“God sends the world saints when they are most needed, not men and women of ‘general holiness’, but specialized experts who fit into the pattern of the times and are capable of giving God’s tone to their century”, says Fr. Paul Aronica, SDB.
The Humble Beginning of a Great Missionary
In 1954, on a Christmas day in the peaceful Catholic hamlet of Rajakamangalam Thurai, along the sea coast of Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, India, a luminous messenger of God’s love was born— Jesuadimai Emmanuel Arul Raj. His father, Mr. Jesu Adimai, the local school headmaster, and mother, Mrs. Cecilia, a wise homemaker, were known as Muthiah Vathiar and Muthamma. Blessed with nine children, the family upheld their Christian faith. After completing his schooling, Fr. Arul Raj was set to attend St. Xavier’s College, Palayamkottai, following his father’s wish. However, a turning point occurred when Fr. Immanuel OMI visited the village, inspiring young minds with stories of missionary life among the poor and neglected, sparking a passion for dedicated service.
Birth of the Daughters of Mary Immaculate (DMI)
Young Arul Raj, initially hesitant about priesthood, underwent a transformative shift inspired by the missionary zeal of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Accepting the call, he experienced a profound change from a “world-oriented life” to a “God-centered life.” A pivotal moment occurred at Pandravedu, deemed a forsaken area by both government officials and religious persons. Despite initial refusals, Fr. Arul Raj volunteered for this challenging mission. Witnessing the people’s misery sparked a second call to religious life. Recognizing the scarcity of committed personnel, he founded the Daughters of Mary Immaculate (DMI) on January 28, 1984, aiming to serve the poorest and oppressed. This venture stemmed from his personal mission experience and a deep conviction of God’s intervention, driving him to be a zealous missionary of the Father.
