Reconciliation-focused priest named as archbishop of northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba

The Vatican has appointed a priest from southern India as the archbishop of northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

Susai Jesu was ordained and installed as the Archbishop of Keewatin – Le Pas on Jan. 26 at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Cathedral in The Pas, Man. Parishioners from across the region, and bishops and priests from across the country gathered for the episcopal ordination and installation mass.

Read more: 

• Raiders of the lost files: A Saskatoon city archives treasure hunt
• Sask. farmers won’t be allowed to use strychnine to control gophers in 2026: Ag ministry
• Saskatchewan extending secondary suite construction initiative into 2027

“I am deeply honoured to serve as your archbishop. Over the past decades, I have witnessed the faith, resilience, and richness of communities in northern Saskatchewan and across Canada,” said Jesu in a statement posted to the Archdiocese’s website. “I look forward to walking together with you, especially Indigenous communities, in healing, reconciliation, and shared mission. Your prayers, support, and fellowship are invaluable as we embark on this journey together.”

The 54-year old was born in Pushpavanam, Tamil Nadu, India and found interest in religious service early in this life. He was ordained as a priest in 2000 in India and moved to Canada in 2007. In Lacombe, Alta., he became a citizen and focused his ministry on Indigenous and inner-city communities. In northern Saskatchewan, he began serving as pastor of St. Gertrude Parish in Pelican Narrows and Our Lady of Seven Sorrows in Sandy Bay.

Archbishop Jesu was blessed by Elders from communities in the Keewatin Le Pas Archdiocese during the ceremony. (Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate – OMI Lacombe Canada/Facebook)

He is fluent in English, Cree and Tamil.

Jesu helped welcome Pope Francis during his visit to Canada and was part of a delegation to Rome for Indigenous reconciliation.

Between 2017 and 2025, he was pastor of Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples in Edmonton, where he worked outreach programs, reconciliation efforts and provided pastoral care for the Catholic Eritrean community.

A statement from the Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas said, during his ministry, Jesu has become known for his compassion, cultural sensitivity and unwavering dedication to reconciliation, building communities and helping those most in need.

The new archbishop will oversee ministry to about 49,000 Catholics who are mostly Indigenous and spread across a region larger than Texas.

The region includes many loyal Catholics, but also many who remain wounded and alienated from the church.

-With files from The Canadian Press