New Shepherd for the North: Archbishop Susai Jesu Ordained for Keewatin-Le Pas
On January 26, 2026, the Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas entered a new chapter as Archbishop Susai Jesu, OMI, was formally ordained and installed. The solemn celebration took place at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Cathedral in The Pas, Manitoba, marking a significant transition for the expansive archdiocese that covers 725,000 square kilometres across northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
The rites were led by Archbishop Murray Chatlain of Winnipeg—the former head of Keewatin-Le Pas—who served as the principal consecrator. He was joined by a diverse assembly of bishops, priests, and representatives from the Indigenous communities that form the heart of the archdiocese.
Highlights of the Ordination Rite
The ceremony was rich with tradition and symbolic gestures of service:
The Laying on of Hands: Archbishop Chatlain and fellow bishops prayed in silence over Jesu, invoking the Holy Spirit.
Anointing: The new Archbishop’s head was anointed with sacred chrism.
Symbols of Office: He was presented with the Book of the Gospels (the duty to preach), a ring (fidelity), and the mitre and crosier.
Cultural Blessing: In a poignant moment of local significance, Archbishop Jesu was blessed by Elders from various communities within the archdiocese.
A Heart for the People: In His Own Words
Archbishop Jesu, who was born in India and became a Canadian citizen after arriving in 2007, expressed deep humility regarding his appointment by Pope Leo XIV. Keeping his original sentiments intact, he shared:
“As I reflect on my feelings at this memorable moment, the words of the Blessed Virgin Mary come to mind: ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my savior. God lifts up the lowly and fills the hungry with good things.’ It is a humbling experience to receive God’s calling to serve as a bishop. I truly realize that God chooses the weak to make them strong in faith and love. My heart is filled with gratitude and joy.”
He further reflected on his journey and the influences that shaped his ministry:
“I am grateful to Archbishop Emeritus Sylvain Lavoie, OMI, who invited me to serve the First Nations in Canada, and for the Oblates who brought a young missionary to this country... I am also grateful to my parents and family—especially my late mother, whose constant prayers that I might become a priest have now been fulfilled and more.”
Regarding his specific passion for working with Indigenous communities, he noted:
“I was very happy learning Cree and accompanying Indigenous communities in Pelican Narrows and Sandy Bay, Saskatchewan, and later at Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples in Edmonton, where I had the privilege of welcoming Pope Francis. My passion is to bring people to Jesus and to evangelize the poor, fulfilling the Oblate charism of our founder, St. Eugene.”
From Tamil Nadu to the Canadian North
Archbishop Jesu’s path to the episcopacy is marked by academic achievement and dedicated pastoral work:
| Milestone | Details |
| Birth & Education | Born 1971 in Tamil-Nadu, India; Master’s in Psychology. |
| Ordination | Priesthood on June 27, 2000, in Kanchipuram, India. |
| Canadian Ministry | Arrived in 2007; Master’s in Counselling and Spirituality (St. Paul University). |
| Indigenous Relations | Fluent in Cree; honored with an Eagle Feather in 2018 by Elders in Edmonton. |
| Notable Roles | Pastor at Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples; Advisor to Archbishop Richard Smith on reconciliation. |
Prior to his appointment, Jesu was serving at Lac Ste-Anne Parish and several First Nation communities, continuing a legacy of "accompanying" those on the margins—a skill he now brings to the helm of Keewatin-Le Pas.
About the Archdiocese
The Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas began as the Keewatin Vicariate (established in 1910); the first Jesuit missionaries came between 1694 and 1697. The first mission was established at Ile-à-la-Crosse in 1860 by the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. At the same time, the Grey Nuns of Montreal arrived and established institutions for education and healthcare. The Vicariate became the Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas in 1967.
The Archdiocese has a Catholic population of 52,000. It covers a land mass of 430,000 square kilometers across northern Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and a small corner of north-west Ontario. Métis, First Nations, including Cree, Oji-Cree, and Dene, as well as non-Natives, all contribute to the richness of the territory’s cultural diversity. The Archdiocese comprises 15 parishes with resident priests, 35 missions, and one institute of consecrated life.
Source: https://news.rcdos.ca/2026/01/30/archbishop-susai-jesu-ordained-and-installed-for-archdiocese-of-keewatin-le-pas/
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