Faith In Action #9: The Jesuit Priest Who Helped Shape India’s Constitution

May 24, 2025

When the Indian nation was being stitched together from the fabric of colonial fragments in the 1940s, it wasn’t just politicians or freedom fighters who held the needle. Among the weavers of India’s secular and democratic tapestry stood Fr. Jerome D’Souza, SJ, a Catholic priest who was articulate, scholarly, and deeply committed to the spirit of a plural India.

Often clad in the simple cassock of a Jesuit, Fr. Jerome was anything but a simple man. He was an educationist, diplomat, and an advocate for minority rights. He served as a member of the Indian Constituent Assembly and contributed to the formulation of the Constitution of India. His story is a testament to how a Catholic, through intellect, integrity, and immense patriotism, helped lay the foundational ideals of independent India.

Early Years

Born in 1897 in the Moolki town of Mangalore, Fr. Jerome's early life was marked by an insatiable intellectual curiosity. Fluent in multiple Indian languages, he pursued his secondary schooling at St. Aloysius College, Mangalore, and college studies at St. Joseph’s College, Tiruchirapalli. After completing his degree in English literature at the University of Madras, he served as a professor for a year at St Joseph's College, Trichy, before deciding to enter the Society of Jesus in 1921. He pursued his theological studies with the French Jesuits in Belgium and was ordained a priest in 1931.

Returning to India in 1933, Fr. Jerome quickly rose through the academic ranks to become rector and president of St. Joseph’s College, Trichy. By 1942, he was leading Loyola College, Madras, a position that allowed him to influence higher education policy significantly.

His Role in Shaping the Indian Constitution 

Fr. Jerome’s most enduring contribution, however, came as a member of the Indian Constituent Assembly from 1946 to 1950. Known for his eloquence and administrative acumen, he caught the attention of C. Rajagopalachari, then president of the Indian National Congress. When the time came to form an assembly that would draw a constitution for the country, Fr. Jerome’s name was proposed by Rajagopalachari to the Madras Legislative Assembly. He was elected to represent them at the Constituent Assembly of India in Delhi.

At the Assembly, alongside Protestant leader H.C. Mukherjee, Fr. Jerome worked to ensure that the rights of minorities, particularly in matters of worship and education, were fully safeguarded in the proposed constitution. Their efforts helped enshrine the right to practice and propagate one’s religion as a fundamental right for all Indian citizens.

These were not merely legal safeguards; they were lifelines for India’s pluralistic promise. Fr. Jerome’s interventions ensured that India's secular framework would respect and protect its religious minorities—an achievement that continues to shape the identity of India to this day.

Diplomatic Endeavours

Beyond constitution-making, Fr. Jerome earned the trust of Jawaharlal Nehru and played a discreet but critical role in diplomatic negotiations. From resolving contentious church appointments with the Vatican to facilitating the peaceful integration of French colonial territories into India, his linguistic prowess and diplomatic acumen positioned him as a trusted statesman. He also represented India at the United Nations on four occasions.

Other Achievements

Fr. Jerome’s legacy includes the founding of the Indian Social Institute in Pune in 1951. Now based in Delhi, the centre is dedicated to research and advocacy on social justice issues. He served as its first director from 1951 to 1956 and also launched a journal at the institute titled Social Action. In 1957, he was appointed Assistant and Adviser to Jesuit Superior General Jean-Baptiste Janssens on Indian and Asian affairs.

Death

Fr. Jerome returned to India in 1968 and devoted his final years to writing, lecturing, and teaching. He passed away in 1977 in Madras, his resting place now a site of homage for many, at Christ the King Church in Loyola College.

In 1997, on his birth centenary, the Government of India honoured Fr. Jerome with a commemorative postage stamp.

Conclusion

Father Jerome D’Souza’s life is a testament to how Catholic individuals and institutions have been instrumental in shaping modern India, not just in schools and seminaries, but in the very drafting of its democratic ideals and international stature. His legacy reminds us that the Catholic community’s commitment to education, minority rights, and social justice remains an essential pillar of India’s ongoing journey as a diverse, inclusive, and vibrant democracy.

Source: Wikipedia

“Faith in Action” highlights inspiring stories of Catholic priests and nuns who have made remarkable contributions in fields like science, law, and technology. These individuals have pioneered inventions, developed cures, and impacted lives beyond the church. Know someone deserving of recognition? Contact editor@catholicconnect.in.

Read More From our “Faith in Action” Series:

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Faith in Action #2: The Catholic Priest Who Revolutionised Electrical Engineering

Faith in Action #3: The Catholic Priest Who Invented the "Silk Bulletproof Vest"