PROFILE OF FR. A. PATRICK JAYARAJ MSFS
| Name | Fr. A. Patrick Jayaraj msfs |
| Parents | Mr. Antony & Mrs. Pushpa Lily |
| Date of Birth | 28.09.1974 |
| Place of Birth | Kadiapattanam, Kanyakumari Dt. Tamilnadu |
RELIGIOUS FORMATION
| Minor Seminary | 1992 – 1994, MSFS Minor Seminary, Pudukkottai |
| Novitiate | 1994 – 1995, Salesianum, Visakhapatnam |
| Philosophy | 1995 – 1998, Suvidya College, Bangalore |
| Regency | 1998 – 1999, MSFS Minor Seminary, Pudukkottai |
| Theology | 1999 – 2003, St. Peter´s Pontifical Seminary (Vinayalaya), Bangalore |
| Diaconate Ministry | MSFS Minor Seminary, Pudukkottai |
| Perpetual Profession | 30.05.2001 |
| Diaconate Ordination | 24.01.2022 |
| Priestly Ordination | 07.05.2003 |
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATION
| Bachelor of Philosophy | 1995 – 1998, Suvidya College, Bangalore |
| Bachelor of Theology | 1999 – 2002 St. Peter´s Pontifical Institute, Bangalore |
| Master in Biblical Theology | 2008 – 2010 St. Peter´s Pontifical Institute, Bangalore |
| PhD (Old Testament) | 2015 – 2020. Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany |
| BEd | Dhanwantari College, Bangalore |
MINISTRY / EXPERIENCE
| Procurator & Formator | 2003 – 2005, MSFS Minor Seminary, Pudukkottai |
| Regional Bursar | 2005 – 2008, Tamilnadu & Pondicherry Region of MSFS |
| Procurator and Teacher | 2007 – 2008, SFS Matric. School, Pudukkottai |
| Provincial Councilor In-charge of Formation | 2008 – 2011, South East India Province |
| Parish Priest | 2010 – 2011, Kolli Hills, Diocese of Salem , Tamilnadu |
| Asst. Parish Priest | 2012 – 2016, Kinderhaus, Diocese of Münster , Germany |
| Professor & Treasurer | 2021 – 2023, Morning Star Regional Seminary, Kolkata |
Once again, I congratulate him and welcome him as Provincial of our province. May God bless him abundantly in his ministry of leadership. May our Patron St. Francis De Sales, our Patroness Mother of Compassion guide him. May our venerable Founder Fr. Peter Mermier accompany him in all his endeavors.
1. A SINCERE GRATITUDE TO ALL
As my term of office as provincial of our South-East India province comes to an end on 23rd of January, 2023, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to all those who accompanied me in my ministry of leadership for the last six years. A lot of good things happened. A lot of challenges we faced. There were moments of success and moments of failures. They are all part of any organisation, including a reliogious congregation and we go through them as they come. With a deep sense of gratitude, I express my thanks to all of you.
First and foremost, I bow down before God for blessing me abundantly all these years. I have experienced his powerful intervention in my life, especially in the last six years. May God be praised.
I sincerely express my gratitude to our Superior General Rev.Fr.Abraham Vettuvelil and his Administration (former Assistant General Rev. Fr. Thumma Mariadas Reddy, former General Councilors Rev. Fr. Agnelo Fernandes, Rev. Fr. Noel Rebello, Rev. Fr. George Parampukattil, former General Bursar Rev. Fr. Augustine Mangatt, former Assistant General Rev.Fr. Yves Carron, and the present Assistant Superior General Rev.Fr.Johnson Kallidukil and the present General Councilors Rev. Fr. Jacob Karamakuzhyil, Rev. Fr. J. Stephen, Rev.Fr.Saji George Puthiyakulangara and the General Bursar Rev. Fr. Jose Cheriyanthara), for their trust and confidence in me and guiding and accompanying me all through my leadership ministry.
I express my gratitude to all the provincials and vice provincial, the Provincials of India Forum (both former and present), the former and present Coordinators of Delegations in GA (Rev. Fr. Joseph Amalraj & Rev. Fr. Dhaman Kumar) for their guidance, support and collaboration during the past six years of my office. I also thank Rev. Fr. Tomy and Rev. Fr. Antony Bonella (the former and present provincials of USA vice province) and Rev. Fr. James Mukalel and Rev. Fr. Siby Manickathan (the former and the present Presidents of the Society in Germany) for their valuable support and assistance, including coordinating our finances, transfer and legal compliances.
I remember with gratitude all the Archbishops, Bishops and the diocesan authorities both in Tamilnadu in India and abroad, where our confreres are doing their pastoral ministry for their continued care, love and support for our confreres, our congregation and to me.
My sincere thanks to all the Provincial Councilors (former councilors – Fr. A. Santhiyagu, Fr. D. Kanikkai Nathan, Fr. J.B. John Thadews & Fr. D. Amirtharajan and present councilors – Fr. S. Sebastin Raj, Fr. A. Lukas, Fr. P. S. Joseph and Fr. K. Joseph Xavier), the bursars (former bursar – Fr. M. Nicholas and present bursar – Fr. S. Sahaya Wilson) and the Secretaries (former Secretary – Fr.S. Santhanam and present Secretary – Fr.S. Ashir Johnson) for their comradeship, solidarity and companionship with me in leading the province. My thanks also to all the Superiors, Parish priests, Principals, Procurators, Assistant Parish Priests and other confreres for their commitment, service and support.
The confreres serving and studying in overseas countries of USA, Germany, Austria, Italy, Brazil, England, France and Caribbean Islands have been very helpful. I remember each of them and thank all of them and also the local superiors of the respective local units for their understanding and support. I thank Fr.S. Simonraja, the Delegation Superior of GA for his service and support and Fr.S. Joseph, the Delegation Bursar for his financial management and for his commitment to raise funds and projects for the province. In a special way, I sincerely thank and place on record the commitment and service of Fr.G. David, who has been consistently and continuously helping us in finding donor agencies and getting many projects for the province. I greatly appreciate and thank all our donor agencies and individual donors and benefactors for their valuable aid and assistance.
In a very special way, I thank our Malawi missionaries, who are selflessly and generously doing missionary endeavors in Malawi in Africa in challenging situations. It is because of their sacrifice and service that we have flourishing missions in Malawi. I thank Rt. Rev. Martin Anwel Mtumbuka, Bishop of Karonga, Rt.Rev. John A Ryan, Bishop of Mzuzu and Rt.Rev. George Desmond Tambala, Archbishop of Lilongwe Archdiocese for their support and for giving us the opportunity to do our missionary endeavours. My sincere thanks to Fr. S. Susairaj, the Mission Superior and other conferers of our Malawi mission for their selfless missionay service. I also acknowledge with gratitude the Scholastics, who have opted for Malawi Mission and are doing their theology in Morogoro in Tanzania, Africa.
My sincere thanks also to all the Rectors and Staff members of Suvidya College, Fransalian Seminary, Pune, Tejes Vidya Peta, Bangalore, SFS Study house, Eluru, MSFS Study House, Shillong, Morning Star Seminary, Kolkatta, Fransalian house, Morogoro, Tanzania, SFS Minor Seminary, Pudukkottai, Fransalian Vidyajothi, Nidadavole and SFS Seminary Vadakkumcherry. I thank all the priests both diocesan and religious and the sisters, especially Sisters of the Cross of Chavanod, including Rev.Sr. Rosy ANTONY, late Rev. Sr. Jyothi Selvaraj (former Provincials) and Rev.Sr. Lourdu Adaikalasamy (present Provincial) for their collaboration and cooperation with us.
I thank the Provincialate community and the fathers for their understanding and support. I greatly remember and thank all the parishioners of our parishes/missions and all the staff of our educational institutions and other centres for their dedicated service. I thank all the support staff Mr. Daniel (Accountant), Mr. George (Driver), Mrs. Saroja (Cook) and Mrs. Dhanalakshmi (helper) for their commitment and service to the province and to me.
I thank all our friends and well-wishers for their friendship, encouragement and support.
Once again, I thank the God Almighty and every one of you!
2. INSTALLATION OF THE NEW PROVINCIAL
The installation of the new Provincial Rev. Fr. A. Patrick Jayaraj will be held on 24th of January 2023 on the feast day of our patron St. Francis De Sales. A committee is constituted for this purpose. They are as follows:
| Fr. S. Jerry Lous (Convener) Fr. S. Sahaya Wilson (Bursar) Fr. S. Amirthanathan Fr. S. Arul Selvamani Fr. S. Sheen & Fr. M. John Fernandez |
We cordially invite you all for this special occasion.
3. MONTHLY INTENTIONS OF THE GENERAL – FEBRUARY
We may remain informed on Church teachings, respect the wisdom of our Constitutions, and remain obedient to the decisions of our superiors even when it is difficult.
4. THEDAL INAUGURATION REPORT
It was a joyful day for our Fransalian family of South-East India province, as our long-cherished dream of Thedal Institute of Spirituality was blessed and inaugurated on Friday 13 January 2023. Most Rev. Dr. Anthony Pappusamy, the Archbishop of Madurai officiated the ritual of blessing the house and Rev. Fr. K. Ignacimuthu Msfs, the Provincial Superior of our South-East India Province inaugurated the house by cutting the ribbon. After the inauguration, we had the Eucharistic celebration officiated by our provincial Rev. Fr. K. Ignacimuthu Msfs along with many of our Fransalian priests and the diocesan clergy, the religious and the parishioners from Ammapatti parish. The whole event was well planned and organized by our fathers Rev. Fr. A. Santhiyagu Msfs, Rev. Fr. A. Michael Msfs, Rev. Fr. M. John Fernandez Msfs, and Rev. Fr. A. Justin Dhiraviam Msfs. The Archbishop appreciated the initiative taken by our MSFS fathers and said that the institute is the need of the hour to motivate and guide the people of all walks of life to come closer to God. Fr. A. Santhiyagu finally thanked the Archbishop, our provincial, all the fathers, sisters, brothers, the parishioners, and all those who have helped us in different ways by their loving support, encouragement and suggestions. He thanked in a special way Mr. Rajesh, the Engineer and his team for the beautiful work they have done in executing the whole plan of the construction work.
5. DIACONATE ORDINATION – FRANSALIAN SEMINARY, PUNE
“God declares I think of you and I have plans for you prosperity and a future filled with Hope” (Jeremiah 29:11)
DEDICATED TO RADIATE JESUS IN LOVING SERVICE was the theme chosen by the deacons for their diaconate ordination, upon which, the whole event revolved around. It was indeed, a day of thanksgiving, joy, jubilation and above all a day of consecration in the lives of the seven deacons. On 27th Dec.22 Fransalian Seminary, Pune witnessed seven of her students raised to the order of Diaconate namely, Bro. Anish (Pune Province), Bros. Jagadish Tete, Roshan Minz and Samir Minz (Nagpur Province), Bros. Anto Prabin, Sesu Prabakaran, and Pradeep Jerald (South East Indian Province). The Diaconate ordination took place at St. Francis de Sales Church, Shaanvadi parish and the solemn Eucharist was celebrated by Bishop Thomas Dabre, Bishop of Pune and Rev. Fr. Malcom, Vicar General and many other MSFS priests as con-celebrants. Rev. Fr. Vincent Minz the delegate of the Nagpur Province and Rev. Fr. Amirthanathan representative of South East India Province also participated. Rev. Fr. Antony Raj organised the whole ceremony. While Bishop Thomas Dabre, in his address to the deacons, encouraged them to be faithful and daring Missionaries of the Church. The event was blessed with the presence and prayers of parents of the deacons, relatives, religious sisters, priests, Fransalian Associates, benefactors, friends, and well-wishers. Dn. Jagadish Tete on behalf of his fellow deacons thanked the whole congregation, as well as all those who were part of their vocation journey. After the Holy Eucharistic celebration, all the new deacons and dignitaries were felicitated.
Bro. Pradeep Jerald
6. MONTH OF FEBRUARY
I. BIRTHDAYS OF OUR CONFRERES
| 03 | Fr. S. Arockia Charles |
| 08 | Fr. A. Dharmaraj |
| 09 | Fr. J. Stephen |
| 13 | Fr. A. Mahimai Arockiaraj |
| 14 | Fr. M. Rayappan |
| 16 | Fr. S. Joseph |
| 20 | Fr. C. Britto Clinton |
| 22 | Fr. P. Aloysius |
| 27 | Fr. Maria John Franklin |
We wish them Happy Birthday and God’s Abundant Blessings upon them
II. ORDINATION ANNIVERSARY OF OUR CONFRERES
| 04 | Amirtha Rajan D |
| 19 | Jagannathan G |
We congratulate and pray for them
III. LET US REMEMBER AND PRAY FOR THE DEAD
MSFS OBITUARY – FEBRUARY
| 01 | Bro. John Mary Prayraud |
| 02 | Bro. Emile Maillard |
| Fr. Francois Dougoud | |
| 03 | Bro. Michel Beauquis |
| 04 | Bro. Lucio Borges |
| 07 | Fr. Crispin D’souza |
| 08 | Fr. Patrick Wall |
| Bro. Raphael Schneider | |
| Bro. Eugene Oppold | |
| 09 | Fr. Joseph Ducrest |
| 11 | Fr. Joseph Currat |
| Fr. Francis Hamilton | |
| 12 | Fr. Regis Maniouloux |
| 13 | Bro. Ignatius D’Souza |
| 14 | Fr. Francois Sage |
| Fr. Henri Jules Comerson | |
| 15 | Fr. Jean Thvenet |
| Fr. Francois Couturier | |
| 16 | Fr. Henri Fournier |
| Fr. John Kurandiarkunnel | |
| Bro. Louis Brunier | |
| 18 | Bro. Alexandre Druz |
| Bro. Innaiah Gali | |
| 19 | Fr. Francois Longerey |
| Fr. Emile Chautemps | |
| Fr. Anselme Rey | |
| 20 | Fr. Louis Valluet |
| Bro. Eugene Debons | |
| Fr. James H. Lahiff | |
| Fr. Adophe Duval | |
| Fr. Earnest Lavorel | |
| 21 | Bro. Joseph SebastinDevaraj |
| 24 | Fr. Jean Anthonioz |
| Fr. Joseph Charriere | |
| 25 | Fr. Ferdinand Million |
| Fr. Alexis Marrolliat | |
| Fr. Francois Gay | |
| 26 | Fr.JosephMeynet |
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.
VI. LET US PRAY FOR THE DEPARTED
- Mr. James, aged 55, father of Bro. J. Justin Richard, expired on 26th December, 2022
- Mrs. Mary Paduva, aged 75, mother of Fr. P. Stephen, expired on 19th January, 2023 May their soul srest in peace.
Yours Fraternally in Christ,
Fr.K.Ignacimuthu, Msfs
Provincial Superior
South-East India Province
Missionaries of Saint Francis De Sales (MSFS)
