Rev. Fr. Peter A. Pillai, OMI

An educationist and champion of social justice

A talk delivered by Fr. Emmanuel Fernando, OMI, on October 19 at Aquinas College of Higher Education, commemorating the 120th birth anniversary of Rev. Fr. Peter A. Pillai, OMI.

October 19, 1904, is etched in history as a transformative day for Catholic education and institutes of higher learning in Sri Lanka. It marks the birth of Rev. Fr. Peter Alcantara Pillai, OMI, hailed as “the most educated person in the British Empire this side of the Suez Canal.” His intellectual brilliance and contributions to education and social justice continue to inspire generations.

Born to Jacob and Anna Pillai, a devout Catholic family from Kayts, young Peter’s intellect was evident from a tender age. His academic feats were nothing short of extraordinary. At just 10 years old, while studying at St. Benedict’s College, he earned both double and triple promotions, a rare accolade. By 14, he achieved distinctions in every subject in the Senior Cambridge Examination—the highest number awarded across the British Empire.

Governor William Manning, in admiration, quipped that a wheelbarrow should be added to the prize-giving ceremony for Peter to cart away his awards. By 1923, Peter Pillai had secured a Double First in Mathematics from the University of London—a milestone that solidified his reputation as one of the brightest minds of his time.

A Visionary Educationist

As the first Sri Lankan Rector of St. Joseph’s College, Colombo, Fr. Peter Pillai devoted his life to shaping the intellectual and moral fabric of the nation. He introduced groundbreaking initiatives, such as technical education and skills training, alongside traditional academic curricula. Under his leadership, St. Joseph’s College became a beacon of innovation with its Collin Press, Radio Lab, and carpentry workshops.

His legacy includes the establishment of the academy of higher studies and his role as a tireless advocate for maintaining the high standards of the institution.

His commitment to education extended beyond the classroom. Fr. Peter Pillai worked to ensure that St. Joseph’s College prepared its students for the rapidly changing social and economic realities of the time, becoming a mentor to countless young men. After the government’s takeover of schools in 1960, he emerged as the architect of the private non-fee-levying school system, preserving access to quality education for future generations.

A Heart for Social Justice

Fr. Peter Pillai was not only a scholar but also a relentless advocate for social justice. His deep concern for the marginalized in Sri Lankan society led him to fight for better wages, working conditions, and the rights of plantation workers. He was ahead of his time, campaigning for reforms such as the establishment of an eight-hour working day and the creation of the Employees Provident Fund (EPF). His bold stance on inter-racial and religious harmony, coupled with his efforts to ensure equitable resource distribution, made him a figure of profound moral authority.

Through publications like the Social Justice Review in English and Samaja Samaya in Sinhala, he spread awareness of these pressing issues. His dedication to these causes was so significant that a cartoon in the Times of Ceylon depicted him carrying a placard titled “Social Justice,” a testament to his influential role in Sri Lanka’s socio-political landscape.

A Man of God

Despite his remarkable academic and social achievements, Fr. Peter Pillai chose a life of service to God and his fellow man. His decision to enter the priesthood, following in the footsteps of his two elder brothers—Rev. Fr. Joseph Cajetan Pillai, OMI, and Bishop Emilianus Pillai, OMI—surprised many. However, it was in this calling that Fr. Peter found his true purpose. His scholarly accomplishments were but one dimension of his broader mission to serve the poor and oppressed, embodying the Gospel’s call to love and justice.

Fr. Peter Pillai’s ordination in 1936 marked the beginning of a life dedicated to bringing the Kingdom of God to earth. He was a spiritual guide who believed that faith without action was meaningless. His work reflected a profound biblical spirituality, rooted in love for the neighbor, as exemplified by the parable of the Good Samaritan. This spirituality fueled his every effort, from education to social reform.

A Lasting Legacy

Fr. Peter Pillai’s legacy is immortalized in the institutions he helped shape, most notably Aquinas College of Higher Studies. His vision for a center of learning that transcended ethnic and religious boundaries was realized in 1954, when, together with Cardinal Thomas Cooray, OMI, he founded Aquinas College. Today, this institution stands as a testament to his enduring belief in the power of education to uplift lives and build a just society.

As we reflect on his life and contributions, it is clear that Sri Lanka today still yearns for leaders like Fr. Peter Pillai—men and women of integrity, humility, and a profound sense of duty to the common good. In a time when corruption and shallow religiosity plague leadership, Fr. Peter’s simple, prayerful lifestyle offers a blueprint for a new generation of leaders driven by compassion and justice.

The Most Brilliant Scholar

Fr. Peter Pillai passed away on September 27, 1964, leaving a towering legacy. As Fr. Justin Perera remarked, “This most brilliant of Ceylon’s scholars… renounced the glittering prizes of high office the world offered him and quite literally, took up his cross and followed his Master.” His life is a reminder that true greatness lies not in accolades but in service to others.

May his legacy continue to inspire institutions like St. Joseph’s College and Aquinas College to carry forward his mission of education and social justice, empowering future generations to build a more just and compassionate world.