European Jesuits have long been engaged in missionary work, and Flemish Jesuits were no exception. Their dedication left a profound and lasting legacy across the world, particularly in India. Among them is Aurel Brys, the last Flemish Jesuit serving in India. Thanks to this article written by the ELC region, we had the opportunity to learn more about his life, his mission, and the rich history of Flemish Jesuit missions.

In February 2026, a small group of Jesuits and students traveled to India to accompany Aurel Brys, the last Flemish Jesuit missionary serving in the country, on an emotional journey of gratitude and farewell. Among the travelers were Marc Desmet, regional superior of the Jesuits, Amsterdam deacon Bastiaan van Rooijen, and students Chloé Somers, Emoa Van Deyck, and Lander Vandenborre.

Aurel Brys returned to Belgium last year after nearly six decades of development work in Ranchi. Health reasons prevented him from having a proper farewell at the time, but this journey offered an opportunity for closure, both for him and the communities he served.

Constant Lievens: Jesuit Missionary and Advocate

The Jesuit mission in Ranchi, India, has a long and remarkable history. Constant Lievens, a 19th-century Jesuit missionary, arrived in Torpa in 1885, witnessing the injustices faced by the local Munda people under colonial exploitation. Rather than imposing religion, Lievens defended the tribal community using legal knowledge and advocacy, helping them reclaim their land. Though he died young, at 37, his dedication left a lasting legacy in Ranchi, where he is still revered today.

A Legacy of Service and Empathy

The story of Jesuit missionaries in India is often misunderstood in our secularized world, sometimes unfairly associated with colonialism. Yet those who dedicated their lives to the mission—Herman Rasschaert, Camille Bulcke, Michel van den Bogaert, and Aurel Brys among them—did so with empathy, humility, and a desire to serve rather than to gain. They focused on alleviating immediate needs, fighting injustice, and fostering freedom and dignity, offering values and tools rather than enforcing faith.

Aurel Brys and the Adibasi Communities

Born during World War II in Ooigem, Belgium, Aurel Brys entered the Jesuits in 1959 and departed for India in 1966. In Ranchi, he continued the work of Lievens, focusing on leadership formation for the adibasi communities—tribal populations historically marginalized by social hierarchies and caste discrimination. Through his programs, Brys aimed to restore confidence, promote critical thinking, and empower local leaders, considering this true evangelization rather than “winning souls.”

Despite representing just 2.4% of India’s population, Christians—especially among the adibasi—have made a profound impact in specific regions like Jharkhand. Missionary-founded schools and hospitals continue to provide vital education and healthcare, often serving as the only accessible lifeline for the most vulnerable.

The Warmth and Gratitude of the Adibasi

During visits to adibasi villages, the group was met with overwhelming hospitality, gratitude, and joy. Music, ceremonial garlands, and traditional gestures of welcome reflected the communities’ appreciation for decades of Jesuit service. “We are all brothers,” a young boy in Boys Town remarked, capturing the spirit of mutual respect and shared humanity that the Jesuits sought to cultivate.

The travelers were struck by the vibrancy, warmth, and generosity of life among the adibasi—qualities often diminished in modern European life. The communities reminded the visitors of the richness of simple joys, solidarity, and deep faith lived authentically.

Challenges in Contemporary India

The journey also highlighted current challenges. Under the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Christians and minority groups face discrimination and threats to religious freedom. Many adibasi expressed anxiety about the future, yet the Jesuit presence continues to provide education, health care, and moral support. Schools and hospitals founded by missionaries remain crucial pillars for the most vulnerable populations, often making the difference between life and death.

A Testament to Faith in Action

The farewell of Aurel Brys was more than a personal goodbye—it was a testament to the enduring impact of the Jesuit mission in India. Through decades of service, these missionaries have moved mountains, both literally and metaphorically, leaving a legacy of empowerment, justice, and compassion. Their work exemplifies the Ignatian ideal: selfless dedication to others, guided by faith, but rooted in empathy, reason, and a profound respect for human dignity.