MARION — Father Gnanagragasam Mariasoosai has come a long way since his ordination in Tamilnadu, India, in May of 1981.
A diocesan priest in the Archdiocese of Maduai, Father Mariasoosai spent the first 19 years in parishes throughout his native country, gradually taking on more responsibilities. He traveled to Jamaica in 2000 to gain more pastoral experience in other countries, and arrived in the U.S. in 2002. He has been administrator at Our Lady of the Angels Mission in Marion since 2003.
"I am very grateful to Father Arockiasamy Sundram, known as 'Father Swamy,' who made me know the Diocese of Charlotte, and introduced me to Rev. Monsignor Mauricio West, the vicar general and chancellor of the Diocese of Charlotte," Father Mariasoosai says. He is also grateful to Father Thomas Selvaraj, who offered him a chance to work in his parish in the Diocese of Charlotte for a month in 2003, under the direction of Monsignor West. He was asked to continue his ministry in the diocese and appointed administrator of Our Lady of the Angels Mission in Marion that September. Bishop Peter J. Jugis later accepted Father Mariasoosai's transfer request and officially received him as a priest for the diocese.
He has been actively serving in Marion ever since, and he loves his parish community at Our Lady of the Angels.
"Every priest tries to build a community of faith, a community of love, and a community of charity in their own churches," he explains. His goal at Our Lady of the Angels Mission is to help English-speaking and Spanish-speaking members of the community build a united community of faith and love.
He is humbled by the outpouring of support he receives from his parishioners, especially on his birthday and anniversary of ordination.
"Some priests may get flowers, greeting cards and gifts by post or in person, or a few priests may receive something from staff and from a few families," he says. "Many of my church members will gather (with me) in a restaurant and share the joy of my priesthood anniversary. I am honored because of my priesthood. Praise God for the gift of my priesthood."
He credits his mother for playing a prominent role in his vocation – his "mountaintop experience," he calls it.
"I had a deeper experience with God through my mother. She was my mountain," he says. "She was my source of inspiration and cause for my vocation. She always concentrated on her prayers and helped me to grow in my spirituality."
His advice for men discerning a call to the priesthood?
"Dear young men – concentrate your prayer life, especially pray fervently immediately after receiving Holy Communion. Pray that Christ will help you to lead good lives and help you discern and make a good decision for your future lives."
-- SueAnn Howell, staff writer