Early Life and Education
Rev. Dr. Adaikalam Donald M. was born on November 7, 1975, in Michaelpatty, Thanjavur, near the Poondi Madha Basilica. He was baptized in December 1975 and received his First Communion and Confirmation in Michaelpatty. He pursued his early education at St. Aloysius Primary School, Michaelpatty, and SSAHSS, Thirukattupalli, before entering the Sacred Heart Seminary, Kumbakonam for his priestly formation. He also completed a B.Sc. in Chemistry from St. Joseph’s College, Cuddalore, before continuing his studies in philosophy and theology at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Chennai.
Priestly Formation and Ordination
Rev. Dr. Donald began his seminary life in 1993 and was ordained a deacon on April 27, 2003, at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Kumbakonam, by Most Rev. Peter Remigius, D.D. He was ordained as a priest on April 22, 2004, in the same cathedral, embracing the motto: “Be united in Christ and to unite people” (John 17:21).
Pastoral Ministries in India
After ordination, he served as an Assistant Parish Priest in Vadagarai (2004-2005) and Varadarajanpet (2005-2006). Later, he became the Parish Priest of St. Fatima Church, Fatimapuram (2006-2010). Alongside his pastoral duties, he pursued further studies, earning a Diploma in Journalism from Annamalai University, an M.Sc. in Computer Science from Roever’s College, Perambalur, and a B.Ed. from St. Elisabeth, Annamangalam.
Higher Studies and Ministry in Germany
In 2010, Rev. Dr. Donald traveled to Germany for higher studies. He learned German, Hebrew, Greek, and Latin before undertaking doctoral research at the University of Mainz (2014-2019). His dissertation, “Imago Dei: Man as Eccentric Being – Exploring Anthropology in View of Different Confessional Traditions,” was supervised by Prof. Dr. Leonhard Hell and supported by a Cardinal Dr. Karl Lehmann scholarship.
While studying, he also engaged in pastoral ministry in Ettmannsdorf-Schwandorf (2014-2016), Schnaittenbach-Kemnath am Buchberg (2019-2022), and Teisnach-March-Gotteszell (2022-2023) under the Diocese of Regensburg. In 2023, he was appointed Parish Priest at Herz-Jesu, Sulzbach-Rosenberg, with Rev. Fr. Jestin Prathap Thanislas as his assistant.
Return to India and Academic Role
Rev. Dr. Donald is set to return to India in September 2025 as a Professor of Systematic Theology and a formator for seminarians at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Chennai.
Publications and Contributions
A passionate theologian and writer, he has authored books, including:
- தெய்வம் வாடும் பூமி (Eco-Spirituality, 2004)
- விவிலிய மகளிர் (Women in the Bible, 2016)
- Imago Dei: Man as Eccentric Being – Exploring Anthropology in View of Different Confessional Traditions (2020)
He has also contributed scholarly articles, such as “Conversion as Liberation” (2022, Loyola College, Chennai).
Musical and Literary Works
Rev. Dr. Donald is also a songwriter and composer, with numerous Tamil devotional songs, including:
- En Dhevane en Ayane (2008)
- Holy Week Songs (2010)
- Nenjam muzhudhum nandriyodu (2014)
- Arokia Madhave (2016)
Languages and Skills
Fluent in Tamil, English, German, Sanskrit, Hebrew, Greek, and Latin, he is a professor, writer, essayist, translator, and composer committed to theological education and pastoral ministry.
Conclusion
Rev. Dr. Adaikalam Donald M. has dedicated his life to faith, education, and service, bridging cultures and traditions. His contributions as a priest, scholar, writer, and musician continue to inspire many in India and beyond.