Archbishop Murray Chatlain, Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas, described the ordination as a significant moment for the local Church.
“This is a day of joy and hope for our diocese. We invite everyone—longtime parishioners, families, and friends—to share in this celebration of faith, service, and community,” he said.
Ahead of his ordination, Fr. Susai Jesu expressed his readiness to undertake his new responsibility as Archbishop. “I am deeply honoured to serve as your Archbishop. Over the past decades, I have witnessed the faith, resilience, and richness of communities in northern Saskatchewan and across Canada. I look forward to walking together with you, especially Indigenous communities, in healing, reconciliation, and shared mission. Your prayers, support, and fellowship are invaluable as we embark on this journey together.”
Background
Fr. Susai Jesu, OMI, was born on May 17, 1971, in Pushpavanam, Tamil Nadu, India. He was ordained to the priesthood on July 27, 2000, at the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, by Archbishop Lawrence Pius of the Archdiocese of Madras–Mylapore.
A member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, Fr. Susai is fluent in English, Cree, and Tamil. He holds a Master’s Degree in Psychology from India and a Master’s Degree in Counselling and Spirituality from St. Paul University in Ottawa. In 2007, he moved to Canada at the invitation of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate – Lacombe Province and later became a Canadian citizen.
His ministry in Canada focused largely on Indigenous and inner-city communities. He served as Pastor of St. Gertrude Parish in Pelican Narrows and Our Lady of Seven Sorrows Parish in Sandy Bay in northern Saskatchewan. From 2017 to 2025, he served as Pastor of Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples in Edmonton, where he was involved in outreach programmes, reconciliation initiatives, and pastoral care for the Ge’ez Rite (Eritrean) Catholic community.
Fr. Susai also served on the Provincial Council of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate – Lacombe Province, advised Archbishop Richard Smith on Indigenous relations and inner-city pastoral ministry, and was part of the Papal Delegation to Rome for Indigenous reconciliation. In 2022, he welcomed Pope Francis to Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples during the pontiff’s visit to Canada.
Until his appointment as Archbishop, Fr. Susai continued serving in the Archdiocese of Edmonton, ministering in multiple parishes and Indigenous missions.