Legacy of a Remarkable Mentor: Remembering Bro. Igi
We all have extraordinary people who shape our lives beyond our parents.
Ignatius, a Christian brother of the De La Salle order, was my carer in a Christian formative school when I was twelve. As an early adolescent, he was the best teacher one could ever have. This is Bro. Igi’s story.
Bro. Igi radiated joy with his bright smile and his tall, handsome figure. He had a flair for fashion and never missed a chance to show it off. He sported Ray-Ban sunglasses as he strolled through the school grounds, his robe dazzling white and perfectly pressed. After school, he swapped his robe for trendy outfits that suited his style. He was not just a pretty face, though. He also enjoyed playing sports with the schoolboys after class, proving he was just a regular guy.
Bro. Igi was a natural with the schoolboys. They loved to chat with him. His language was simple. His tone of voice was engaging. He talked to them in a language boys could understand — rare talent among Christian brothers.
Not only that, in addition to his teaching duties, Bro. Igi ran the Christian Brothers' formative boarding school, the Juvenate, at the premises.
What a fabulous personality he was. I wanted to be like Bro. Igi when I grew up.
Bertram Noel was not just a schoolmate but my closest friend during our time in school. Our friendship began when we started school at the tender age of five, and from then on, we progressed through each year together in the same class. Our families were acquainted, adding another layer of connection to our bond. As we entered our early adolescent years, when aspirations for the future took shape, Bertram expressed his desire to become a Christian Brother. Being inseparable, I followed his path, aspiring to become a Christian Brother like him. The flamboyant Brother Ignatius (Bro. Igi) was our inspiration, and his image loomed large in our minds.
While my parents reluctantly agreed to my wish, it was a tough decision. It tested their deep Christian faith to entrust their promising early adolescent child to God’s service. However, the details of their struggle form a separate story, one to be shared on another occasion.
The impending departure weighed heavily on everyone at home. The anticipation of leaving my family brought about a sense of importance within me, even as sadness intermittently engulfed my emotions.
On the 3rd of January 1967, my family accompanied me to the Juvenate, the Christian Brothers’ formative boarding school. Bro. Igi warmly welcomed us and made us feel at home. Instantly, his genuine kindness endeared him to my parents. One of the senior boys took charge of my suitcase and led the way to the dormitory on the third floor of the Juvenate. At eleven, I stood on the cusp of turning twelve, embarking on this new chapter of my life.
Bro. Igi graciously guided my family through a tour of the Juvenate, showcasing its various facilities. After a short while, the time came for my family to bid me farewell. Embracing brave faces, they hugged and kissed me, a bittersweet moment. Saying goodbye to my little sister and brother was particularly difficult, but the thought of new companionship with my fellow students and best friend Bertram filled me with excitement.
That evening, I joined the other boys in the evening prayers, a collective act of devotion. Afterwards, we gathered in the study hall on the ground floor, each assigned to our own desk for study time. Bro. Igi sat at the main table, positioned on a short podium, overseeing the studious atmosphere. Dinner followed at the cafeteria on the mezzanine floor, where we shared our evening meal.
The next morning, a bell roused us from our slumber, indicating the start of a new day. As it chimed, we all knelt by the side of our beds, engaging in a brief prayer led by Bro. Igi. Following this solemn moment, we prepared for mass and took a peaceful walk to St. Anne’s church, strolling in pairs along Averiwatta Road in Wattala. Once we gathered and received communion, we retraced our steps, walking the two-kilometre distance back to the Juvenate, where we indulged in a satisfying breakfast at the cafeteria on the mezzanine floor.
These routines brought joy to our days in school, outdoor sports, indoor recreation, and the responsibility of cleanliness indoors and outdoors. During our first weekend at the Juvenate, Bertram and I worked in the garden. With his sleeves rolled up, Bro. Igi joined us, guiding our hands in tending to the tropical plants and imparting his wisdom and expertise in gardening.
Life at the Juvenate was nothing short of extraordinary. I relished the structured activities that adhered to a precise schedule. Having my own space within the Juvenate brought me a sense of contentment. I cherished the environment and quickly formed strong bonds with my new companions. Bro. Igi, a charismatic figure, was always there for us, displaying strength and kindness equally and leading us with grace.
Bertram and I continued to nurture our close friendship, maintaining an open and honest relationship. There were no secrets between us. Bertram assumed the role of a caring older brother, looking out for me. He possessed a studious nature, a touch of reserve, and athletic abilities. On the other hand, my strengths lie in academics, artistic pursuits, and coupled with an outgoing nature. Together, we formed a formidable duo, excelling not only in our academic endeavours but also in our activities within the school, the Juvenate, and various outdoor pursuits. In grade seven, during term exams, I often secured the first position while Bertram secured the second — a significant achievement in those days. Our healthy competition only strengthened our bond, continually driving us to strive.
Bro. Igi’s impact extended far beyond his role as a caregiver in the Juvenate; he was, in fact, the finest teacher in the entire school. Serving as an exemplary class teacher for grade six, he created an atmosphere where his students thrived. Every day, the students eagerly looked forward to coming to school. Bro. Igi’s commitment to his students was unparalleled, as he chose to teach all eight subjects himself — a feat that seems impossible in today’s educational landscape. His dedication to preparing for these divergent subjects must have been extensive. Yet he took on the challenge with passion and skill, relishing the opportunity to impart knowledge to his eager students.
Many of the boys in Bro. Igi’s class became frequent visitors to the Juvenate after school. They sought out his company and joined us in various sports activities during the afternoons. Their delight in school led them to crave more time spent with Bro. Igi. Naturally, I formed friendships with several of his students, connecting over our shared admiration for our teacher. Remarkably, two of these students were so profoundly influenced by his role modelling that they decided to join the Juvenate, harbouring aspirations of becoming Christian Brothers someday.
One incident stands out vividly as a testament to Bro. Igi’s love for humanity. He also served as the coach for his class’s soccer team. Among the predominantly Catholic students, one boy, Badrudeen, practised the Muslim faith and served as the goalkeeper. The matches were scheduled during Ramadan, a fasting period for Muslims. During halftime, as the players replenished their energy with water and snacks, Badrudeen, despite his exhaustion, adhered to his faith and abstained from drinking water. Bro. Igi keenly observed this display of commitment and faith. Later, at a school gathering, he publicly praised Badrudeen, holding him up as an example for all students to emulate. In this act, Bro. Ignatius demonstrated that his teachings transcended religious boundaries, highlighting the value of respect and appreciation for diverse beliefs.
Bro. Igi’s profound impact as an educator reached beyond the confines of religious affiliation, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all who encountered his wisdom and guidance.
Bro. Igi’s exceptional treatment made me happy, contributing to my growing self-confidence. The same held true for my dear friend Bertram. Bro. Igi’s impeccable behaviour was accompanied by an outpouring of love and kindness directed toward both of us. He recognised that, at the tender age of twelve, we longed for the love and affection of our parents. He went above and beyond to ensure we never felt homesick or isolated. Through playful interactions, small gestures of kindness, and undivided attention, he created an environment where we felt cared for and cherished. Each day, as I woke up, I carried the knowledge that Bro. Ignatius genuinely cared for us, and this mutual affection between us blossomed. He became our ultimate idol, and through his presence, I found solace in being away from home, missing my parents and siblings just a little less.
Despite his youthful age of twenty-six, Bro. Igi assumed the weighty responsibility of directing the Juvenate, a position typically held by older individuals. He would swiftly change out of his robe, slip into sports pants, and join us for a soccer game immediately after school. The display of his remarkable ball control, precise passing, and powerful shots on goal left us in awe. We marvelled at his skill in dribbling and evading opponents, and the other boys from school eagerly sought to emulate his techniques. Additionally, his prowess extended to basketball, showcasing his multifaceted love for sports. Bro. Igi’s reputation as a sports enthusiast was legendary, and his passion for athletic pursuits was evident in every match and game we played together.
Bro. Igi’s captivating looks and charismatic personality naturally made him popular among the school’s teachers, especially the young, single female educators. His debonair demeanour and charm were irresistible, as one would expect.
From an early age, I developed a passion for reading, and under Bro. Igi’s guidance, I found myself delving into my grandfather’s library of books. With his support, I embarked on a literary journey and devoured nearly all the books in the Juvenate’s modest library.
During breakfast, Bro. Igi would challenge the boys with IQ questions, offering his omelette as a prize for the correct answer — an enticing reward he willingly sacrificed. It became somewhat of a ritual, and I consistently won his omelette, turning each morning into a special feast for a twelve-year-old.
Assisting Bro. Igi was Bro. Lucian, a fair and slightly shorter Christian brother, was a few years older than Bro. Igi. Together, they formed a formidable team, often joining forces for soccer matches. Bro. Lucian, too, exhibited great skill on the field, proving to be an excellent soccer player. Their close friendship and shared camaraderie created a profound understanding between these two young Christian brothers. They exemplified the best of what Christian brothers could be, leaving a lasting impression on me.
Bro. Lucian recognised my talent for artwork and took it upon himself to encourage and nurture my skills. He gave me pencils and paper from the school bookshop, enabling me to unleash my creativity. In my spare time, I meticulously drew people, saints, objects, flowers, buildings — anything that caught my imagination. I vividly recall setting up my paper, coloured pencils and paints on the lawn outside, where I sketched the entire three-story Juvenate building and its surrounding garden. On another occasion, at Bro. Lucian’s request, I embarked on drawing his portrait. He patiently posed on a table, remaining still until I completed the task. It was my first attempt at capturing a live subject on paper, and within about twenty minutes, I proudly finished his portrait. Bro. Lucian was genuinely impressed by the pencil sketch and decided to keep it himself. His regular encouragement to continue drawing served as a wellspring of inspiration for a twelve-year-old like me, fueling my artistic endeavours and instilling a sense of self-belief.
Despite being great friends, Bertram and I were fierce competitors regarding academic achievements. I consistently aimed to secure the top exam position, with Bertram often close behind in second place. Occasionally, he would claim the top spot when I let my guard down. While Bertram diligently worked hard for his results, I relied on my natural abilities and rarely studied outside class. However, there was one subject where Bertram consistently outshone me: English. I yearned to improve my English skills and, secretly, surpass my best friend in this subject.
Innocently driven by the desire to outperform Bertram, I made a silent vow to myself — to defeat him in English class scores within a year and achieve better marks than him. Of course, Bertram remained oblivious to my inner competition and did not know my intentions.
Although I was a proficient reader, my writing skills were lacking. I struggled with the rules of grammar and forming coherent stories. Recognising my weakness, Bro. Igi offered to provide me with tuition specifically focused on English. While the other boys diligently studied their regular school books each evening, I received special tutoring from Bro. Igi on English grammar. He possessed a remarkable talent for explaining complex concepts and effectively. Within a short span of a week, I grasped the fundamentals of grammar, thanks to his charismatic teaching style.
Bro. Igi continually challenged me with increasingly advanced English exercises, understanding that English was my second language at the time. He persistently encouraged and supported me throughout the tutoring sessions. Week after week, I made significant progress, and my confidence in English soared. With his unwavering guidance, within approximately a month, I dared to speak fluently in English, and within three months, my language skills had surpassed what was expected of a twelve-year-old. This marked the beginning of my serious journey into the English language.
In the next term exam, I found myself on equal footing with Bertram, and I achieved a remarkable score of 98%, surpassing his best score of 96%. No other student in our class had ever achieved such a high mark. Although I never disclosed my secret rivalry and motivation to Bertram, as he had never considered it a competition, I felt immense pride and accomplishment in my abilities.
Bro. Igi expressed his delight at my results. Inspired by my success, I began reading novels and materials far ahead of my age. My rapid progress in grasping the English language became a significant confidence booster. This experience taught me that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to with effort and determination. I figured that my dreams had no limits, and at the age of twelve, a lifelong lesson and passion for dreaming were born.
In Sri Lanka, discussions about sexual sciences are considered taboo and not openly addressed. Bro. Igi, being an insightful educator, recognised the importance of early sexual education. When I was twelve, he skillfully and tactfully explained the human reproductive system in a language that early adolescents could comprehend. It was a visionary act performed by a truly remarkable educator.
During one weekend, Bro. Igi treated us to a James Bond movie, ‘Gold Finger,’ at the Gamunu cinema in Wattala. We travelled there in a Volkswagen Kombi van driven by Bro. Ignatius. I was captivated by the thrilling stunts and the heroic actions of James Bond, portrayed by the talented Sean Connery. The display of gadgets, supercars, and technology on screen seemed like extraordinary fantasies for a young boy growing up in an Asian country.
On another weekend, we watched the film ‘Ben Hur,’ which starred Charlton Heston as Judah, a biblical hero. I was mesmerised by the incredible feats of this pre-biblical character and his remarkable horse-riding skills.
Under Bro. Igi’s guidance, I learned valuable skills in personal organisation at a young age. I became responsible for managing my wares, clothes, logistics and well-being.
Life at the Juvenate was filled with joy and excitement. I had my best friend by my side and Bro Igi’ss loving, kind, and inspiring presence to look up to. It was a perfect environment that fostered growth and happiness. Bertram and I knew that, Bro. Igi genuinely cared for us we always felt loved and supported. Whenever we fell ill, he ensured we received immediate medical attention, and if we sustained minor injuries during sports activities, he ensured we received proper care.
About once a month, my parents, sister, brother and grandmother, Kadayamma, visited me at the Juvenate. These visits allowed me to feel reconnected to my family regularly.
I was fully engaged in the Juvenate and class and enjoyed every bit. Life was good and happy.
The remarkable partnership of Bro. Igi and his assistant, Bro. Lucian, as our caregivers at the Juvenate, was destined to conclude in June. The reason behind it was a scholarship opportunity offered to Bro. Lucian in the United States. We visited the Colombo airport in the Kombi van to bid him farewell. Bro. Lucian appeared smartly dressed in a black civilian suit, and his family members were present to bid him farewell as well. As he boarded the BOAC flight, he stood on the aeroplane’s steps and waved at us, bidding us a heartfelt goodbye. Although tinged with sadness, the boys wished him well on his journey.
Bro. Igi’s handwriting was impeccable — neat, clean, and precise. His handwriting had a direct influence on my own. In admiration of his elegant script, I attempted to imitate it, which greatly contributed to improving my own writing skills. Within a few years, my handwriting had become so proficient that I had the honour of representing the school in all-island inter-school competitions.
In recognition of my academic achievements, I was awarded the Directors’ Award for being the best student in the school that year. Additionally, during my free time, I enthusiastically assisted in crafting the school’s graphic designs. Using a stencil pen, I painstakingly created art and illustrations by hand. Throughout these endeavours, I had the unwavering support and encouragement of Bro. Igi who closely watched over my progress.
I could continue writing endlessly about the incredible impact Bro. Igi had on my life. Aside from my parents, no other person has left such a loving and lasting impression on me as Bro. Igi did. He was the ultimate Christian Brother to both Bertram and me, and we held him in the highest regard.
I received a postcard from Bro during my enjoyable month-long holiday at home before Christmas. Igi. He wished me a joyful Christmas and included a cryptic sentence about a farewell. Unfortunately, I couldn’t decipher the hidden meaning or understand the message at the time. Amidst the festive celebrations at home, I forgot about the enigmatic note.
Upon my return to the Juvenate in 1968, to everyone’s surprise, there was no sign of Bro. Igi. Instead, we were greeted by a new Brother Bro. Paul Edmund, who was considerably older, was in his late forties. The news of Bro. Igi’s sudden departure from the Juvenate and the school shocked us. As a twelve-year-old, it was a heavy blow to bear.
Bertram and I and the students from our school were also deeply saddened by Bro. Igi’s sudden departure. The clergy often underwent transfers without much notice, following the orders of their hierarchy, and Bro. Igi had obediently followed suit. We were informed that he was sent for further teacher training. None of my friends or I had the opportunity to bid him farewell.
Upon turning thirteen, I felt a void without the presence of the Juvenate in the new year. However, I acknowledged that Bro. Igi had fulfilled his role splendidly; he had moulded me into a better young man, instilling confidence and a zest for life within me.
I will forever be grateful to Bro. Igi for his profoundly positive influence. He is, without a doubt, the finest clergyman I have ever encountered. Although I knew him for only a brief year, the strength of his positive impact on my life stands second only to that of my loving father.
I attribute my confidence and subsequent success in life to his early influence and unwavering encouragement. He broke down language barriers, enabling me to master English, which became my primary language.
What an extraordinary role model he was! Bro. Ignatius was, without a doubt, the most exceptional teacher and educator I have ever known. I suggest doing a Ted talk about him, for his remarkable qualities and contributions deserve to be shared.
To have known such an extraordinary man as Bro. Ignatius Warnakula, during our formative years, was a stroke of great fortune. He was a towering figure, truly phenomenal. I consider myself immensely lucky to have been one of those privileged boys.
This is the remarkable story of Reverend Brother Ignatius Warnakula — a true reverend and a legend.
Where are my dear characters today?
Bro. Igi, the passionate educator and visionary, remains dedicated to nurturing young minds. At 80 years old, he continues to inspire and shape the lives of countless individuals. Despite the passing years, I make it a priority to stay connected with him. Whenever I return to Sri Lanka, I carve out time to visit him, expressing my profound gratitude for his impact on my life. Our bond is enduring, spanning a lifetime. However, he is now retired and resides in a tranquil countryside town in Sri Lanka, Bro. Igi persists in his role as a social worker, tirelessly working to uplift the lives of young individuals. His unwavering zeal for life continues to drive him forward, leaving a lasting imprint on those he touches.
My best friend Bertram has embarked on an extraordinary journey, assuming the esteemed role of the leader of the Christian Brothers’ order in both Sri Lanka and India. With great responsibility, he oversees and guides all the Christian Brothers in these two countries. Despite his elevated position, our bond remains steadfast, and we continue to cherish our close friendship. I still affectionately refer to him as ‘Berty,’ a name that harkens back to our younger years. Our connection has stood the test of time, and we navigate through life’s joys and challenges together, supporting and uplifting one another.
I left the formative school three years after this story. I live my life to the full, both personally and professionally. The two boys, Berty and I, make Bro. Ignatius proud every day, and we two are lifelong learners.
Thank you, Bro. Igi for unlocking my potential and making me a storyteller. The skills you taught have allowed me to be a thriving storyteller in at least three Fortune 500 companies globally on far corners of this small world.
This article you read came about because Bro. Igi unlocked my curiosity about language and writing.
Bro. Lucian is now a civilian. He lives with his wife in Sydney, Australia. I keep in touch with him and bump into him occasionally.
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Images belong to the original owners.
Footnote: The original story was written in July 2021. However, I regret to inform you that Bro. Igi, the beloved mentor and inspiration, passed away peacefully on 24th June 2023 in Sri Lanka. The timing of his passing was unexpected, as I was scheduled to visit him in just three weeks. Thankfully, Berty and I had the opportunity to speak to and share precious moments with him mere hours before his final departure. We will forever cherish and hold dear the memories of our remarkable teacher and friend.
