Father Michael Raj Savarimuthu was born on November 16, 1969, in the small Catholic village of Ilangulam in Tamil Nadu, India. From a young age, he was deeply involved in his local mission parish, serving as an altar server, lector, and sacristan.
His vocation began to take root on June 28, 1982, the day of his Confirmation. During the ceremony, the Archbishop of Mylapur (Madras) asked the children who wished to become priests to raise their hands. Among the three who did was young Michael. Following that call, he joined the seminary in Grade 9.
After graduating, he entered the Italian religious order Opera Don Guanella (Servi della Carità). He completed his major in philosophy in India, and in 1993, was sent to Rome for further studies. There, he earned a B.A. and Licentiate in Theology.
After leaving the religious order in 1998, Father Michael remained in Rome for further discernment. During this time, he met Archbishop James Weisgerber during a canonical visit with Pope John Paul II, and the Archbishop invited him to continue his vocation in Canada.
Father Michael arrived in Winnipeg in August 2000. He first served at Our Lady of Perpetual Help and later at Holy Rosary Church with Father Sam Argenziano. He was ordained a priest on June 28, 2001, at St. Mary’s Cathedral, and served as Assistant Pastor at Holy Rosary for two years. He also served as Chaplain at St. Paul’s College, University of Manitoba.
Over the years, Father Michael has ministered in several Manitoba parishes, including:
- Immaculate Conception (Fisher Branch)
- Christ the King (Stonewall)
- St. Dominic’s (Neepawa)
- St. Augustine of Canterbury (Brandon)
- St. Lazare (St. Lazare)
- Good Shepherd (Portage la Prairie)
On August 1, 2024, Father Michael joyfully returned to his spiritual home, Holy Rosary Church, now serving as Pastor.
Outside of his ministry, Father Michael enjoys movies, hiking, road trips, reading, and traveling. He also loves to cook Indian food, especially when hosting friends and guests.