TRIBUTE TO OUR BELOVED FATHER
Rev Fr Joseph Maurus Ferrero, SSP (1924-2018)
Born in the Province of Cuneo, in the Piedmont Region of North-West Italy into a family of small-scale agriculturists, Fr Maurus was one of ten children, two of whom became Priests and three nuns, all in the Pauline Family. One of his brothers was lost on the Russian front of World War II.
Fr Maurus was ordained Priest in 1950. He came to India in 1951 along with another Pauline Priest, Fr Antonio Rossi. For three years Fr Maurus was in Mumbai. In 1954 he went to Allahabad where he remained and worked till 1977.
He came to Allahabad, first of all, to teach Latin to the first batch of students who made their Profession in October 1954. Actually they joined
the Society only in January 1953 and made their Novitate from October 1953 to October 1954. In those days Latin was as important a subject as theology. Everything was taught in Latin, Philosophy, Theology, etc. In course of time, in addition to Latin, he also taught Indian Philosophy and history of Philosophy. The most important work he accomplished in India was the starting and expanding of St Paul Publications. Till 1954 nothing came out of our printing press in Allahabad except a few small books and booklets.
Publications of standard books, both religious and formative, started in 1955 and went on growing. He got copy right from foreign publishers and started printing their books in India. By the 60’s St Paul Publications was the foremost Catholic Publication in India. In the 60’s St Paul Publications printed the first Catholic Bible in Hindi, translated by Fr S.N. Wald S.V.D. It was Fr Maurus who started the St Paul Book Centre in the business centre of Allahabad, M.G. Road in the Civil Lines. Again it was Fr Maurus who started our youth Magazine, The Teenager.
Fr Maurus was Superior of Allahabad community from 1961 to 1970, nine consecutive years. While he was Superior, he built the extension of the press-cum-residence block and the building just at the back of the chapel. With his various initiatives, he is the one who, after the Founding Father, Alfonso Ferrero, contributed the most to the growth and expansion of the Society in India. In the 50’s he found out Indian writers like A.P. Pareira (Success in 30 Days, Success in Examinations, Banish Your Blues), Fr R.H. Lesser (Moral Science Series), Fr A.G. Rego (Aid to
English Composition Series), Vernon Thomas (Story Books) and encouraged them. The books by all these authors were best sellers and were reprinted almost annually for years. The contribution by these authors gave a big boost to St Paul Publications. Equally great was the boot St Paul Publications received through the books written by Fr Maurus himself. His first book, Just a Moment Please, written in the 50’s is a classic. Its reprints were always in tens of thousands and is being reprinted even today. He has written more than 130 books, some of them being best sellers and repeatedly reprinted.
From 1977 to 1985 Fr Maurus was in Mumbai, as Superior from 1977 to 1981 and then continued with editorship of St Paul Publications until he left for England in 1985. After his departure in 1985, Fr Maurus revisited India four times; in 2001, 2008, 2010 and 2011. He was a great lover and
admirer of India. We, the members of the Province owe him much. He was an ardent lover of the Pauline mission and a great missionary who spent most of his energy, time and talents for the growth and expansion of our Mission in India. He is an inspiration and model who will be greatly missed by those who had the fortune to closely associate with him and enjoy his affection. May the Lord of life invite Fr Joseph Maurus Ferrero to eternal happiness in the company of our Pauline community in heaven. May his noble soul
RIP.
Contributed by Fr Anselm Poovathaikunnel, SSP
