Archbishop Susai Jesu, OMI
Rev. Susai Jesu, OMI, was born on 17 May 1971 in Pushpavanam, Tamil Nadu, India. Drawn early to a life of religious service, he entered the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and was ordained to the priesthood on July 27, 2000 at the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. His ordination was conferred by Most Rev. Lawrence Pius of the Archdiocese of Madras–Mylapore.
A gifted linguist who speaks English, Cree, and Tamil fluently, Fr. Susai combines his pastoral calling with academic training, having received a Master’s Degree in Psychology in India, and later a Master’s Degree in Counselling and Spirituality from St. Paul University in Ottawa. In 2007, he was invited to Canada by the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate – Lacombe Province, a move that ultimately led him to become a Canadian citizen and a dedicated servant to Indigenous and inner-city communities.
Before his ministry in Alberta, Fr. Susai served in northern Saskatchewan in the Archdiocese of Keewatin–Le Pas, where he was Pastor of St. Gertrude Parish in Pelican Narrows and of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows Parish in Sandy Bay. His work in these remote communities deepened his commitment to Indigenous ministry and informed his pastoral approach in the years that followed.
On 2 July 2017, Fr. Susai began his appointment as Pastor of Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples in Edmonton, a ministry he faithfully carried out until 15 July 2025. During this period, he also served the pastoral needs of the Ge’ez Rite (Eritrean) Catholic community from 16 January 2014 until 10 August 2023, when the Eparchy of Keren was able to send its own priest. At Sacred Heart, he became a central figure in the parish’s healing, reconciliation, and inner-city outreach efforts. He oversaw and supported numerous initiatives, including bagged lunch programs, a parish food bank, warm clothing drives, and regular community meals for Edmonton’s most vulnerable.
His leadership extended beyond the parish. Fr. Susai was appointed to the Provincial Council of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate – Lacombe Province and served as a pastoral advisor to Archbishop Richard Smith on Indigenous relations as well as on the needs of the inner-city and those at risk.
He played an important role in the national journey toward healing and reconciliation, participating in the Papal Delegation to Rome that brought Indigenous representatives to meet Pope Francis.
In 2022, he welcomed Pope Francis to Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples during the Holy Father’s penitential visit to Canada and contributed to the work of the local organizing committee.
Following his years at Sacred Heart, Fr. Susai began a new chapter of ministry on 16 July 2025 within the Archdiocese of Edmonton. He now serves as Pastor of Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Enoch First Nation; Lac Ste. Anne Parish in Lac Ste. Anne; St. Paul Parish in Paul Band First Nation; Our Lady of the Lake Parish in Alexis First Nation; and at the St. Alexander Mission in Alexander First Nation.
These appointments, which will be formalized as pastoral assignments by the incoming Archbishop of Edmonton, reflect his deep commitment to Indigenous communities and the trust placed in him as a spiritual leader.
Through more than two decades of priestly ministry, Rev. Susai Jesu, OMI, has become known for his compassion, cultural sensitivity, and unwavering dedication to reconciliation, community building, and the accompaniment of those most in need.
On November 17, 2025 His Holiness Pope Leo XIV appointed Rev. Susai Jesu, OMI as the next Archbishop of Keewatin-Le Pas.
On January 26, 2026 the Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas came together in joyful celebration at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Cathedral in The Pas, Manitoba for the Episcopal Ordination and Installation of Archbishop Susai Jesu, OMI marking a new chapter of spiritual leadership for the Diocese.
This sacred occasion brought together parishioners from across the region in prayer, song, and fellowship, as the faithful welcomed their new shepherd and renewed their commitment to walk together in the light of Christ.
A special thank you to the Archdiocese of Edmonton for their assistance in putting together this biography of Fr. Susai Jesu, O.M.I.
