Fr. Raja Masilamani, SVD is a priest of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD), educator, administrator, motivational speaker, retreat preacher, and social leader. Born on 12 December 1990 in Peria Olaipadi, Vettavalam Parish, Tiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu, he has dedicated his life to the service of God, the Church, and society through pastoral ministry, education, leadership, and human development. Fr. Raja began his journey with the Society of the Divine Word in 2009 at St. Charles Seminary, Tiruchirappalli. He made his First Religious Profession on 17 June 2014 at Catholic Ashram, Khurda, and his Final Profession on 2 January 2020 at Divine Word Seminary, Pune. He was ordained a priest on 8 May 2021 at Peria Olaipadi, Vettavalam, by Most Rev. Dr. S. Singaroyan, Bishop Emeritus of Salem..

Academically, Fr. Raja possesses a rich and diverse educational background. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) a Master of Arts (M.A.) in psychology from Bhopal, As well as a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.), and a Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) and Bachelor of Philosophy. His multidisciplinary formation has equipped him with a deep understanding of human behavior, educational leadership, spiritual guidance, and pastoral care. During his seminary formation, Fr. Raja actively participated in youth ministry and leadership development. While studying theology in Pune, he served as the Youth Animator for the Diocese of Pune, helping young people deepen their faith and develop leadership skills. His enthusiasm for formation and evangelization continues to characterize his ministry today. Following his ordination, Fr. Raja served as Assistant Parish Priest and Boys’ Hostel In-charge at Muvallia, Gujarat, where he accompanied youth and families while gaining valuable pastoral and administrative experience. He later served as Assistant Parish Priest for two years at Christ the King Church, Jhalod, continuing his pastoral mission among the faithful.

In the field of education, Fr. Raja has demonstrated exceptional leadership and organizational abilities. He served as the Manager of St. Arnold School, Godhra, Gujarat, for two years and currently serves as the Principal of St. Arnold School. Under his leadership, the institution strives to provide holistic education rooted in academic excellence, discipline, values, and character formation. He is deeply committed to nurturing young minds and empowering teachers to become agents of positive change. Beyond his institutional responsibilities, Fr. Raja plays an active role in the wider Church. He serves as the President of the Conference of Religious India (CRI), Baroda Diocese, fostering collaboration and unity among religious congregations. He is also the Chairman of the Diocesan Commission for Ecology and Environment, promoting environmental awareness, ecological responsibility, and sustainable living in response to the Church’s call to care for our common home.

A gifted communicator and inspiring speaker, Fr. Raja is widely sought after for retreats, recollections, seminars, workshops, and motivational programs. He has conducted numerous training sessions for students, teachers, youth, religious, and lay leaders. Drawing from his expertise in psychology, education, and spirituality, he offers practical and transformative insights that inspire personal growth, leadership, and faith-filled living. Fr. Raja is also a talented writer and thinker. During his seminary years, he contributed articles to books, magazines, and newspapers on topics related to faith, society, youth, and human development. His literary abilities earned him recognition in national-level essay competitions, particularly on the theme “Search for Peace.” Through his writings and public engagements, he continues to advocate for peace, justice, education, and human dignity.

Known for his simplicity, approachability, and compassionate leadership, Fr. Raja combines intellectual depth with pastoral sensitivity. Fluent in Tamil, English, Hindi, and Gujarati, he effectively ministers to people from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. His passion for reading, lifelong learning, and community service further enriches his ministry. As a priest, educator, administrator, preacher, and mentor, Fr. Raja Masilamani, SVD continues to dedicate himself to the mission of building faith communities, promoting quality education, empowering young people, and fostering a more just, peaceful, and compassionate society. Through his commitment to God and humanity, he remains a source of inspiration and hope for countless individuals whose lives he touches.