Fr Peter Savarimuthu SJ was born in a fervent and faithful Catholic family at Sengulam in Madurai District of Tamil Nadu on 28 February 1946. He joined the Santal Region on 14 August 1968 at XTTI, Patna, and took his first vows on 15 August 1970. After completing his formation, he was ordained a priest on 22 April 1981 at Dumka. He pronounced his final vows on 08 September 1987 at Majlispur.
Fr Peter was quiet, somewhat shy but sociable. He was open and broad minded. The early formation instilled in him a love for the Santal people and their language, and a desire to serve the people as a zealous pastor. He accepted with equanimity any mission that was assigned to him and went about doing his best. He tirelessly devoted himself to his mission, be it as an assistant Parish Priest at Sohorgati, Majlispur, and Mariampahar, or as a Parish Priest at Asanbani, Mariampahar, Tinpahar, Nichamari, and Majlispur.
Undeterred by his frail health, he continued to give his best to pasturing his flock and to attend to their spiritual and pastoral needs as Father-in-charge at Nunbatta, and later at Mariampahar. He acquainted himself with his parishioners through family visits and paid attention to their faith formation. He trained the catechists and involved them to help him in the pastoral activities. When he was entrusted with the responsibilities of a local superior at Majlispur, he exercised the ministry of leadership with love, care, and authenticity. The Lord called Fr Peter on 21 February 2024 to his eternal reward. May Fr Peter enjoy God’s eternal presence and peace!
– Stany Pinto SJ
