Fr. Sigamani, an able leader, kind companion, intelligent teacher and highly acclaimed musician, joined the Society of Jesus in 1959 and was ordained a priest on 8 June 1973. He reached his heavenly abode in the golden jubilee year of his Ordination.
His entire apostolic years were spent in just four places in the Province, namely, Madurai, Palayamkottai, Tuticorin and Nagercoil where he served students and teachers in different capacities, as teacher, headmaster and superior. He was a smiling peace-maker, he was always good to everyone.. He is gratefully remembered for his excellent Christian devotional songs in Tamil. The best-known is Kanni eendra selvamae, a Christmas song that is still sung and has been translated into seven languages.
Fr. Sigamani had the gift of active listening. That gift helped him to be a confessor and counsellor for many people, including, diocesan priests and nuns. Emeritus Bishop Jude Paulraj says: “I had Fr. Sigamani as my personal spiritual director and confessor. I used to meet him in his room every month. As far as I know him, he was a true Jesuit, giving priority and glory to God in all his ministries, be it a teacher, headmaster, superior or counsellor and confessor.”
Three months ago, he was sent to Beschi Illam, Dindigul, for intensive care. He passed away on 06 July ’23, within an hour of cutting his birthday cake with some of his relatives and Jesuit companions. His Funeral Mass was held on the following day, presided over by Bishop Emeritus Jude Paulraj. Those who spoke spelled out the lessons we could learn from Fr. Sigamani – his commitment, simple living and the manner he translated his personal experiences into songs of praise.
– Henry Jerome, SJ
