Fr. General Arturo Sosa SJ, in his letter announcing Fr. Nicolás’ death describes him as “wise, humble, and a free man; totally and generously given to service.” No better words define my experience of Fr. Nicolás. I did not know him before being appointed Secretary for Education. From my first meeting with him, I experienced his warm welcome, kindness and openness. He made me feel comfortable immediately and, in his questions and answers I could see the wisdom and freedom that filled his heart and mind.

Nicolás was always smiling, attentive to others, curious and well aware of the fast-changing pace of our era. He saw this change not as an obstacle or enemy but as an opportunity to grow, to improve, to serve better, to open our hearts to God. When discussing a new Jesuit school that was planning to open, he asked: “is this a new school or just an old school in a new building?” He knew well that new answers were required for the new world that was emerging, and he was always wondering what those new answers would look like.

I heard him several times explaining that the giraffe was a good metaphor to understand what we wanted to accomplish in Jesuit Education: tall minds, able to have a broader perspective of what surrounds us; large hearts, able to embrace all and everybody with love. Of course, he cautions that the giraffe also has a weakness, the temptation “to leave the group and become vulnerable to lions. Living in the group the giraffe is protected by the community.” Nicolas knew the language of wisdom and often used metaphors to explain his deep understanding of the world and in this way to invite us, without imposing, to go deeper; as a good master will do with his students.

Nicolás was an open invitation to embrace the world with optimism, faith and service. His smile came from his heart and wisdom, always inviting us to discover the One behind such energy and goodness.

P. José Mesa SJ
Secretary for Jesuit Education