New archbishop from southern India begins ministry in Canada's far north

Susai Jesu, born in Tamil Nadu, was consecrated archbishop of Keewatin-Le Pas on Jan. 26 and will oversee about 49,000 Catholics across northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan; he says his first priority is to spend time building relationships with Indigenous communities.

Susai Jesu, born in Tamil Nadu, was consecrated archbishop of Keewatin-Le Pas on Jan. 26. He will oversee ministry across northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan, serving about 49,000 Catholics, most of them Indigenous. Jesu moved to Canada in 2007 after earlier ministry in India and served in remote parishes and in Edmonton, including at Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples. He says his immediate focus is spending time with people and building relationships. Key facts: - Susai Jesu was consecrated archbishop of Keewatin-Le Pas in a ceremony that included Cree, Dene, English, French, Oji-Cree and Tamil elements. - The archdiocese covers a region larger than Texas and includes roughly 49,000 Catholics, mostly Indigenous communities. - Jesu was born in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, joined the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, and was ordained a priest in 2000. - He has served in Canada since 2007, worked in remote northern parishes, and was pastor at Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples in Edmonton; he hosted Pope Francis there during the 2022 visit. - Jesu says he plans to spend the first year building relationships by visiting far-flung parishes and being physically present with people. Summary: Jesu's appointment places an Indian-born bishop at the head of an archdiocese with a large Indigenous population and a history shaped by residential schools. He frames his role around presence and relationship-building and cites learning local language and cultural practices in past ministry. Over the coming months he plans parish visits across the region to establish trust and be with communities.