India: Jesuit Fr. Cyril Desbruslais, philosopher, playwright, and youth chaplain, dies at 84

Indian Jesuit Fr Cyril Desbruslais, philosopher, playwright, and youth chaplain, passed away in Pune, Maharashtra, on September 8, 2025. He was 84.

Fr. Desbruslais served as a professor of philosophy at Jnana-Deepa Vidyapeeth (JDV), a pontifical institute in Pune.

He was born on December 21, 1940, in Kolkata, West Bengal.

With decades of youth service, he mentored thousands of young people. He believed that for humanity to flourish, unjust systems must be challenged and changed.

His plays, performed with the help of students and youth groups, addressed themes of gender, marginalization, injustice, and freedom, leaving both emotional and intellectual impact. Known as a prophet of social commitment, he often risked much to defend the truth.

Shashi Tharoor, Indian author, former diplomat, and member of the Indian National Congress, described Fr. Desbruslais as “a brilliant Jesuit philosopher and theologian.”

“I had the pleasure and honor of knowing him in my high school years at St. Xavier’s Calcutta. As a 14-year-old flirting with the appeal of atheism, I was profoundly struck by a lecture he delivered in response to my skepticism, making the epistemological arguments for the existence of God,” Tharoor recalled.

“While rationalism always has its limits in matters of faith, that ability to combine reasoning with conviction was a hallmark of even the young Father Cyril, who went on to shape generations of priests at the Jnana-Deepa Theological Seminary in Pune. His imprint will be left behind on many minds, who will, in turn, transmit his wisdom, compassion, and faith in human liberation to generations yet to come,” he added.

“Fr. Desbruslais may have left this world, but not people’s hearts. He will live on because his life and teaching have left an indelible mark on his students,” said Jesuit Father Peter Daniel, a former student.

“I will deeply miss Prof. Cyril Desbruslais SJ, a close friend and colleague. He was an inspiration for a humane and integrated life. His vision was liberative, his approach was friendly, and his lifestyle was simple. A man of legacy and impact,” said Jesuit Father Kuruvilla Pandikattu.