Servants of God from the Latin

Bishop Jerome, the first native bishop of the Kollam had helmed the Kollam diocese, the first Catholic diocese in India, from 1937 to 1978. He was an embodiment of Christian spirituality and a true visionary, he played an integral role in the overall development and progress of Kollam city.

Father Peter was born to Savarinayagam and Thomaiammal on May 29, 1941, at Thiruppanthuruthy, Thanjavur district. A resident of Michealpatti, a Catholic village, had his primary education at his home town and high school at Thirukattupalli. He joined the Capuchins, Coimbatore, in 1959. He was given the religious name Roland. He was ordained a priest on December 11, 1969. Father A Thainis says Father Peter was noted for his keenness and austerity during his formation years. After ordination, he was assigned to teach at the minor seminary, Amalashram (Immaculate hermitage). In 1974, he was sent to Rome, to specialize on spirituality. In Rome he showed interest on the spirituality of mystics such as Saints Theresa of Avila and John of the Cross. His calm and serene life pushed him towards these great Carmelite mystics, Father Thainis added. In 1976, Father Peter was appointed at Amalashram and was appointed the director of the minor seminary. In 1978, he was elected as a provincial councilor. He was the spiritual animator of the Sisters of St Anne’s (Trichy) and Holy Cross. He was appreciated for his spiritual discourses and holy life. He helped the poor and the suffering. He stayed awake at night to pray before the Blessed Sacrament. In August 1978 Father Peter complained of pain in the stomach. At Madras General (Rajiv Gandhi) Hospital, he was operated on and the suspicion of cancer was confirmed. He passed away 15 days after the operation on March 2, 1979. He was 38.