Fr. S. Arulanandam, S.J., passed away on 12/12/2022 at Sumeru Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal. He had been diagnosed with cancer and was under treatment for the past few months.
Fr. Arulanandam, S.J. (Fr. Arul) joined the Jesuits in 1987 at the age of 27. He was among the first batch of pre-novices for the Nepal region. After his formation, he got ordained as a Jesuit priest at the age of 37.Fr. Arul served at various places, but his heart was always in social work. He spent most of his life at the Social Service Centre, St. Xavier’s College and Nepal Jesuit Social Institute (NJSI).
Social work was not only a vocation within the vocation for him, but also his passion in life. He did his BSW at Loyola College, Chennai, and for MSW, he went to the Asian Social Institute in the Philippines. During his MSW, he did not stay with the Jesuit Community but in a hospital as its chaplain, and was only a call away when any patient needed the sacrament of the sick. On a regular basis, he used to visit the sick and pray for them. He was driven by the person of Jesus and his teachings, and he efficiently translated the Gospel values in his life as a social worker, a true witness of the Gospel.
Fr. Arul served at St. Xavier’s College in the Social Work Department for six years. He dedicated his life to the field of social work education, and was an efficient mentor for hundreds of students at the College.
Having lived with him in the same community, I have only treasured good memories of him. His presence and attitude made everyone’s life easy in the house, and his welcoming nature drew fellow Jesuits and others to the community.
Augustine Thomas, SJ
