From Tamil Nadu to Northern Canada: An Indian priest becomes bishop among Indigenous people
Fr Susai Jesu, a missionary with the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, was called by Leo XIV to lead the Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas. Since 2007, he has lived his ministry among First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people, participating in the journey of reconciliation that culminated in the meeting with Pope Francis at Lac Ste. Anne in 2022. “God chooses the weak to make them strong in faith and love,” said the new prelate in his first comment after he learnt of his appointment.
Madras (AsiaNews) – An Indian missionary from Tamil Nadu who has worked for years among Canada’s Indigenous communities has been chosen as the new archbishop of Keewatin-Le Pas, a huge diocese in northern Canada that covers parts of Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
On Monday, Pope Leo XIV appointed Fr Susai Jesu, 54, to this ministry. A priest of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate who has served in Canada since 2007, he plays an important role in the ongoing process of memorial purification and reconciliation between the Canadian Church and Indigenous communities.
For years, he has been engaged in pastoral ministry among Indigenous people. He was hitherto parish priest at Lac Ste. Anne, a place considered sacred by local First Nations people, where Pope Francis stopped in July 2022 during his trip to Canada, which included reconciliation with Indigenous people among his most important goals.
Fr Susai had previously accompanied an Indigenous delegation to an initial meeting at the Vatican that paved the way for the historic visit.
The Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas is very culturally diverse, home to Métis, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dene, and non-Indigenous people. The region west of James Bay has long been known as Keewatin, meaning “north wind”.
“I was very happy learning Cree and accompanying Indigenous communities in Pelican Narrows and Sandy Bay, Saskatchewan, and later at Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples in Edmonton, where I had the privilege of welcoming Pope Francis,” wrote Fr Susai commenting his appointment as archbishop.
“My passion is to bring people to Jesus and to evangelize the poor, fulfilling the Oblate charism of our founder, St. Eugene. I was blessed to have a brief new start in Lac Ste. Anne, and I am now happy to serve with the priests and pastoral workers of the Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas. Thank you all for your support and prayers.”
“As I reflect on my feelings at this memorable moment, the words of the Blessed Virgin Mary come to mind: ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my savior. God lifts up the lowly and fills the hungry with good things.’”
For the archbishop-elect, “It is a humbling experience to receive God’s calling to serve as a bishop. I truly realize that God chooses the weak to make them strong in faith and love. My heart is filled with gratitude and joy.”
Fr Susai Jesu was born on 17 May 1971, in Pushpavanam, Tamil Nadu, India. Drawn to the religious life from a young age, he joined the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and was ordained a priest on 27 July 2000, at the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Kanchipuram. The ordination was conferred by Archbishop Lawrence Pius Dorairaj of Madras–Mylapore.
A gifted linguist fluent in English, Cree, and Tamil, Father Susai combines his pastoral vocation with academic training, having earned a Master's Degree in Psychology in India and another in Counselling and Spirituality from St. Paul's University in Ottawa.
A Canadian citizen, he is a devoted servant of Indigenous communities and the urban poor. He has led and supported numerous initiatives, including picnic lunch programmes, a parish food bank, warm clothing distributions, and regular community meals for Edmonton's needy.
He is known for his compassion, cultural sensitivity, and unwavering dedication to reconciliation, community building, and supporting those most in need.
“I have always seen something special in him, especially in the way he embraces pastoral ministry,” says his nephew, Fr Christopher, who also became an Oblate of Mary Immaculate, inspired by his uncle’s example.
“I observed how he interacted with people, especially the poor. Wherever he served, he became one with the community. His love for the Word of God inspired many, including me. His friendly nature and love for the poor continue to encourage me in my ministry with great enthusiasm and dedication.”
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