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. Then he went to USA for mission appeal. On his return, he was appointed as superior at Colaba. From June 2010 he is appointed as Priest-in-charge of st. Antony's Parish, Tembipada.

Fr. Raj may be contacted at: