True to his first name, a seminarian from Chennai was faithful to his calling. That explains the impending transition of ‘Reverend Father’ to ‘His Grace’.
Chennai born and bred Visuvasam Selvaraj would go on to attend the Diocesan Minor Seminary in Santhome in the eighties, study Philosophy at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Poonamallee, Chennai, Theology at St. Albert’s College, Ranchi in the early nineties, before being ordained as a Catholic Diocesan Priest in Port Blair twenty seven years ago. A Master’s degree in Canon Law from St. Peter’s Pontifical Seminary, Bangalore also adorned his long list of theological accomplishments.
Breaking out of his comfort zone, the diocesan priest was keen to serve outside his “home State” and perhaps also “in the missions in Africa”, but God’s plan for him to serve in the Andaman islands unfolded.
Brimming with justifiable pride, the Parish Priest of Our Lady Of Visitation Church, Abhiramapuram in Chennai Father T.Antonyraj, recalls the “impressive track record” of Father Visuvasam in Andamans. From Diocesan Consultor & Procurator and Chaplain of the Tamil Community to Judicial Vicar, Chancellor, Rector of Our Lady Of Vailankanni Shrine and Vicar General, Father Visuvasam has had a wide array of experience in almost every capacity in the Andamans. Small wonder that he was the Pope’s natural choice for the new Bishop of the region.
This weekend, following the papal order, Father Visuvasam will take charge as the Bishop of Port Blair at a solemn episcopal ordination. Back home in Chennai, his family and neighbours, burst into celebration and thanksgiving.
(Sanjay Pinto is an Advocate practising at the Madras High Court, Arbitrator, Columnist, Author & Former Resident Editor – NDTV 24×7)
