St Ann’s R C Church

Fr. James Raj was born in a small village called Devipattanam, Tamil Nadu, India. He belongs to the Diocese of Palayamkottai, Tamil Nadu.

His seminary formation for the priesthood took place at Papal Seminary, Pune, India. During his seminary years, he engaged in community fieldwork for about five years, working with children with additional needs at Snehalaya, Wagholi, Pune. During this time, he was also involved in directing theatre work, including shadow plays, and developing his acting skills.

Fr. James was ordained for the Diocese of Palayamkottai on 1st May 2016 by Right Reverend Jude Paulraj D.D. In his home diocese, he held several appointments, including teaching Indian spiritual methods (Yoga) at Jnana Deepa Institute of Philosophy and Theology, Pune, and serving as a visiting professor at Christ Hall Seminary, Madurai. He also served as an assistant priest at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Kovilpatti, Tamil Nadu, and later as Secretary to Bishop Jude Paulraj, the then Bishop of Palayamkottai, and subsequently to Archbishop Antony Pappusamy, the Archbishop of Madurai.

In 2019, Fr. James began his ministry in the Archdiocese of Southwark, initially as an assistant parish priest at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, Thornton Heath, then at English Martyrs Catholic Church, Streatham, and finally at St. Boniface Catholic Church, Tooting. From 2nd September 2024, he serves as the Parish Priest (Parochial Administrator) of St. Ann’s Church, Kingston Hill. During his ministry in the Southwark Diocese, he also served for four years as the Deanery Secretary for Lambeth and then for Wandsworth Deanery.

Fr. James holds Master’s degrees in both Philosophy and Theology. Additionally, he is a qualified expert in Yoga exercises, meditation and breathing, holding the title of “Yoga Acharya – Master of Yoga,” which he earned in Kerala.

Fr. James has a range of hobbies, including exercising, taking long walks, creating websites, leading meditations, and playing badminton and cricket.

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