After nearly two decades of devoted priestly service in the Archdiocese of Edmonton, Father Francis Mariappa, SAC, prepares to begin a new chapter of ministry in India, carrying with him deep gratitude for the people and parishes that have shaped his Canadian journey.
Father J.R. Muthuswamy, pastor of Our Lady of Peace Parish, Innisfail, has been appointed as pastor of Annunciation Parish as of March 5.
Ordained as a member of the Society of the Catholic Apostolate — the Pallottines founded by Saint Vincent Pallotti — Father Francis has spent 18½ years serving the faithful of Edmonton. His ministry included 11 years at Our Lady of the Angels Parish and 7½ years at Annunciation Parish, where he most recently served as pastor.
A Ministry of Presence
Reflecting on his years in Edmonton, Father Francis speaks first of gratitude.
“The most meaningful moments have been walking with families through baptisms, marriages and funerals,” he says. “To be present in both their joys and sorrows has deeply touched my priestly heart.”
He recalls celebrating milestone anniversaries, witnessing young people grow into committed Catholic adults, and accompanying parishioners through times of challenge — especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. These experiences, he says, revealed the resilience and quiet strength of Edmonton’s Catholic community.
Growing in Leadership
When Father Francis first arrived in Canada in 2007, his ministry centered primarily on sacramental service — celebrating the Eucharist and administering the sacraments with fidelity and care. As a newcomer to both country and culture, he devoted himself to listening and learning the rhythms of parish life.
Over time, his understanding of pastoral leadership broadened.
“I came to see that ministry is not only about sacramental care,” he explains, “but about accompanying people in their daily lives — their joys, struggles and hopes.”
He describes a leadership style that became increasingly collaborative and relational, rooted in deep listening and shared responsibility. By engaging parishioners, staff and volunteers attentively, he worked to empower lay leadership and strengthen parish pastoral councils. He also grew in administrative leadership, embracing transparency, accountability and clear communication as expressions of integrity and respect.
Through these experiences, his ministry evolved into what he calls a more holistic pastoral approach — integrating worship, collaboration, administration and mission, always grounded in Christ-centered servant leadership.
Challenges and Renewal
Like many pastors, Father Francis faced the realities of declining Mass attendance, secularization and the challenges of ministering within culturally diverse communities. In particular, serving the cluster parishes of Our Lady of the Angels required adaptability and personal outreach amid shifting participation.
“These challenges taught me patience,” he reflects. “They reminded me that the Church must constantly renew herself while remaining faithful to the Gospel.”
At the same time, he has witnessed signs of hope. Immigrant communities and young families, he says, often demonstrate a vibrant and intentional faith. He has observed a growing hunger for reverent, meaningful liturgy and for spiritual guidance that is compassionate yet firmly rooted in truth.
“Even amid uncertainty, there is faith,” he says. “In the faithful hearts of Edmonton, I see not only perseverance, but a quiet, radiant flourishing.”
Building for the Future
Among the accomplishments for which he is most grateful is the strengthening of parish pastoral councils and the promotion of lay ministries. Watching parishioners discover their gifts and assume shared responsibility for the Church’s mission has been a profound source of hope.
His years at Annunciation Parish hold special significance. Working with dedicated committees, discerning the needs of a rapidly growing West End congregation, and planning for the construction of a new church were among the most cherished experiences of his ministry.
“The vision was not only to build a physical structure,” he says, “but to create a spiritual home where faith could be nurtured for generations.”
Beyond parish life, Father Francis also served nearly eight years as Delegate Superior of the Pallottines in Canada and three years as Coordinator. In that role, he invited and accompanied nearly 30 priests who came to serve in dioceses across Canada, walking with them as they adapted to new cultures and pastoral realities.
“These years taught me that ministry is never a solitary journey,” he says. “It is woven from relationships, shared sacrifices and countless quiet acts of faith.”
A Pallottine Heart
Father Francis credits his Pallottine identity as foundational to his ministry. The charism of Saint Vincent Pallotti calls every baptized person to be an apostle — a living witness of God’s love.
That vision has shaped his commitment to overcoming clericalism, fostering genuine collaboration between clergy and laity, and encouraging active participation in parish life. Missionary outreach, he says, begins not only in distant lands but in everyday encounters.
“When lay men and women discover their call to serve, teach and evangelize,” he reflects, “the parish becomes a vibrant community rather than a mere institution.”
A New Chapter in India
Father Francis now returns to India to serve as Consultor to the Provincial Council of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Province in Bangalore.
Serving in Canada, he says, broadened his pastoral vision and deepened his experience of intercultural ministry. Administrative leadership in an increasingly secular society strengthened his skills in governance, discernment and collaborative decision-making — experiences he believes will assist him in his new role.
His immediate priority will be to listen carefully and understand the needs of the province, to foster unity among its members, and to promote vocations and missionary zeal within Pallottine communities.
A Farewell Filled with Gratitude
As he prepares to leave, Father Francis speaks emotionally about what he will miss most.
“I will deeply miss the people — their warmth, kindness and faith,” he says. He also treasures the strong bonds formed with fellow Pallottines serving in Edmonton, Calgary and Prince George, as well as the parishioners and “Friends of Fr. Francis” at Annunciation Parish.
“At the same time,” he adds, “obedience to the Society and to my Superior is very important to me.”
After 18 years of ministry, he offers a heartfelt message to Annunciation Parish and the wider archdiocese: “Thank you from the very depths of my heart. You have not simply been a community I ministered to — you have been a family that has shaped my vocation and deepened my walk with the Lord.”
He encourages the faithful to remain firmly rooted in Christ, united in love, and radiant in hope.“Though I begin a new chapter, you will always remain in my prayers and in my heart. The bonds we share in faith are not ended by distance.”
With abiding gratitude, Father Francis departs knowing that a part of his priestly heart will always belong to the Church in Edmonton.
