Fr. Susai Thomas was born on 20th December 1955, in Satharasan Patty in Sivagangai Diocese of Tamil Nadu. He was the youngest of six siblings. He joined the Society of Jesus on 21st November 1974 at Sitagarha, Hazaribagh, Jharkhand. He was ordained Priest on 24th April 1988, at Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Fr. Susai Thomas was appointed as minister, treasurer and assistant parish priest at Majlispur in West Bengal in 1989 and at Hatimara in Jharkhand in 1995. He served as Parish Priest in Majlispur, Murguni and Mariampahar at different times. He functioned also as treasurer while serving in other places. Besides, he rendered his service as Superior, hostel prefect and house consultor. In 2016, he was appointed treasurer of Chotparua Jesuit Society at Raiganj in West Bengal and a year later as hostel prefect of La Greca hostel, Raiganj. After a prolonged illness he surrendered himself to his Master and Lord at around 9:00 a.m., on 30th June 2022, and passed into eternity peacefully.
Fr. Susai Thomas was a man of prayer and simplicity, ever available to assist others. He had a soft corner for the poor. Blessed by God with a loving heart for the people he served them right from the moment he stepped in Santal Parganas. All his life his mission was pastoral, to guide the people on their journey of the Christian faith. He was very much at one with the people he served. In the last years, since he suffered from kidney failure. He gave an example of fortitude and patience till the last moment. He will be remembered as one who cared for his neighbor – Jesuits and non-Jesuits alike. May God grant Fr. Susai Thomas Eternal Rest!
Paul Aquilina, SJ
