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Fr. Michael Eather, SJ: RIP
With profound sorrow we announce that our former Principal Fr. Michael Eather passed away at about 7 00 pm on Feb 28th, 2012. He had duodenal perforation and was on his way to Patna for surgery. He died on the way in Bhaktiyarpur. Earlier, in the morning he had complained of abdominal pain and was taken intially to Holy Family Hospital Koderma . The diagnosis was made there and he was being shifted to Patna. His body will be kept at St. Stanislaus College, Sitagarha. His funeral will be at Sitagarha at 4 00 pm, Wed Feb 29th. Fr Eather was Principal Oct 1993 to May 1998. Info provided by Fr. PJ James, SJ, Principal. SXS
An obituary for Fr. Eather can be found in the Xavier Hazaribag Times, April 2012 edition as well as in this Province Express issue, an online journal for Australian Jesuits. An article about Fr .Eather's teaching methods by Jane Ryan. Obtituary from the Telegraph.
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Rohita Vikash (1997)
All these years (1998 to 2012) I kept planning to meet Sir . It never got executed. And now I feel so ashamed of myself. RIP Father Eather.
Sarda Nath (1983)
Rev. Fr. Michael Eather's sad demise has come as a shocker to me. It is only recently that I was able to revive our contacts after a gap of almost eleven years through this website. Both of us left SXS about the same time. I was not able to participate in the reunion for the want of timely information but he was elated about the way the reunion was held and was very happy about the shaping up of SXS after his tenure. He was very humble in almost not acknowledging the pivotal role that he had played to shape the present SXS. But there must be many who would be silently acknowleding his role in successfully establishing the +2 section and making the High School Co-ed. I can never thank him enough for providing an opportunity to me to serve as PGT Chemistry (1994 - 99) at the school and also for his encouragements and chiding that shaped me up into a better person and a teacher. I am lucky that I was able to convey my heartfelt feelings and regards to him in the last couple of mails that we exchanged. Now that he is with The Lord, may his soul Rest In Peace.
Sushant Kumar (1997)
There are few persons whom you always thank for what you are today. Farther Michael Eather is one of them. He not only brought confidence in us but also showed us how to lead in your life.
This is a huge loss.
RIP Father.
Thomas T Mundakel
I am really sorry to hear that my dear friend Fr Michael Eather has expired. Let me express my heartfelt condolence to all those who are related to him. May his soul rest in peace.
with love and prayers
Thomas T Mundakel
Sajal Mukherjee (1973)
Message exchanged recently between me and Fr. Eather via Message Center:
Respected Father,
How are you? not met for a long time.You were the Principal when my daughter was admitted in Prep Class in 1995 and you brought me in the school managing Committee which I served for 3 years during those turbulent times.We also used to meet in the morning walk in the lake.You also were kind enough to allow me to engage +2 classes in Economics when there was no teacher in Econ.Do you remember me?
with regards,
Sajal Mukherjee.
Dear Sajal,
How could I forget those who were so helpful to me when all those troubles were going on. On top of that, you took a job withus as Economics professor when I was trying very hard to get good staff. I remember all of you with gratitude. Actually I have no bad memories of St Xaviers. It was a simple of matter of things going wrong and me not being able to handle them. As simple as that. It took 2-3 days to reconcile myself to being shifted. But I don't like feeling unhappy or resentful, so it was not really so hard to face up to. After that I had a marvullous time.
Since 1999 I have been stationed in Bhurkunda, and have learned how to give classes in spoken English. I have written a book on it, and it seems to produce a good result. My time is quite full, with little time for myself. But I am very happy. I am in Haz at the moment, and am giving classes at the Montfort Technical Centre at Kanaahri Hill. I finish on Wed evening, and will wait for a Mass for Christian students and staff on sat.
Both Fr Pradeep and Fr Shail have been very good to me and have continued to include me in all the activities of the school I consider that I a very lucky man.
With warm regards to you, and again, thanks for thinking of writingf to me. I appreciate it.
Michael Eather
Sajal Mukherjee (1973)
I was shocked to hear of Fr. Eather's death.I was very close to him since 1995 and my daughter was admitted in SXS. Further I taught Economics to the +2 students for the first two years on his request. I considered it a proud privilege.He brought me in the managing committee of the school later. I had long conversations with him during the diamond jubilee .I remember him with gratitude.He was a living embodiment of all the virtues laid down by the ancient sages in this ancient land of ours.So long as the magnificent edifice of SXS stands, Fr.Eather's name will always be remembered.With a very heavy heart,I pray for the peace of his departed soul.
Sajal Mukherjee.
Anand Kashyap (1987)
RIP Fr. Eather
I have never met you but have heard a lot about your transitioning of our school, your efforts are appreciated.
Charles Kujur (1968)
It's very sad to learn that Fr. Michael Eather passed away the way he did. May his soul rest in peace.
Ashok Kumar Chattoraj (1978)
My heartfelt condolences for Fr. Michael. May his soul rest in peace. However I would like to know why he he was not taken to Ranchi from Hazaribag which is closer. Duodenal perforation is a common surgical emergency and when diagnosed early has a good recovery. I have treated over a 100 duodenal pefrorations in my career of 20 years.
Ashish Ranjan (2007)
I was not fortunate enough to have enough interaction with Fr. Michael Eather. I remember only one meeting with him when I was being interviewed for my admission to Prep.
That meeting was so lively that I still remember most of it. The caring and understanding attitude and the supernatural aura that Fr. carried with him was enough to leave a everlasting mark on everyone he met.
His sad demise has resulted into end of an era and an institution which he was in himself.
His loss is irrecoverable.
May his soul rest in peace.