Servant of God Antony Susainather (1882–1968) was a prominent Catholic priest, social reformer and later Contemplative Religious from Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, India, known for his deep spirituality and his commitment to the marginalized.
Early Life and Education
Birth: Born on December 18, 1882, in Tuticorin (Thoothukudi), Tamil Nadu, to Mr. Francis Fernando and Mrs. Mary Mathesiammal.
Baptism: He was baptized with the name Antony, a name often seen as a sign of his future spiritual destiny.
Ordination: He was ordained as a priest for Diocese of Tiruchirappalli on December 17, 1910, after which he dedicated his life to pastoral work and social justice.
Social Reform and Ministry
Fr. Susainather is remembered as a "liberator" who worked tirelessly to improve the lives of those in the lower strata of society. His reputation was particularly strong in the coastal and rural parishes of the Tuticorin and Tiruchirappalli regions.
Social Reformer: He fought against the "fetters of bonded labour" and social taboos that oppressed low-caste citizens.
Transformative Leader: He combined deep spiritual fervor with radical social action. He became a legendary figure for his fight against alcoholism. He transformed the village by founding the Sodalities against Alcoholism.
Lover of House of God: He was known for his zeal for the House of God, often taking it upon himself to physically and spiritually renovate dilapidated churches. Together with the physical structures, he "renewed the spirit" of his parishioners by founding various pious associations and sodalities.
Spiritual Leader: As a Diocesan Priest he was known as "Healer of the Soul" and "Powerful Speaker" always at service of the people; Known as a "Silent Hermit," as a Rosarian Monk. He was deeply devoted to the Eucharist Lord and the Rosary and lived a life of contemplation and reparation.
Patriarch of the Indian Rosarians : In 1944, he established the first Rosarian Ashram in Vadakkangulam, Tamil Nadu. Rosarian Congregation is the Indigenous Contemplative Congregation in South Asia, Founded by the Servant of God B.A. Thomas in Sri Lanka, 1928.
Suffering Servant of God: His Physical and Spiritual Endurance explicitly expressed during the time of his sickness which was lasting more than thirteen years. His later years in the monastery were marked by the "white martyrdom" of silence, fasting, and intense prayer, which many devotees view as a form of holy suffering for the sake of the Church.
Death and Legacy
Passing: After 28 years of tireless pastoral work as Diocesan Priest, joined the Rosarian Contemplative Congregation and lived as a "Mouna Muni". He passed away in 1968 and was buried at the monastery he founded in Vadakkangulam.
Path to Sainthood: Because of his virtuous life and the impact of his ministry, he has been accorded the title "Servant of God," a significant step in the canonization process of the Catholic Church.
Commemoration: His death anniversary is celebrated annually on 8th of June (or nearest Sunday) by the local people in Vadakkangulam. Many faithful are drawn to his tomb every day to seek his intercession.
