements, his most cherished work was the Centre for Education of Hearing Impaired Children, which he ran with Sr. Greta Nalawatte for over forty years. He never charged a cent from these children, who came from the poorest communities. I have personally witnessed him paying teachers’ salaries from his own earnings, often from the funds he received teaching at numerous universities. Many of these children, once considered unfit for society, went on to become graduates, professionals, and responsible members of society. On his 90th birthday, when some of them spoke, the entire audience was deeply moved.
A liberal mind, far ahead of his time, he had his share of opponents. Sadly, many from within the Church. This never troubled him, but one cannot help but feel that the Church itself lost much by not making fuller use of his gifts.
In 2023, when he entrusted me with the task of editing and producing his biography, I realised that he had given me a rare and golden opportunity to study his life in depth. As his youngest confrere, I was deeply moved by the trust he placed in me. We spent many months working together, producing what I believe is one of the finest autobiographical accounts of a priest in this part of the world. His intention was simple: to “glorify God,” whom he believed had worked through him in achieving so much in life.
As I carry on with my life, I will remember, each day, the presence and influence of Fr. Aloysius Pieris, the greatest man I have known. He lived as a saintly man, and I firmly believe that he is now among the saints, praying for us more than ever.
