At the Jesuit infirmary at Bruxeles, in the early hours of September 6, 2018, Father Albert Huart, SJ left for his divine abode. He was born in Namur, Belgium in 1925; he joined the Society of Jesus in August 1943. Father travelled to India in 1957 and was ordained a priest in April 1957.

One of the makers of modern St. Xavier's College, Kolkata, Fr. Huart grew into an institution by himself, shaping the lives of innumerable Xaverians with lessons that lasted beyond the syllabus.

Fr. Huart had a remarkable memory of people and events. He could instantly recall names, roll numbers and incidents of his students even after decades have passed. People felt endeared as he dealt with them, and he dealt with complicated and disciplinary issues with ease, care and gentle compassion.

The students felt fascinated by his aura of love and warmth, and many students and professors acknowledged him as the mentor - of their profession and their personality. We remember him with respect and eternal reverence.

The Alumni Association of SXC organized a condolence meeting for Fr. Huart on Saturday, September 15 at St. Xavier's College auditorium. Many of his students and friends paid rich tribute and respect for the great soul.

Fr. Huart is mortally not with us, but will continue to grace our hearts and lives with the preaching and practices he proposed and performed. The just and righteous do not die, they continue to live. Biological death is only an entry to life eternal.

The teacher of many teachers has chosen his final appointment with the Divine Master. May His Soul Rest in Peace (RIP).