He was called home to be with the Lord in 1996

In 1985, Fr. Selvaraju Selvam, SJ better known as Fr. Raju became the Parish Priest with long hair. As he enjoyed working on the gardens around the Church he was once mistaken to be the gardener. He would often remind parishioners that Christ loves us for what we are and not what we appear to be. Believing actions speak loudest he showed it in the way he cared for and loved the parishioners.

Working hard in building BECs with the laity, celebrating Masses, visiting families and participating in the many activities, he always found time for prayer. Fr. Raju once said that whenever he celebrated Mass, he was filled with joy, the joy of true communion with his people, the people of SFX and with God. He was also known for taking off his shoes and walking barefoot at the sanctuary for Mass.

[Source: Church of St. Francis Xavier – 50th Golden Jubilee Anniversary Book]