Blessed Sacrament Fathers

In this section we would like to introduce you to each of the members who have been/are in our little group in India. The biographical details will necessarily be short, but we invite readers to send us any worthwhile memories they have of any of the members, especially the ‘founding fathers and brothers’ they have known over the years and we shall try and include them when and where possible.

II Year Philosophy
Amaldoss Ramesh
Arokiasamy Prabu Metha
S. Dhanapragasam
Philip Barathi
Arul Devan
Arokiasamy (Paneer)

Perhaps the most widely known and respected among those who formed part of the Indian section since 1964 is Fr. Len McKenna. Having been the first Provincial in Australia as they took charge of their destinies from the hands of their American counterparts, he could boast of a vast experience in various fields. He was the one who had to enter into negotiation with Valerian Cardinal Gracias at the time of establishing the Blessed Sacrament Fathers in Bombay. When he completed his term as Provincial, he was able to fulfill his dream of working in the ‘missions’ as he opted for the Bombay community. After a few difficult months of being terribly homesick he was soon at the beck and call of religious and priests all over India. He was known everywhere as a great preacher, especially as he went about explaining the new documents of Vatican II. Giving retreats especially to religious and clergy was almost a hobby for him, and he enjoyed every one of them having plenty of anecdotes to tell on his return to the community. No doubt these contributions benefited several people particularly those facing some kind of a crisis in their life.

His friendly smile and ready wit endeared him to one and all. But he was very specially a friend to all priests: they came to him for guidance, confession, for solace and comfort. A regular confessor to Bishops and even to Cardinal Gracias, his advice was valued and followed by many. What won the hearts of most was of course, his famous guitar which he carried along wherever he went for retreats, talks and conferences. The hymns he taught were not only melodious but also brought out the meaning of the teaching he gave on Vatican II understanding of the Eucharist. He had his own collection taken from the best all over the world. No get-togethers of priests, as on the feast of our founder, would be complete without a short sing-song led by Fr. Len.

After several years of hectic ministry he had to slow down because of ill health and age. Nevertheless, he could not resist an invitation to a party or evening together – of which he invariably was the soul, keeping everyone happy with his engaging wit. He returned to Melbourne in 1982 and struggled valiantly for quite some time before succumbing to the rodent cancer of the scalp which dogged his steps from the late seventies. Even when confined to his room and chair, he edited a spiritual leaflet circulated among his friends in which he shared with them some of his insights on prayer and matters spiritual.

The hall at Colaba is dedicated to the memory of Fr. Len McKenna and is but a small but fitting tribute to a pioneer who sought to spread the love of Christ who gave himself to us in the Eucharist as bread broken for others.

Fr. Paul as he was affectionately known among the people around Colaba, was among the pioneer group that came out from Australia in 1964. Shy, soft-spoken and reserved by nature, he nevertheless went out to people, making it a point to meet every group and individual that came to spend time in prayer at the Chapel. In charge of the Legion of Mary praesidium, he organized the hours of adoration, keeping track of attendance and enquiring solicitously of those who could not make it for the appointed hour.

For Fr. Paul’s lack of knowledge of the local language was no barrier. He began to learn Konkanim and soon started the Sunday morning Konkanim Eucharist, getting some lay friends to translate his homily into Konkanim and then learning it by rote or reading it at the Eucharist. Even though the people did not follow much, they nevertheless appreciated the effort he put in.

Fr. Paul was one of the hapless victims of the numerous revolutionary changes in the Liturgy and Eucharist that flooded the post-Vatican II scene. He made desperate efforts to catch up not only with developments in Theology, but also with progress in psychology and para-psychology which in the seventies was the ‘in-thing’ among formators. But it seemed to be more than he could digest. What added to his chagrin was the fact that others around him seemed to adjust so effortlessly to the changing times. He felt deeply inadequate as a priest in post-Vatican times yet did contribute enormously to the good of the simple people he dealt with. He is still remembered gratefully especially for the efforts he made to promote Eucharistic adoration in the Chapel.

Appointed as the first Superior of the fledgling group that came out to establish the Blessed Sacrament Congregation in Bombay, India, Fr. Joe led the group through its initial hurdles with confidence and verve. A man of few words and a mind of his own, he quickly set the small group on its feet and the community began to take roots. Several prospective candidates came and went, with Fr. Joe being the one in charge of formation too. He too had to face the difficulties of adjusting to the new theology of Vatican II, but he took all this in his stride. A school-teacher by profession before he joined the Blessed Sacrament Fathers, he was systematic in his approach to everything and could be quite a disciplinarian when he wanted to.

Struck by serious thrombosis in the left leg, Fr. Joe had to return to Australia in 1974, but was soon back on his feet as Parish Priest of the new foundation in the Bunbury diocese in Western Australia. Ever ready to ‘supply’ for priests away on holidays and on other occasions, he was quite popular in Bunbury and Perth before returning to Melbourne where he has been since the late 80s. Active as ever even though over eighty, he currently contributes significantly though somewhat slowly, to the life of the St. Francis community at Melbourne. Fr. Joe’s heart is still in Bombay and the little community he helped start. He has followed the progress in this Region with great enthusiasm and contributes through his prayer and occasional financial support. He too is remembered gratefully among the more senior people of Colaba, even if they have moved away from the place in recent years. The erection of India into a full-fledged province of the Congregation will undoubtedly warm his heart – as he shared this dream for the area over the years.

Known for his keen interest in sports, Bro. Alexander was the favourite of the youth around the Chapel from the time he set foot in Colaba. Tall and athletic, Bro. Alexander was a good sportsman himself, especially in cricket. Gathering the youth for a game of cricket, he would follow keenly their progress in their studies and character formation, and later even in their career. He organized a Sports Club for them introducing various games especially those that did not require much space as there was so little to spare around the Chapel.

He was also known for the work he did in the sacristy and yard – as the Fathers did not engage any domestic help in those early days. Under his guidance, the surroundings of the Chapel began to take a more beautiful shape and added to the charm of praying before the Sacrament in the Chapel. Also a man of few words, he made friends with fewer people, but when he left in 1973 to take up theological studies with a view of becoming a priest, many around Colaba missed him dearly. Unfortunately, after a few years of intense study he felt that this was not his cup of tea and so abandoned both studies and also his membership in the Congregation. He reverted to his trade in hand: carpentry, and is still at it in one of the suburbs of Sydney.

By far the most popular among the Australians who came to Bombay, Bro. Francis won the hearts of all, rich and poor alike, by his winsome smile and pleasant ways. Known as the PRO of the Blessed Sacrament Fathers, he was loved and accepted by all, be they ordinary policemen or Immigration officers, postmen, doctors and other eminent people or even taximen or the municipal garbage workers – he was a friend to all. His warm heart reached out to all at least with a smile which made up for his lack of knowledge of the local languages. Tuesday was a field-day for Bro. Francis for soon after Eucharist that morning, St. Anthony’s bread (and a banana) was distributed to the poor who lined up outside the front door of the residence. If there weren’t enough gathered already, he would go out onto the streets and call whomever he could find – till the supply was exhausted.

No wonder he was entrusted with most of the outdoor work of the community and he usually executed all orders promptly and efficiently. Not much of a theologian, Bro. Francis adapted himself to post-Vatican ways slowly and surely, gradually moving into shared prayer, tentatively expressing his opinion at community meetings yet carefully following everything that was discussed or decided. He too had to return to Australia in 1982 because of ill-health, though he did attempt several times to return to Bombay and his wish was always to die in harness in the land of his adoption: India. However, that was not to be as he would not have got here the kind of medical treatment he needed. Assigned to a Nursing Care institution in one of the suburbs of Sydney, Bro. Francis was active even there, visiting the inmates and distributing Communion to the sick as long as he could. The last few years saw him deteriorate in health even further, using a walker to move around. This reduced his active ministry to the bare minimum. Yet, his heart reached out to all in prayer, especially the poor and needy even in India. That was his way of living out the demands of the Eucharist faithfully till the end.

Bro. Pascoal’s acquaintance with the Blessed Sacrament Community began and his interest grew as he passed the Chapel daily on his way to work at the MES, Colaba. He would drop in for a visit now and then and that’s when he heard that still little voice beckoning him to “come, follow Me.” Hampered by faltering English and his natural shyness, Pascoal nevertheless completed his novitiate training and made profession in the early seventies. He soon found his niche in the community as the handyman versatile as he was in plumbing, electrical work, welding and other odd jobs that need attention in any home.

Quiet and soft-spoken yet committed to his religious duties, Pascoal mostly did behind-the-scene jobs as in the sacristy, especially after Bro. Alexander left for Australia. He holds the distinction of being the first Indian Brother to be appointed as Superior of the Community at Colaba in the late 80s - and he held this post until others were ready to take on the responsibility. Having learnt the violin at an early age, he was encouraged to try his hand at the organ and soon he assisted Fr. McKenna in the Choir, especially on Sundays. When new SSS communities began to mushroom, Pascoal was often the anchor as at Siolim, Goa and later Agashi. He could be relied upon to keep things moving, especially when younger priests were out for ministry. Faithful almost mechanically in his daily routine, his weekly ‘day-off’ and annual holidays are sacred and cannot be exchanged for anything in the world. That’s when he could be heard scratching away at his violin, or enjoying classical music on his tape-recorder. Shy and withdrawn almost to a fault, he rarely engages in direct apostolate either in the Chapel or through visiting people, yet his opinions on most matters would be fairly up-to-date. When he does warm up to a person, he can be very free and friendly. In recent years, failing health has slowed him down considerably, yet he can be seen pottering about the Sacristy attending to his responsibilities with dogged fidelity.

Bro. Pascoal is the kind of person of whom we could envisage the Lord saying: ‘Come, good and faithful servant, receive the reward prepared for you from the foundation of the world.’

Bro. Pascoal may be contacted at:
St. Francis Xavier’s Chapel,
130, Nathalal Parekh Marg,
Colaba, Mumbai – 400 005
(Tel: 2215 0133)

Hailing from Tamil Nadu, Fr. Anthony’s first contact with the Blessed Sacrament was as a priest on sabbatical in the States for further studies. He lived with the SSS at New York while attending to these studies – and that is where he heard the call. On his return he applied for admission and was sent to the novitiate in England. After his first profession, he was assigned to the recently inaugurated community at Colaba, where he offered the fruits of his rich and varied studies and pastoral background. Soon he was known everywhere because of his hearty laugh with which he enlivened every conversation.

Not long after, in the late 70s Fr. Anthony returned to Tamil Nadu to open a Student House there. Gathering a number of youngsters desirous of being religious he guided them as they completed their college studies. He was strict in his selection and only the best were sent to the novitiate at Colaba. Beginning this work at Anna Nagar, he found it necessary to move to a bigger plot at Velappan Chavady where the Student House was built. Later, the scholastics doing their Seminary studies at Poonamallee would also be housed here.

On holidays one summer in the vicinity of Kanyakumari, he heard of a parish at Thundathuvilai which was without a pastor because of difficulties with the parishioners - and offered to serve there. The people soon took to him and once the negotiations had been completed, he accepted to be the first SSS Parish Priest there – with the big dream of putting up a decent parochial house. As younger priests were getting ready and were eager to share in the ministry, after a while Fr. Anthony felt it was time for him to retire and he chose to live in a Home for Retired Priests in the Kotar diocese, not far from this parish. Though retired he still followed a strict regime of daily study and writing. A ‘Life of Fr. Eymard’ and ‘The Teaching of St. Paul’ – both in Tamil were the outcome of his efforts.

Fr. Anthony has left behind a legacy of students, almost all chosen and trained by him. Being of the old school, he might not approve of all that is being done today by ‘his boys’ yet he would have every reason to be proud of every one of them. Fr. Anthony left for his heavenly reward on 2nd March, 1997.

Presently known all over India and also abroad for his inspiring post-Vatican II teaching on the Eucharist and also for his writings in Don Bosco’s Madonna and the Examiner besides the numerous books, cassettes and CDs – all on the Eucharist, Fr Erasto began as a diocesan priest in the Archdiocese of Bombay.

Having obtained the needed permissions, Fr. Erasto crossed over to religious life after six years of service, and having done a year of novitiate at Bombay and a year of training in Australia in view of formation, he took over as Novice-master – a post held for almost 17 years. As time went on, the number of Indian SSS religious increased and others came forward to handle various responsibilities. So he branched off into writing: initially it was chiefly the notes used for instructions to the Novices that were published in book form. Subsequently, as part of the work of Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration in the diocese, short informative articles were written in Don Bosco’s Madonna. Most popular among all his books is Eucharist Step by Step which several priests use to enlighten their people on the various aspects of the Eucharist.

Entrusted with the work of promoting adoration in parishes, Fr. Erasto works with his small band of dedicated laity and over the past 15 years they have succeeded in establishing an Adoration Chapel in 90 parishes in the Archdiocese .

Fr. Erasto is also well-known for his retreats, seminars, conferences, Holy Hours, Power-point programmes on the Eucharist for priests, religious, lay faithful especially parents of those preparing for Communion. He is mostly out, travelling the length and breadth of the country giving sessions but currently restricts himself mainly to work among priests. His insights are always stimulating and thought-provoking and what comes through in all his teaching is the need to live the Eucharist more than just celebrate or talk about it.

From September 14, 2006, the Provincial Headquarters have been shifted to its present location at 22, Matharpakady, Mazagon, Mumbai 400 010, thanks to the generous donation of a bungalow by the Miranda family. Having renovated the place, the Provincial office has been set up here involving not only the Provincial but also the Provincial Treasurer and the Councillors. Presently, however, only the Provincial resides here with a small community.

The residence also houses the Centre for Eucharistic Evangelization (CEE). This centre coordinates all the apostolic endeavours of the Blessed Sacrament Fathers and was organized by Fr. Arul Tharcius till may 2008. Now it is continued by Fr.P. Gnanasekar as the Director. All requests for talks, homilies, Eucharist, retreats and the like should be addressed to Fr. P. Gnanasekar who will ensure that one of the SSS fathers will handle the request. It would help if the request is made in good time so that we can ensure that your needs are adequately taken care of.
Fr. P. Gnanasekar : Tel: 2377 2243 / 28785985 Mobile: 9967097975 Email: kjprov@mtnl.nt.in

When at home Fr. Erasto could be contacted at: 2375 8166 (Provincial Office) or the community: 2377 2243.
Mobile: 98201 08395. Email : Official – kjprov@mtnl.net.in Personal: efernandez@eth.net or erastoferns@hotmail.com

The Provincial Visitation this year (2007-8) will be conducted as follows:
Nov. 17 (Goa), Nov. 19-25 at Chennai and Nov. 28-Dec. 9 in the Mumbai area.

After completing his PhD in Eucharistic Theology, (“New Wine in Fresh Skins – Paradigms for a Post-Vatican Eucharist”) excerpts of the Thesis are in the press, getting ready for publication. Fr. Erasto has besides prepared another booklet (The Pivotal Rite) in preparation for the coming Eucharistic Congress to be held in Quebec, Canada in June 2008.

Peter chose to seek admission to SSS religious life as a lay-brother and he applied in 1972. Having completed his novitiate at Colaba, he has served in various capacities mostly in Colaba and Agashi where he has been known for his quiet behind-the-scene work, especially in the garden and house maintenance. He enjoys animating an hour of prayer, particularly for groups in Konkanim and Marathi and engages in SCC work in the parish. Regular at his Eucharistic ministry of Communion to the sick and aged, he is in great demand for supplementary work assisting the priests at seminars and particularly the Passover Meal during Lent. Keen also in doing Vocation work, he is in touch with several youngsters in the Mumbai area and goes out on recruiting ministry as well. He has been giving homilies in Konkanim where needed.

Bro. Peter Paul can be contacted at
Eymard Cottage,
22, Maharpakady, Mazagon,
Mumbai 400 010.
Tel: 2237 2243 / 9920884911

One of the batch of two who began SSS life right from the lowest rung of the ladder, Michael hails from Tamil Nadu. Braving the initial difficulties of formation in a different part of India, he went through his college and seminary training creditably and was ordained priest in 1985. Since then he has held several responsible posts in various communities, notably Novice-master, Coordinator of the Indian sector of SSS as they moved towards greater autonomy, and later as Parish Priest at Thundathuvilai. After a near miraculous escape in a car accident, he took up pastoral studies in Chicago and was abroad for almost seven years.

Fr. Michael has been in charge of formation at various levels and also guided the fledgling “Indian Sector” on our long journey towards being an independent Province.

On returning he was engaged in pastoral counseling and assisting in the formation of novices at Agashi. He is appointed at Scholasticate community from June 2008. He is also in great demand for retreats, conferences and seminars on Eucharist to priests, religious and lay faithful.

Fr. Michael may be contacted at:
Bio-medical Ethics Centre,
St. Pius Compound,
Aarey Road, Goregaon East,
Mumbai 400 064.
(Tel: 2878 5985)

The second of the pioneers to start SSS life from the lowest rung he too showed great pluck and courage and went through his formation in Bombay, being ordained priest in 1985. Not long after he engaged in MSW studies with a view to working to alleviate the lot of the poor and marginalized. Within a short while of completing these studies, he was appointed as the parish priest of our first parish at Kamarajapuram, an offshoot of Pallavaram near the Chennai airport. Consisting mainly of quarry workers – and hence fraught with its own particular problems, the parish offered several tough challenges. But he rose to the occasion and brought up the place spiritually, pastorally and in the educational field. He left behind a well-established parish and others coming after him could take it forward according to their own specific abilities.

Since leaving the parish, Raj has been connected mainly with houses of formation in Chennai, especially of those who join up and have to do a year of English followed by college studies. Pastorally he too gives retreats and seminars on the Eucharist though to a lesser degree, but volunteers to supply for Eucharist in neighbouring parishes when needed. He has been on the Sector and Regional Council several terms and contributes his lively share with great enthusiasm.

Fr. B. A. Raj was on sabbatical till end December 2007, after which he was appointed at Colaba community.
Currently, he is in USA for mission appeal.
Fr. Raj may be contacted at:
The Cenacle, 1 Numbal Road,
Velappan Chavady,
Chennai 600 077
(Tel: 2627 2093 / 2649 2320)

Our first persevering recruit from the great mine of vocations, Vasai (now a separate diocese). Joaquim has always been popularly and widely known as ‘Jackie’. Having joined as a brother, he made several attempts to upgrade himself to the priesthood and has finally completed the last stages of his formation at Sacred Heart Poonamallee, Chennai. He was ordained a priest in November 2005 and is currently the Superior at St. Francis Xavier’s Chapel, Colaba.

During his earlier terms at Colaba and Agashi, he was always popular with youth and great at making friends with the people who frequent the Chapel. He excels in animating the Eucharist and in singing as also at conducting hours of prayer before the Sacrament in English and Marathi. He is well-versed in English and Marathi and more recently celebrates the Eucharist in Hindi for the domestics of the area on the first and third Sundays of the month

Fr. Jackie may be contacted at:
St. Francis Xavier’s Chapel,
130, Nathalal Parekh Marg,
Colaba. Mumbai 400 005.
Tel: 2215 0133

After completing a year or so of pastoral work at St. Francis Xavier’s Chapel, Colaba, Fr. Arul took up residence at The Cenacle, Velappan Chavady as the Director of Students doing their college studies. During this time he continued as Treasurer of the Indian Sector, a post he had begun to handle while already in Colaba. Then on, he engaged mainly in pastoral ministry and eventually was posted as Parish Priest of the newly erected and accepted parish of Our Lady Help of Christians at Mannurpet, Chennai. Having completed five years there, he moved into retreat ministry which he enjoyed and exceled at and was posted at Matharpakady, Mazagon, Mumbai 400 010. He was also the Director of the Centre for Eucharistic Evangelization situated at Mazagon and was in great demand for retreats, classes on Eucharist and Scripture especially in houses of formation.

Currently, Fr. Arul is doing Hospital ministry in USA.

Fr. Arul can be contacted at:
Eymard Cottage,
22, Matharpakady,
Mazagon, Mumbai 400 010.
Tel: 2237 2243

Though ordained for the Bombay Archdiocese, Fr. Justin worked for several years on loan to the diocese of Belgaum. He returned to Mumbai Archdiocese and was appointed Principal at St. Sebastian’s High School, Dabul. Feeling the urge to dedicate himself more radically, he joined the Blessed Sacrament Fathers and after his novitiate continued his priestly ministry but with greater focus on the Eucharist. Known for his lively preaching and melodious singing, Fr. Justin is always in great demand for retreats, seminars and teachings at Eucharist and Charismatic prayer meetings. He has authored a couple of books on the Eucharist chiefly to enable people to participate more actively and effectively. He also held several important posts in the Region: Regional Treasurer, Superior at Agashi and Colaba, Director of Students at Mumbai and Chennai. Along the way, more recently, he felt himself called to work exclusively with the ‘Couples for Christ’ association and under their auspices was sent to Manila, Philippines, where he is currently, helping in the foundation of a men’s congregation of priests to serve the CFC.
At present Fr. Justin is on Exclaustration till 2010 and may be contacted by email at: sequeiraj45@yahoo.com

Having left his teaching post at St. Sebastian’s Dabul, Salvador joined the Blessed Sacrament Fathers to work more concertedly to spread the love of God in the Eucharist. He came in close contact with the healing ministry when both his parents succumbed to cancer one after another and felt drawn to this ministry. He worked at it with varying success and innumerable difficulties and now does it on a limited scale. While at Colaba, besides being more than fully engaged in the pastoral ministry he also worked hard to make the Colaba Chapel and surroundings a better place to pray in. He too in engaged in retreat ministry and conferences to religious and laity in English, Konkanim and Marathi. He revels in pastoral counseling in the little spare time he gets. A man always on the move, he is difficult to contact.

Having completed his seminary studies at Pius X College Goregaon, Fr. Sesuraj worked initially in our parish at Thundathuvilai. Elected as Vicar Regional he was entrusted with the formation of scholastics attending Poonamallee Seminary in Chennai. He next moved on to being the Regional Superior for one term from 1998 to 2002. He was back as the Scholastics’ Director stationed at Goregaon and looked after the students attending their seminary formation at Pius X College. Fr. Sesuraj’s specialty is training religious formees and professed in Interpersonal Skills and other aspects of psycho-spiritual growth. He also undertakes retreats, seminars and preaching at Eucharist in English and Tamil both within the city of Mumbai and outside. He is currently at the Church of O. L. Help of Christians, Mannurpet as the Parish Priest

Fr. Sesuraj has done a year of psycho-spiritual studies at St. Anselm’s Kent, England, and currently operates in the Chennai area predominantly.
He may be contacted at:
O.L. Help of Christians Church,
57, Pillayar Koil Street,
Mannurpet, Chennai 600 050
(Tel: (044) 2624 4068 / 2624 4238 Mob: 9444894652

Not long after ordination Fr. Gnanasekar (or Sekar for short) was appointed as Priest-in-charge of the newly established quasi-parish of St. Anthony’s Tembipada, Bhandup, Bombay. Though his first experience as Parish Priest, he soon organized the entire parish setting it on its feet financially and pastorally. SCCs were set up and began functioning efficiently. He did not remain long there as he was called to the area of formation in the Region. After doing a year’s training at NVSC, Pune, he took up the post of Novice-master at Agashi and accompanied seven groups of students through the crucial years of their initial formation. Even during these years, he soon gained a name as a good preacher not only at Eucharist but also of retreats both in English and Tamil. Feeling called more to this aspect of the pastoral ministry, he has done one year (sabbatical) of intense retreat preaching all over the length and breadth of India. He has completed his M. Th. studies at Jnana Deepa Vidyapeetha, Pune while being attached to St. Francis Xavier’s Chapel community, Colaba.

Fr. Gnanasekar is currently the Vicar Provincial, Acting Director of the Scholasticate at Goregaon and the Director of the Centre for Eucharistic Evangelization situated at Mazagon. He may be contacted at:
Bio-medical Ethics Centre,
St. Pius Compound,
Aarey Road, Goregaon East,
Mumbai 400 064.
(Tel: 2878 5985 mobile: 09967097975)

Having joined the Blessed Sacrament Community as a brother at a fairly late age, Bro. Henry has been shuttling between our various formation houses: Colaba, Agashi and Velappan Chavady. He also did a term at Siolim, Goa. Known for his secretarial skills, he is a blessing when such work is needed. He also excels at outdoor work and enjoys his trips to the different Government and Municipal offices. Known even at the local Police station as ‘Fr. Henry’ he is the man to be contacted when any p.r.o. work is needed.

Bro Henry can be contacted at:
Blessed Sacrament Ashram,
Kholapurwadi, Agashi via Virar,
Thane Dt. MS.
(Tel: 95250 258 7354 / 95250 258 5264 / 9967797607)

Beginning his priestly ministry as a director of College students (looking after the students)/ Administrator/Treasurer of the formation house of Vellapan Chavady, Fr. Sebastian has shown himself to be versatile in a number of fields. A man more of practical application than theories, he soon took up the parish of St. Anthony at Kamarajapuram and with the able cooperation of the parishioners and other well-wishers put up a new Church for the parish. Being chosen as Regional Treasurer he spent two years at St. Francis Xavier’s Chapel, Colaba but is currently Provincial Treasurer posted at the students house at Velappan Chavady. He makes time for pastoral activities in the midst of his heavy schedule of book-keeping and accounting. Regular visitation of the different communities is also part of his assignments and so he is frequently out.

Fr. Sebastian may be contacted at:
1, Numbal Road,
Velappan Chavady,
Chennai 600 077
Tel: (044) 2627 2093/ 2649 2320 Mob: 9444429044 / 9869733018

Once ordained, Fr. Nathan as he is generally called, took up residence at St. Anthony’s Church Tembipada as an assistant. He gave himself fully to the pastoral ministry which he enjoys to the full. Within a short time he was switched over to Colaba as Superior But it wasn’t long before he was entrusted with the responsible job of Parish Priest back at Tembipada and a further responsibility was given him, that of Regional Treasurer. Initially he operated from Tembipada itself but later on was transferred again to Colaba and also assisted in formation. Having completed his term as Treasurer, he took up the post of Parish Priest at Kamarajapuram in Chennai where he served for three years. He has a flair for liturgy and excels in SCC work besides giving quite some time to talks and seminars and even retreats to religious and lay persons on the Eucharist.

Fr. Nathan is currently doing studies at Loyola University, Chicago and could be contacted at

After discerning for a fairly long period which his true vocation is, Fr. Bismarque committed himself to the Blessed Sacrament Congregation and having completed a year of pastoral work at St. Francis Xavier’s Chapel, Colaba, he took up his assignment in Goa. Appointed first to Mae de Deus Chapel, Gaunsavaddo, Siolim, he soon made a name for himself by his energetic, inspiring preaching and creative sessions, especially with the youth of the area. When the Blessed Sacrament Community left Siolim to take up residence at their own place at Alto Santa Cruz, Fr. Bismarque spearheaded the effort to build and establish the new house. At the same time he gives himself selflessly to the needs of the Archdiocese of Goa and is currently busy fulltime in pastoral work in various fields.

Fr. Bismarque can be contacted at
Blessed Sacrament Fathers,
C-19, Rego Colony,
Alto Santa Cruz, Bambolim P.O.
Tiswadi, Goa. 403 202.
Tel: (0832) 245 8079

After a brief stint at pastoral work after ordination, Fr. Rosario was appointed as local Treasurer of the Students’ House at Velappan Chavady. Here be ably managed the varied and numerous demands of such a community till he was transferred as Parish Priest to St. Anthony’s Church, Tembipada. Inheriting the responsibility of seeing to the construction/extension of the Church and presbytery, he has courageously undertaken this arduous task – it might take some time before he can report total success. Quiet and somewhat reserved, he nevertheless is committed to his pastoral activities. And then he was appointed at the Scholastics Community at Goregaon and assisted in the Financial administration from June 2007. From June 2008 Fr. Rosario has joined the Colaba Community and also assists in the Financial administration.

Fr. Rosario can be contacted at:
St. Francis Xavier’s Chapel,
130, Nathalal Parekh Marg,
Colaba, Mumbai – 400 005
(Tel: 2215 0133 mobile: 09821650843)

After barely a year of pastoral ministry, Fr. Jegaraj took charge of the parish of St. Anthony at Tembipada and put his heart and soul into regularizing the property papers of the place. This was in view of putting up a new and larger Church to accommodate the growing population of the area, and also to provide a better presbytery for the priests residing there. After initiating the process, he was requested to take up the work of Novice-master and was sent to NVSC, Pune for a year’s training in formation. Subsequently he took up the work of forming novices at Agashi. Enthusiastic and energetic, he puts his hands to a number of varied ministries including preaching in English and Tamil.

Fr. Jegaraj can be contacted at
Blessed Sacrament Ashram,
Kholapurwadi, Agashi via Virar,
Thane Dt. Ms.
(Tel: 95250 258 7354 / 95250 258 5264)

Soon after his ordination to the priesthood, Fr. Peter was posted to Velappan Chavady to look after the College students there. After being elected as Regional Councillor he took charge of the area of formation and also attended to the Postulancy course at the same place. He is currently the Parish Priest at St. Anthony’s Church, Tembipada (June 2007) after having served there as assistant for a year.

Fr. Peter can be contact at
St. Anthony’s Church,
Tembipada,
Bhandup West,
Mumbai 400 078.
Tel: 2596 4781 mobile: 09869856888

He began his priestly ministry as Assistant at the parish of St. Anthony’s Church Thundathuvilai and later moved into a more specialized area: looking after street children in Chennai. He was later Assistant at Our Lady, Help of Christians Church, Mannurpet before being transferred to St. Anthony’s Church, Tembipada, Mumbai as Assistant. At this last place he was responsible for beginning the Asha Kendra Social Service Centre to enable the weaker sections of the parish to find help in bettering their conditions. He was working at developing the social dimension of our apostolate in our parish at Mannurpet, Chennai. He is currently appointed at Colaba community.

Fr. Earnest can be contacted at
St. Francis Xavier’s Chapel,
130, Nathalal Parekh Marg,
Colaba, Mumbai – 400 005
(Tel: 2215 0133)

Beginning his pastoral ministry at St. Anthony’s Church Kamarajapuram, Chennai, Fr. Johnson was later moved higher to be in charge of the parish of St. Anthony at Thundathuvilai. Towards the end of his term there, he initiated the construction of a bigger Church so that the parishioners could worship in more comfort. He then returned to St. Anthony’s Kamarajapuram as the Asst. Parish Priest, and currently is the Parish Priest there.

Fr. Johnson could be contacted at
St. Anthony’s. Church,
Kamarajapuram,
Anakaputhur P.O.,
Chennai 600 070
Tel: (044) 2248 1446 / 7

For Fr. Joseph, his pastoral ministry began at Our Lady, Help of Christians Church, Mannurpet already as a deacon. He continued there as Assistant for a year from where he moved on to St. Anthony’s Church, Kamarajapuram as Assistant. The next move brought him as local Treasurer of the students’ house at Velappan Chavady. Currently he is at St. Francis Xavier’s Chapel, Colaba looking after the first year students who study English. Reserved and soft-spoken, he nevertheless gives himself with great enthusiasm to the work of formation. In his spare time he helps especially religious communities with talks on the Spiritual life, and also works at supplementing the Tamil ministry around the Chapel

Fr. Joseph could be contacted at
St. Francis Xavier’s Chapel,
130, Nathalal Parekh Marg,
Colaba, Mumbai – 400 005
(Tel: 2215 0133)

Xavier joined the Blessed Sacrament Fathers with the intention of being a brother and began his ministry at St. Anthony’s Church, Kamarajapuram, Chennai. Being a trained teacher he also took catechism classes in the School. Later he was shifted to St. Anthony’s Church Thundathuvilai where he rendered valuable help with the SCC groups. Having completed his college studies by correspondence he was later approved to go on to studies for the priesthood. He completed his theological studies at Sacred Heart Seminary Poonamallee and the ordination to priesthood was on 21 June 2008.

Fr. Xavier could be contacted at
St. Anthony’s. Church,
Kamarajapuram,
Anakaputhur P.O.,
Chennai 600 070
Tel: (044) 2248 1446 / 7

After his ordination to the priesthood, Fr. Ravi Bosco was posted as Assistant at St. Anthony’s Church, Tembipada where he plunged wholehearted into pastoral ministry. His work there for the SCC groups was particularly noteworthy. He gradually made his mark at preaching and has undertaken to give conferences and retreats to religious whenever possible. Later he was moved as Superior to the novitiate at Agashi and after a year and a half, took up theological studies at Leuven, Belgium where he is currently. Having completed his M. Th. he has begun his doctoral studies there from September 2007.

Fr. Bosco could be contacted at
boscosss@hotmail.com

Fr. M.I. as he is known to his friends, began his pastoral ministry at St. Anthony’s Church, Thundathuvilai and soon began to make his presence felt at Charismatic prayer meetings in the vicinity. Possessing a flair for preaching and singing, he makes good use of his talents to draw people to prayer. He next took up work at Our Lady, Help of Christians Church, Mannurpet. He is currently appointed as the director of Karunalayam. He avails himself totally for the charismatic prayer meetings

Fr. Lourduraj could be contacted at
1, Numbal Road,
Velappan Chavady,
Chennai 600 077
Tel: (044) 2627 2093/ 2649 2320 / Mob.09444404238

After completing his priestly studies at St. Pius College, Goregaon, Peter was ordained deacon on April 17, 2005, and took up his diaconate ministry at O. L. Help of Christians Church, Mannurpet, helping out in pastoral ministry, especially in the running of the SCC groups. He also assisted Fr. M. I. Raj in vocations work within the city of Chennai itself.

With his seminary formation behind him, deacon Peter was ordained to the priesthood in Nov. 2005 as the first priest to be ordained in the newly erected Kristu Jyoti Province of India. After this he served as Assistant at O. L. Help of Christians, Mannurpet. During this time, he was also the full-time Vocations Director moving extensively over the length and breadth of the country on the lookout for suitable vocations. His painstaking labours are beginning to bear fruit and our formation houses are filling up. He is also currently working at his MA.

At present, Fr. Peter looks after the Collegians and Postulants housed at Velappan Chavady. He could be contacted at:
The Cenacle, 1 Numbal Road,
Velappan Chavady,
Chennai 600 077
(Tel: 2627 2093 / 2649 2320)

Fr. Punithan may be contacted at:
St. Anthony’s Church,
Plot No. 890C, Dharavi Main Road,
Near Post Office, Dharavi. Mumbai 400 017
Tel: 2404 4703 / 9819147143

Fr. Philip Benzi could be contacted at:
Blessed Sacrament Ashram,
Kholapurwadi, Agashi via Virar,
Thane Dt. Ms.
(Tel: 95250 258 7354 / 95250 258 5264)

Yet another product of St. Pius College, Goregaon, Dominic is the first to be ordained from Andhra (Eluru diocese). Ordained a deacon in April 2007, he was ordained on October 20, 2007 at his home parish at Eluru. Posted as a deacon at our parish of St. Anthony’s, Tembipada, Dominic has excelled in his Hindi homilies and is quite adept even at conducting prayers in Tamil. After his ordination he continues serving at Tembipada where he is well accepted.