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Today · 28 OctEventha· sasa
Oblate bishop
First Indigenous Tamil Bishop of Jaffna
Province necrology · Register no. 318
From the Province register of Oblates who served in Ceylon and Jaffna. Dates are written day, month, year.
Bishop Jerome Emilianus Pillai, O.M.I., made history when he was consecrated in 1950 as the first indigenous Sri Lankan Tamil Bishop of the Diocese of Jaffna (1950–1972). Bishop Pillai was an eminent scholar, linguist, and educator who championed the introduction of vernacular Tamil in the sacred liturgy following the Second Vatican Council. He translated liturgical texts, authored theological works in Tamil, and established Catholic cultural institutions. During times of political and national tension, Bishop Pillai stood as a courageous defender of human rights, linguistic equity, and social justice for minority communities in Sri Lanka.
In memoriam
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.
Bishop Jerome Emilianus Pillai, O.M.I., made history when he was consecrated in 1950 as the first indigenous Sri Lankan Tamil Bishop of the Diocese of Jaffna (1950–1972).
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