My Dear Confreres,

Easter seasonal greetings to all of you! As we are going to celebrate the 400th Death Anniversary of our Patron St.Francis De Sales on 28th of December, 2022, our Superior General has declared this year as Year of St.Francis De Sales. The year of St.Francis De Sales begins on Divine Mercy Sunday (24.04.2022) and ends on Divine Mercy Sunday (16.04.2023). As such, today we begin the Year of St.Francis De Sales.

St.Francis De Sales is a great missionary and visionary. He was a legend of his time and a model priest and bishop. His virtues and legacy has inspired thousands of people and a number of religious orders and laity organisations. His spiritual classics, Introduction to Devout LIfe and Treatise on Love of God are as inspirational as they were in his time. His promotion of holiness for all was a revolutionary concept in his time. His exemplary and simple life, his missionary methods, his gentleness and his spirituality are very relevant and inspirational for all of us not only now, but also the years to come. His spirituality is a great inspiration yesterday, today and tomorrow. He continues to be a spiritual legend for all the time. We are very fortunate to have him as our Patron.

1. Year of St. Francis De Salesa. Prayer for the Year of St.Francis De Sales

a. Prayer for the Year of St.Francis De Sales

“Lord, I am Yours,
and I must belong to no one but You.
My soul is Yours,
and must live only by You.
My will is Yours,
and must love only for You.
I must love You as my first cause,
since I am from You.
I must love You as my end and rest,
since I am for You.
I must love You more than my own being,
since my being subsists by You.
I must love You more than myself,
since I am all Yours and all in You.
Amen.”

St. Francis de Sales , Pray for usb.Opening

b. Opening celebration

We, the Members of the Congregation of Missionaries of St. Francis De Sales are celebrating this year the 400th Death Anniversary of our Patron, St. Francis de Sales. Therefore, this year will be celebrated as the “Year of St. Francis de Sales” from 24th of April 2022 (Divine Mercy Sunday ) to 16th of April 2023 (Divine Mercy Sunday ). In view of this, we will be having several programmes at the congregational, Province and Community level. In our Province, we officially inagurate the year of St. Francis De Sales in SFS Parish, Thirukogarnam, Pudukkottai on 24th of April, 2022 (Divine Mercy Sunday).

c. Logo for the Year of St. Francis De Sales

2. Synod on Synodality

a. Opening of a Special Synod on Synodality

As all of us are aware, our Holy Father Pope Francis officially launched this to reflect on the nature of Synodal Church. Dioceses across the world inaugurated the synodal journey at the local level on Oct. 17, 2021. The theme of this special Synod is: “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission”. Synodality indicates walking together and listening to one another but above all to the Holy Spirit. The primary focus of this synodal journey as the Holy Fathers insists is to “keep us from becoming a ‘museum church,’ beautiful but mute, with much past and little future.” After decades of continued financial and sexual scandals plaguing the church, Pope Francis is betting that the synodal process with its focus on a participatory, listening church will invite a fuller involvement of all its members and help purge its abuse of power.

b. Three Phases of the Synodal Process

This Synod is a 2-year process, starting from October 10, 2021 to October 2023. The first phase is the diocesan listening phase, which will run until April 2022. The second is the continental phase from September 2022 to March 2023. Finally the universal Church phase will culminate in the traditional assembly of the Synod of Bishops at Vatican in October 2023.

c. Communion, participation, mission

Explaining the three characteristics of the Synod on Synodality – communion, participation, and mission, Pope Francis said that communion and mission describe the mystery of the Church. Communion expresses the very nature of the Church. According to Saint Paul VI, “Communion that is cohesion and interior fullness in grace, truth and collaboration and mission, that is, apostolic commitment to the world of today.” Saint John Paul II stressed that koinonia gives rise to the Church’s mission of serving as a sign of the human family’s intimate union with God. For this reason, Synods must be well prepared for, especially at the local level with the participation of all.

The Holy Father pointed out that ‘communion’ and ‘mission’ can risk remaining somewhat abstract, unless synodality is concretely expressed at every step of the synodal journey and activity, encouraging real involvement on the part of each and all. All the baptized are called to take part in the Church’s life and mission. Acknowledging the frustration and impatience felt by many pastoral workers, members of diocesan and parish consultative bodies, and women, who frequently remain on the fringes, the Holy Father stressed that “enabling everyone to participate is an essential ecclesial duty! It is an indispensable ecclesial commitment based on the identity card of the baptism.”

Let us wholeheartedly be part of this Synod on Synodality!

3. Monthly Intentions of the General – May

That when our eorts seem fruitless and when we are lonely and discouraged, we may remember to call upon the names of Jesus and Mary for strength, we pray to the Lord

4. Malawi Mission – A New Parish/mission taken up

It was a graceful occasion for the Diocese of Karonga as well as the congregation of the missionaries of St. Francis de Sales, as a new parish/mission is entrusted to South-east India province. NGERENGE is a parish that has been entrusted to MSFS Congregation for mission work. The joyful event was on 13th of March 2022. His lordship Rt. Rev. Martin Tumbuka, the Bishop of Karonga presided over the holy Eucharistic celebration, concelebrated by Fr.Soosai Raj Msfs, the Mission Superior, Fr.Nelson Arokiasamy Msfs the new parish priest, Fr. Joseph, Fr.Alick and Fr.Nirmal Kumar Msfs.

His Lordship welcomed the Missionaries and exhorted them to be committed and be one with the lives of the people. He also exhorted the people to collaborate with and support the priests in all the ways. During the celebration of the holy Eucharist, His Lordship installed Rev. Fr. Nelson Arokiasamy, MSFS as the parish priest of St. Martin de Porres parish, Ngerenge. The members of the parish council greeted the new parish priest and thanked His Lordship and all the priests present. His lordship also thanked Rev. Fr. Joseph and Fr. Alick for their service and taking care of the parish until the missionaries took over. Rev. Fr. Nelson also thanked his lordship, the priests and the people for the support and encouragement. After the holy Mass his lordship blessed the new motorbike bought for the priests.

Fr. Nelson Arockiasamy

5. Honoring the Departed Missionary and Visionary

As our MSFS Congregation celebrates the Year of Mission, to honor and deepen our missionary activities, the SFS Minor Seminary Pudukkottai decided to honor the veteran missionary Rev. Fr. Peter Chakkulickal, one among the pioneers of SFS Minor Seminary Pudukkottai.

On March 10th, as it was the death anniversary of Fr. Peter Chakkulickal, the Minor Seminary community invited the Provincial Superior Rev. Fr.K.Ignacimuthu, the neighboring Diocesan Priests, the MSFS Priests and more specially the local Catholic community whom Fr. Peter Chakkulickal served.

The event began with the Holy Eucharist presided by the Provincial and we were oering our prayers and thanking the Lord for the gift of such a great missionary to our congregation and it was followed by a memorial service, wherein many of the priests and laity shared their wonderful and rich experience about Fr. Peter Chakkulickal which moved the hearts of the people gathered. It was an inspiring and great event.

Fr. Antony Christo, MSFS

6. Kelembakkam parish – Visit of General Administrationa.

a. Visit of Superior General Rev.Fr.Abraham Vettuvelil

On 24th March 2022, Very. Rev. Fr. Abraham Vettuvelil, Superior General visited Divine Mercy Church and Blessed the new gate of the church, which is built on the auspicious remembrance of Silver Jubilee year of Kelambakkam mission started with Fr. Joseph Britto Francis. It was opened by Rev. Fr. K. Ignacimuthu. Traditional welcome with Indian classical dance was accorded to Fr. Superior General by the parishioners. Very. Rev. Fr. Abraham Vettuvelil presided over the Holy Eucharist and concelebrated by Fr. J. Stephen the General Councilor, Fr.Provincial and fathers from St. Thomas Apostolic community.

b. Visit of Assistant Superior General Rev.Fr.Yves Carron

On 30th March, 2022, Very. Rev. Fr. Yves Carron Asst. Superior General visited Divine Mercy Church at kelambakkam. He was accorded with grand welcome and followed by the Holy Mass presided over by Rev. Fr. Yves Carron.

c. Visit of General Councilors and General Bursar

On 13th March, 2022. The General Councillors and General Bursar of the Congregation visited Divine Mercy Church at Kelambakkam. They were given a warm and cordial welcome. The concelebrated Eucharist was presided by Rev. Fr. Johnson Kallidukil, General Councilor, Rev. Fr. Jose Cheriyanthara, General Bursar, Rev. Fr. Saji George Puthiyakalangara, General councilor and Rev. Fr. J. Stephen, General councilor, Rev. Fr. Ignacimuthu, Provincial, and Provincial Councilors graced the occasion. The community members of Kelambakkam Fr. A. Luckas, superior, Fr. A. Jeyaseelan, Parish Priest, Fr. J. Savarimuthu, principal and Fr. Deses along with parishioners made a very meticulous and spell bound arrangements for visits.

Fr. A. Jeyaseelan, Msfs

7. SFS School, Kelambakkam – Visit of General Administration

a. Visit of Superior General Rev.Fr.Abraham Vettuvelil

It was a grace lled moment for our SFS School as our Superior General Rev.Fr.Abraham Vettuvelil visited our school on 24th of March, 2022. Our students explained the history of Friends of Fransalians, which has its origin in our school and also recited 50 famous sayings of St.Francis De Sales. Fr.Superior General in his address exhorted the students to have a dream and goal to become someone with identity. He appreciated the services rendered by the sta and the management.

b.Visit of Assistant Superior General and blessing of statue of St. Francis de Sales

On the occasion of 400th Death Anniversary of Saint Francis de Sales, SFS School, Kelambakkam, installed the statue of St.Francis de Sales with Children. It was a joyous occasion, when our Assistant Superior General Rev.Fr.Yves Carron MSFS visited our school on 30th of March, 2022 and unveiled and blessed the statue of our patron with children, in presence of Rev.Fr. K. Ignacimuthu, MSFS, the Provincial Superior of South-East India Province and Rev. Fr.J.Stephen, General Councilor and General Secretary for Social Apostolate and Innovative Ministries. Fr.A.Luckas, Fr.K.Joseph Xavier and Fr.S.Sahaya Wilson, Fr.Jayaseelan and Fr.Desas. In his address to the sta and students, Rev.Fr.Yves Carron spoke about the values and spirituality of our Patron.

c. Visit of General Councilors and General Bursar

SFS School had the joy of welcoming the General Councilors, Rev. Fr. Johnson Kallidukil, General Councilor, Rev. Fr. Jose Cheriyanthara, General Bursar, Rev. Fr. Saji George Puthiyakalangara, General councilor and Rev. Fr. J. Stephen, General councilor to the school on 13th of March, 2022. They were very appreciative of the enormous works done by us.

All the visits and programmes were well organised by our SFS School Community, Fr.A.Luckas, Fr.A.Jeyaseelan, Fr.J.Savarimuthu and Fr.S.Desas, sta and students.

Fr. J. Savarimuthu MSFS

8. Visit of Delegate of the General – Rev. Fr. Johnson Kallidukil

Rev. Fr. Johnson Kallidukil, the Delegate of Rev. Fr. Abraham Vettuvelil, our Superior General visited South East – India Province from 15th March to 22nd March 2022. As per the planned schedule, he visited six apostolic communities of our Province. During his visitation, he has exhorted members of our Province to live and witness the spirit and spirituality of our Patron and Founder. He had addressed signicance of religious life and challenges faced in missions. He exhorted that as a member of Congregation, everyone has to be responsible for the growth and development of the Congregation and its mission.

Further, he emphasized that only unity in the province can eect changes. On behalf of the members of South East- India province family, a profound thanks to Rev. Fr. Johnson Kaaidukil for animating the confreres of south East-India province.

9. Message from Thedal Institute of Spirituality

Greetings of love and joy to you all from Thedal. This is to acknowledge, appreciate and thank all those of you, who participated in the Lenten Journey of our Province family for all these days. All our fathers, brothers and the Sisters of the Holy Cross from Leonard Hospital community did so well in presenting their inspiring and thought provoking Lenten reflections. It shows our deep sense of family belongingness and fraternal solidarity to participate, cooperate and collaborate in our missionary endeavors of spreading the Gospel message. I sincerely and wholeheartedly thank you for your committed participation. So many people truly appreciated our effort and it was a joined work of faith witness from our part. I express in a special way a deep sense of gratitude to Fr.S.Ashir Johnson, our province secretary for his hard work in editing and publishing the video of the Lenten reflection. He had spent a lot of his time and showed his talents to present reflection very attractive and appealing. Thank you very much dear Brother Johnson for your dedication and love. Thank you my brothers and sisters. Let us continue our joined effort in the future too. Let the Gospel message be preached and God be glorified through our missionary work.

Fr. A. Santhiyagu, Msfs

10. Silver Jubilarians – Those who are beginng their Silver Jubilee

Name P. Maria Pushpam
Father’s Name Pannir Selvam
Mother’s Name Paripooranam
Date of Birth 06.09.1969
Place of Birth Pattavarthi
Parish Mandai
Minor Seminary S.F.S. Minor Seminary, Pudukkottai,
Novitiate Salesianum, Visakhapatnam,
First Profession Salesianum, Visakhapatnam, 10.06.1990
Philosophy & BA Suvidya College, Bangalore, 1990 – 1993
Regency St. Aloysius school
Theology Vinjananilayam, Eluru, Andhara, 1994 – 1998
Final Profession Salesianum, Visakhapatnam,
Diaconate Ministry Elukkathurthi, Warangal Diocese
Ordination 14.04.1998

Appointments:

1. Formation Vice Rector, SFS Seminary, Vadakumcherry, 1998 2001
2. Formation Procurator, SFS Seminary, Pudukkottai, 2001 – 2003
3. Foreign Ministry Germany 2004 – 2015
4. Institute Rector, St. Thomas Mount 2015 – 2016
5. Foreign Ministry Parish Priest, Austria 2016 to till now

Name G. Viswasam
Father’s Name J. Gnanathikkam
Mother’s Name G. Rakkini
Date of Birth 23.06.1967
Place of Birth Kalpattu
Parish Kalpattu
Minor Seminary S.F.S. Minor Seminary, Pudukkottai, 1987 – 1989
Novitiate Salesianum, Visakhapatnam, 1989 – 1990
First Profession Salesianum, Visakhapatnam, 10.06.1990
Philosophy Suvidya College, Bangalore, 1990 – 1994
Regency MSFS House, Subash Nagar, Nizamabad, 1994
Theology Vinjananilayam, Eluru, Andhara, 1994 – 1997
Final Profession 1996
Diaconate Ministry RC. Church, Kanankadu, 1997
Ordination 22.04.1998
Name J. B. John Thadews
Father’s Name John Berkmans
Mother’s Name Thasammal

Appointments:

1. Parish Parish Priest, Veerareddi Kuppam, 1998
2. Parish Assistant Parish Priest, Michael Puram, 1998 – 1999
3. Parish Assistant Parish Priest, Erayur, 1999 – 2000
4. Parish Parish Priest, Michael Puram, 2000 – 2005
5. Parish Parish Priest, Ammapatti, 2005
6. Formation Procurator, SFS Seminary, Pudukkottai, 2005 – 2007
7. Foreign Ministry Germany from 2007 to till now

Name J. B. John Thadews
Father’s Name John Berkmans
Mother’s Name Thasammal
Date of Birth 02.01.2971
Place of Birth Kadiyapattinam
Parish Kadiyapattinam
Minor Seminary S.F.S. Minor Seminary, Pudukkottai, 1986 – 1989
Novitiate Salesianum, Visakhapatnam, 1989 – 1990
First Profession Salesianum, Visakhapatnam, 10.06.1990
Philosophy Suvidya College, Bangalore, 1990 – 1994
Regency MSFS Seminary, Pudukkottai, 1994
Theology Vinjananilayam, Eluru, Andhara, 1994 – 1997
Final Profession 1996
Diaconate Ministry Mary Help of Christian Church, Vaniyambadi, 1997
Ordination 01.05.1998

Appointments

1. School Principal, SFS School, Vaniyambadi, 1998 – 2001
2. Study Studies and Parish Mission, Chennai, 2001 – 2004
3. School Principal, SFS School, Pudukkottai, 2004 – 2005
4. Foreign Ministry Pastroal Ministry, Germany, 2005 – 2016
5. School Principal, SFS School, Vaniyambadi, 2016 to till now

Name Fr. A. John Peter MSFS (Sr)
Father’s Name Ambrose
Mother’s Name Velankanni
Date of Birth 01. 06. 1971
Place of Birth South Irungalur
Parish St. Thomas Church – South Irungalur
Parish St. Thomas Church – South Irungalur
Minor Seminary S.F.S. Minor Seminary, Pudukkottai, 1986 -1989
Novitiate Salesianum, Visakhapatnam, 1989 – 1990
First Profession Salesianum, Visakhapatnam, 10.06.1990
Philosophy Suvidya College, Bangalore, 1990 – 1994
Regency MSFS Seminary, Pudukkottai, 1994
Theology Vinjananilayam, Eluru, Andhara, 1994 – 1997
Final Profession 1996
Diaconate Ministry Ammapatti 1998
Ordination 04.05.1998

Appointments

1. Formation Vocation Promoter, MSFS Seminary, 1998 – 2001
2. Foreign Ministry Pastoral Ministry, St. Lucia, West Indies, 2001 – 2005
3. Foreign Ministry Pastoral Ministry, USA, 2005 – 2021
4. School Correspondent, SFS School, Pudukkottai, 2021 – 2022

Name Fr. X. Vincent
Father’s Name Xavier
Mother’s Name Maria Pushpam
Date of Birth 12.10.1969
Place of Birth Malligaipuram
Parish Palaya Kovil, Trichy
Minor Seminary S.F.S. Minor Seminary, Pudukkottai, 21.06.1986 – 24.04.1989
Novitiate Salesianum, Visakhapatnam, 1989 – 1990
First Profession Salesianum, Visakhapatnam, 10.06.1990
Philosophy Suvidya College, Bangalore, 1990 – 1993
Regency Catholic Mission, Silapathar, 1993 – 1994
Theology Vinjananilayam, Eluru, Andhara, 1994 – 1997
Final Profession 1996
Diaconate Ministry Kadapakkam, Kancheepuram, 26.11. 997
Ordination 06.05.1998

Appointments

1. Parish Assistant Parish Priest, Kelambakkam, 1998 – 1999
2. Parish Assistant Parish Priest, Ammapatti, 1999 – 2000
3. Parish Parish Priest, Adanur, 2000 – 2003
4. Parish Parish Priest, Kalladithidal, 2003 – 2004
5. School Procurator, SFS School, Alangayam, 2004
Correspondent, SFS School, Alangayam, 2004 – 2006
6. Foreign Ministry Tanzania, Pastoral ministry, 2006 – 2007
7. Formation Socius, Salesianum Novitiate, 2007 – 2008
8. School Correspondent, SFS School, Vaniyambadi, 2008 – 2010
9. Parish Parish Priest, Vakkampatty, DGL, 2010 – 2012
10. School Procurator, SFS School, Pudukkottai, 2012 – 2017
11. Parish Superior, St. Joseph’s Church, Sendurai, 2017 – 2018
Procurator, SFS School, Sendurai, 2017 – 2018
Assistant Pp, Sendurai, 2017 – 2018
12. Parish Parish Priest, Kullarayanpalayam, Palakad, 2018 – 2020
13. School Procurator, SFS School, Virudhunagar, 2020 –
Superior, Virudhunagar, 2020 – 2021
14. Leave of Absence from 2021

vi. Fr. P. Stephen

Name Fr. P. Stephen
Father’s Name Philip
Mother’s Name Mary Padua
Date of Birth 22.05.1970
Place of Birth Kolar Gold Field (KGF) Karnataka State
Parish Udayendiram, Vellore diocese
Minor Seminary S.F.S. Minor Seminary, Pudukkottai, 1986-1989
Novitiate Salesianum, Visakhapatnam, 1989 – 1990
First Profession Salesianum, Visakhapatnam, 10.06.1990
Philosophy Suvidya College, Bangalore, 1990 – 1993
Regency Stella Maris, Vizag, 1993 – 1994
Theology Vinjananilayam, Eluru, Andhara, 1994 – 1997
Final Profession 17.06.1996
Diaconate Ministry Velangi, Andhra, November 1997 – May 1998
Ordination at Sacred Heart Church, Udayendiram, 14.05.1998

Appointments

1. School Warden, St. Aloysius School, Vizag, 1998 – 2000
2. Parish Assistant Parish Priest, Kelambakkam, 2000 – 2001
3. Parish Parish Priest, Kelambakkam, 2001 – 2004
4. Parish Assisting the Parish, Arakkonam, 2004 – 2005
5. Parish Parish priest, Sendurai, 2005 – 2007
6. Foreign Ministry Pastoral Ministry, Italy, 2007 – 2011
5. Foreign Ministry Pastoral Ministry, USA, 2012 to till now

Name Fr. P. Johnson Jeyabal
Father’s Name Pappusamy
Mother’s Name Casmir Lilly
Date of Birth 25.12.1970
Place of Birth Siravayal
Parish Thirupathur, Sivagangai
Minor Seminary S.F.S. Minor Seminary, Pudukkottai, 1988 1990
Novitiate Salesianum, Visakhapatnam, 1990 – 1991
First Profession Salesianum, Visakhapatnam, 10.06.1991
Philosophy Suvidya College, Bangalore, 1991 – 1994
Regency SFS Seminary, Pudukkottai, 1994 – 1995
Theology JDV, Pune, 1995 – 1998
Final Profession 1996
Diaconate Ministry Ammapatti, Dindigul, 1998
Ordination 16.09.1998

Appointments

1. Formation Staff, Fransalian, Vidyajothi, Nidadavole, 1999 – 2000
2. School Staff, SFS School, Pudukkottai, 2000 – 2004
3. School Procurator, SFS School, Pudukkottai, 2004 – 2007
4. Foreign Ministry Pastoral Ministry, USA, 2007 – 2010
5. Community SFS School Community, Vaniyambadi, 2010 – 2012
6. Parish Parish Priest, Kanakanpatti, Sivagangai, 2013 – 2018
7. School & Parish Assistant Pp, Sendurai, 2018 -2020
Procurator & Correspondent, SFS Senudrai, 2018 – 2020
9. Parish Parish Priest, Thirukokarnam, 2020

11. ORDINATION TO PRIESTHOOD

1. Dn. F. Eugine Earnest Raj MSFS

Dn. F. Eugine Earnest Raj, Msfs hails from Kanakkankuppam, Vilupuram (DT), Tamil Nadu. His parents are Mr. L. Francis Xavier and Mrs. A. Sagaya Mary. He has one elder sister and two elder brothers. He had his primary school at RC School, Kanakkankuppam and high schooling at Lourdu Annai higher secondary School, Kanakkankuppam and St. Ann’s Higher Secondary School, Thindivannam. He began his Minor Seminary Formation at S.F.S. Minor Seminary, Pudukkottai in 2010 and had his Novitiate at Salesianum, Visakhapatnam. He made his First Profession on 31st May, 2013. He pursued his Philosophical and B.A. studies at Suvidya College, Bangalore.

He did his Regency at SFS School, Vaniyambadi and SFS School Basar, Arunachal Pradesh. He did his theology at Tejas Vidya Peetha, Bangalore. At present, He is doing his diaconate ministry at St. James’ Church, Ravoosapatty. He was ordained a deacon by His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado, the Archbishop of Bangalore, on 09th November 2020. He will be ordained a priest by his Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Singarayan, Bishop Emeritus of Salem diocese at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Kanakkankuppam, on 21.04.2022.

2. Dn. C. Britto Clindon, MSFS

Dn. C. Britto Clindon, Msfs hails from Ammapatty, Dindigul (DT), Tamil Nadu. His parents are Mr. S. Chinna Durai (Late) and Mrs. C. Roselin (Late). He has two elder brothers. He had his primary school at R.C Middle school, Ammapatty and high school at R.C higher Secondary School, Silukkuvarpatty. He began his Minor Seminary Formation at S.F.S. Minor Seminary, Pudukkottai in 2010 and had his Novitiate at Salesianum, Visakhapatnam. He made his First Profession on 31st May, 2013. He pursued his Philosophical and B.A. studies at Suvidya College, Bangalore.

He did his Regency at Mayoraz’s Children Home, Pudukkottai and SFS School, Kangpokpi, Manipur. He did his theology at Vijnananilayam, Janampet, Eluru, Andhrapradesh. He was ordained a deacon by his Excellency, Most Rev. Dr. Jayarao Polimera, the Bishop of Eluru, on 19th April 2021. At present, He is doing his Diaconate ministry in Kodungal Parish. He will be ordained a priest by his Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Antony Pappusamy, Archbishop of Madurai at St. Antony’s Church, Ammapatty, on 27.04.2022.

3. Dn. A. Michael Raja MSFS

Dn. A. Michael Raja, Msfs hails from Ammayenthel, Kanakanpatti Parish, Sivagangai (DT), Tamil Nadu. His parents are Mr. A. Arulanthu (Late) and Mrs. A. Rani (Late). He has two elder brothers. He had his primary school at Kanakanpatti and high schooling at Government Higher Secondary school, Velangudi, St Joseph’s Middle school, Devakkottai, and De Britto Higher Secondary school, Devakkottai. He began his Minor Seminary Formation at S.F.S. Minor Seminary, Pudukkottai in 2011 and had his Novitiate at Salesianum, Visakhapatnam. He made his First Profession on 31st May, 2014. He pursued his Philosophical and B.A. studies at Suvidya College, Bangalore.

He did his Regency at S.F.S. Minor Seminary Pudukkottai. He did his theology at Oriens Theological College, Shillong. He was ordained a deacon by his Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Victor Lyngdho, the Archbishop of Shillong, on 24th July 2021. He will be ordained a priest by his Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Antony, and the Apostolic Administrator of Sivagangai diocese at St. Francis Xavier’s Church, Kanakanpatti, on 30.04.2022.

4. Dn. D. Emmanuvel Sathish, MSFS

Dn. D. Emmanuvel Sathish, Msfs hails from Thandavasamuthiram, Kanakkankuppam Parish, Vilupuram (DT), Tamil Nadu. His parents are Mr. M. Dominic Savio and Mrs. D. Jospin Mary. He has two elder brothers. He had his primary school at St. Francis Xavier R.C Primary School, Thandavasamuthiram and high school at Lourdu Annai Higher Secondary School, Kanakkankuppam and Government Higher Secondary School, Kanai. He began his Minor Seminary Formation at S.F.S. Minor Seminary, Pudukkottai in 2009 and had his Novitiate at Salesianum, Visakhapatnam. He made his First Profession on 31st May, 2012. He pursued his Philosophical and B.A. studies at Suvidya College, Bangalore. He did his licentiate in Philosophy at JDV, Pune.

He did his Regency at MSFS Provincialate, Nagamangalam. He did his theology at JDV, Pune. He was ordained a deacon by His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Dabre, the Bishop of Pune, on 29th December 2020. At present, he is doing his Diaconate at SFS Church, Thirukogarnam Parish, Pudukkottai. He will be ordained a priest by his Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Neethinathan, Bishop of Chingleput Diocese at Thandavasamuthiram, on 03-05-2022.

5. Dn. R. Anbu Stalin, MSFS

Dn. R. Anbu Stalin, Msfs hails from Manalurpet Parish, Kallakurichi (DT), Tamil Nadu. His parents are Mr. R. Rayappan (Late) and Mrs. R. Lurdhunayagi. He has two elder sisters and one elder brother. He had his primary school at Danish Mission Primary School, Manalurpet and high schooling at Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Polur. He began his Minor Seminary Formation at S.F.S. Minor Seminary, Pudukkottai in 2011 and had his Novitiate at Salesianum, Visakhapatnam. He made his First Profession on 31st May, 2014. He pursued his Philosophical and B.A. studies at Suvidya College, Bangalore.

He did his Regency at SFS ITI, Pudukkottai. He did his theology at Tejas Vidya Peetha, Kengeri, Bangalore. He was ordained a deacon by His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado, the Archbishop of Bangalore, on 09th November 2020. At present, he is doing his Diaconate Ministry at Nachiyarkovil Parish. He will be ordained a priest by His Excellency, Most Rev. Dr. Antonisamy Peter Abir, the Apostolic Administrator of Pondicherry – Cuddalore Archdiocese at Sacred Heart Church, Manalurpet, on 25.04.2022.

6. Dn. A. Mahimai Arokia Raj MSFS

Dn. A. Mahimai Arokia Raj, Msfs hails from Eraiyur Parish, Kallakurichi (DT), Tamil Nadu. His parents are Mr. S. Antony Samy and Mrs. A. Alphonsa. He has two younger brothers. He had his primary school at RC Primary School, Eraiyur and high schooling at St. Joseph’s higher secondary school, Eraiyur and St. Don Bosco higher secondary school, Pagandai Kootroad. He began his Minor Seminary Formation at S.F.S. Minor Seminary, Pudukkottai in 2011 and had his Novitiate at Salesianum, Visakhapatnam. He made his First Profession on 31st May, 2014. He pursued his Philosophical and B.A. studies at Suvidya College, Bangalore.

He did his Regency at Betty’s home, Kollihills. He did his theology at Tejas Vidya Peetha, Kengeri, Bangalore. He was ordained a deacon by His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado, the Archbishop of Bangalore, on 09th November 2020. At present, he is doing his Diaconate Ministry at Sacred Heart Church, Kadayal. He will be ordained a priest by his Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Singarayan, Bishop Emeritus of Salem diocese at Our Lady of Rosary church, Eraiyur, on 11-05-2022.

7. Dn. S. Maria Arockiam, MSFS

Dn. S. Maria Arockiam, Msfs hails from P.Udaiyapatti Parish, Karur (DT), Tamil Nadu. His parents are Mr. S.Sebastiyar (Late) and Mrs. S. Santhiyagu Mary. He has one elder brother and four elder Sisters. He had his primary school at Marist Higher Secondary School, P.Udaiyapatti and high schooling at St.Thomas Higher Secondary School, Nazareth and RC Higher Secondary School,Trichy. He began his Minor Seminary Formation at S.F.S. Minor Seminary, Pudukkottai in 2011 and had his Novitiate at Salesianum, Visakhapatnam. He made his First Profession on 31st May, 2014. He pursued his Philosophical and B.A. studies at Suvidya College, Bangalore.

He did his Regency at Mayoraz Children’s Home, Vayalogam. He did his theology at Vijnananilayam , MSFS Study House, Eluru, Andhra Pradesh. He was ordained a deacon by His Excellency, Most Rev. Dr. Jayarao Polimera, the Bishop of Eluru, on 19th April 2021. At present, he is doing his Diaconate Ministry at Infant Jesus Church, Othayal. He will be ordained a priest by his Lordship, Most Rev. Arokiaraj Savarimuthu, Bishop of Trichy diocese at Our Lady of Assumption Church, P.Udaiyapatti, on 13-05-2022.

12. Bon voyage: Fr. D. Britto & Fr. J. Packia Sathish Kumar

It is a great joy indeed that Frs. D. Britto & J. Packia Sathish Kumar have already left to Italy on 22nd April, 2022 for their ministry. Dear fathers, as you have moved overseas for God’s Ministry, we pray for you. Let us wish both of them a fruitful ministry.

13. Separation from the Congregation – Fr. S. Joseph Xavier (Sr

It is declared that Fr. S. Joseph Xavier (Sr), belonging to our province and who was earlier doing pastoral ministry in the diocese of Kalamazoo in the United States of America, ceases to be a member of the Congregation of the Missionaries of St. Francis De Sales. As such, he also ceases to be the member of our South-east India province.

14. Month of May

Birthdays of our Confreres

Fr. A. Jeganathan 01
Fr. A. Joseph Amal Raj 01
Fr. Z. Philomin Raj 02
Fr.S Deivasakayaraj 04
Fr. A. Maria Selvan 05
Fr. S. Santhanam 07
Fr. M. Victor 08
Fr. S. Alexander 10
Fr. Y. Arulanantham 13
Fr. C. Berin 15
Fr. M. Michael Selvans 16
Fr. P. Felix 19
Fr. S. Soosai Raj 21
Fr. J. Savarimuthu 22
Fr. D. Sheen 25
Fr. P. Rex 30
Fr. J. Arul Justin 31

We wish them Happy Birthday and God’s Abundant Blessings.

15. Ordination Anniversary of our Confreres Vincent X06

John Thadews J B 01
Simon Prabhu M 01
Arul Selvamani S 02
Joseph P S 02
Philomin Raj Z 02
JayaseelaRajan A 03
John Peter A (Sr) 04
Alphonse S 04
John Wilson Fernando S 05
Ashir Johnson S 05
Jeyaseelan A 06
Rayappan John Britto M 06
Patrick Jayaraj A 07
Stephen Xavier S 07
Aloysius Maria Bensiger P 07
Sahaya Jerald Abin S 07
Jeganathan A 07
Dharmaraj A 08
Arockia Christu Raj S 08
Antony Christopher A 08
Anantha Prabu S 08
Sheen Prisal Singh D 09
Santhanam S 09
Anto Leegin Rex P 10
Sahaya Basker L 10
Jose Devasahayam S 10
Doss A 11
Benjamin Sunder M 12
Antony Raj S (Jr) 13
Stephan P 14
Sebastin Robert C 14
Jayakumar D 15
Felix P 16
Sebastin G 19
Charles Michael Raj A 19
Jeyakumar A 20
Kootinal George 20
Arockia Doss 24

We congratulate and pray for them

16. Let us remember and Pray for the Dead Msfs Obituary – May

Fr. Claude SUBLET 01
Fr. Joseph SEIGNEUR 02
Bro. Aloysius SCHNEIDER
Fr. Reginald Xavier D’SOUZA 03
Fr. Emile MERMETY 04
Fr. Felix SIMON
Fr. Jacques MARTIN 05
Fr. Jean Marie REYDET
Fr. Mathai MAPPILLAKUNNEL
Fr. Jacob PUTHIAPARAMPIL 06
Fr. Alexandre MONTAGNOUX 07
Fr. Pierre PROBST
Bro. Jean CHEVALLET 08
Bro. Joseph PERIAT 09
Fr. Gilbert PERNOUD,
Fr. Bernard JAQUET 11
Fr. Leon BUFFET 12
Bro. Jose CHIRAKAL
Fr. Joseph Marie MEYNET
Fr. Francois BRACHET 13
Fr. Norbert BRAGANZA
Fr. Archiebald FERNANDES
FR. RODRIGUES JOHN IGNATIUS
Fr. Francois BETEMPS 14
Fr. Joseph VITTOZ
Fr. Paul IYRAMANA
Bro. Patrick TAIDE 15
Fr. Philip D’Souza
Bro. Jean Baptiste CHAPELET 16
Fr. Jean DECLINAND 17
Fr. Marie GAVARD 18
Fr. Jean Marie VIDONNE
Fr. Adolphe MOGENIER 19
Fr. Guerin JACQUIER 20
Fr. Jean Jacques DELAVENAY 21
Bro. Michael DONAGHUE
Bro. CHINNABATHINI
Fr. Joseph GENOUD
Fr. Joseph PAGE 22
Bro. Ouseph ADAPUR,
Fr. Francis Xavier COLLACO 23
Bro. James O’CORCORAN
Fr. Vincent KERNS,
Bro. Joseph KALLAMPALLY
Bro. Joseph KALLAMPALLY
Bro. Francois COSTER 25
Bro. Henri GUMBERGER
Bro. Francois LAPORTE 26
Fr. Charles GRANGE,
Fr. Adrien CHARVILLON 27
Fr. Pierre GRANJUX
Fr. Etienne PEROINE 28
Bro. Maria Joseph VIVEGAM
Fr. Geroge PULLAT
Fr. Peter DEVLIN 29
Fr. Eugene FAVRE
Fr. Victor DEMATRAZ 31

Let Us Continue to Pray for the Deceased Members of Our Congregation

17. Let us pray for the Departed

  1. Fr. Mathew Alapatt (aged 88), Belonging to Vizag Province, expired on 17th of March, 2022.
  2. Mrs. Periya Nayagi, aged 88), the Grandmother of Frs. S. Arockia Doss (Africa) and Bro. S. Renold Anand (Theology, Eluru), expired on 24th March, 2022.
  3. Fr. Philip Souriamkuzhy,(aged 86), Belonging to Vizag Province, expired on 31st March, 2022.
  4. Mrs. Irudaya Mary (aged 90), mother of Fr. C. John Britto (Rector, SFS Seminary, Pudukkottai), expired on 14th April, 2022.

May I request those who have not fulfilled the suffrages to do the same at the earliest. (Const. No.118; General Directory No.98)

May their souls rest in peace!

Yours truly in Christ,

Fr.K.Ignacimuthu Msfs
Provincial Superior
South-East India Province
Missionaries of Saint Francis De Sales (MSFS)


Year of St. Francis De Sales
2022 – 2023