Those who have walked through the portals of St Xavier’s College, Mumbai, in the last four-and-half decades need no introduction to Fr Terence Quadros (S.J.), affectionately called Fr Terry or simply Fr T or just plain T! He has touched the hearts and minds of almost every Xavierite in some way or the other.
As college counsellor, head of the Counselling department, Hostel in-charge, Director of the Social Service League (SSL), Psychology teacher, Personal and Human Values (PHV) teacher, the conductor of numerous leadership camps and creativity workshops, he taught, inspired and healed so many. Simply by listening sensitively and compassionately, or by brewing you a warm cup of coffee in the caring comforts of the counselling centre, a place you could be who you were and never be judged, Fr Terry made us feel as if each of us mattered and that we were great just the way we were.
The hostel boys remember the man who helped them to not miss home, who was always there with a warm jacket, a kind word, and most of all TRUST that meant so much. He was very much like the magical Mary Poppins with a bag full of whatever one needed whenever one needed it.
In the heart of all SSLers, he has a special place. The rural camps, the songs we sang, the roads we built, the foundations we dug, …with Terry are memories etched forever in our hearts and minds. As we made human chains at camp throwing ghamelas to each other under the sweltering sun while trying to also sing a tune, we learnt not just to build a road or dig a well, but to humbly acknowledge that when we give that is also when we take, that those with so little have so much to give. We built our human spirit in those rural camps, a spirit that has guided us through life, gently shaped by Fr T.
The memories of the SSL exhibitions are vivid. Heart stopping messages simply communicated through powerful images and captioned in the inimitable Terry-font, to make you stop, think and read again. The posters gently provoked, never judging but instead encouraging us to remember that there is much to be done, there are people out there who need us and that we can all make a difference. No one who walked through the college hall where the exhibition was laid out could stay untouched. An army of young minds learnt the art of powerfully communicating life-changing thoughts with Fr Terry, helping create change makers at a young age. Many have discovered their creative potential in song and word and image inspired by Fr Terry’s creativity of expression. He opens hearts to the possibilities within.
Today, he tends to his garden in Nashik, where he is posted at the Shrine of the Infant Jesus, delighting in the works of Gods’ creation. He continues to delight many with images and words, making us remember that beauty, love and happiness lie within us. Through his camera lens (did we forget to mention that he is a keen gardener and photographer as well?), he helps us see the colour, the joy, the hope that is woven into the wings of a bird or the petals of a flower, the rain clouds and the rainbows. This is Fr Terrence, always nurturing minds and hearts, planting seeds of faith, love, hope, joy and belief.
Through this website we wish to bring his words, images and messages to those who know him and to those who do not. In todays’ tough and troubled times, we need more than ever simple ways to find solace, to find love, to believe in ourselves and in the goodness of others. We need to feel comforted in the ways of God, and to simply just LIVE a good life. Terrys’ words, his songs, his images, his letters and his smile, all have the power to make us feel warm inside, make us find our wings, make us lift our eyes and hearts. Thank you, Fr Terrence for being there on so many journeys, some briefly, some life-long. This is our way of making sure you are always there with us through life’s many bends and twists and turns.
To all who visit this website, we ask you indulge yourself and immerse yourself in it in your own time, browsing through the many little jewels gathered over the years. Feel free to share this content and credit it to Fr Terrence. Write in and reach out to Fr T if you wish to at querry2@gmail.com
