Tiburtius Savari-Muthu

Rev. Tiburtius Anthony Raja brings over 30 years of diverse pastoral, academic, and artistic experience to his role as the Catholic Chaplain at Bucknell University. Ordained a Catholic priest on April 23, 1996, at the Santhome Cathedral in Chennai, India, Fr. Raja is a priest of the Diocese of Chingleput, currently serving in the Diocese of Harrisburg.

Fr. Raja’s ministry is grounded in a diverse educational foundation. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Madras, alongside advanced ecclesiastical studies in Philosophy and Theology from Sacred Heart Seminary, India. He also holds a Diploma in Pastoral Counseling and Religious Formation from the National Vocation Service Centre in Pune, India.

His professional journey includes significant leadership roles, such as Vice Rector of the Minor Seminary and Assistant Pastor in the Archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore, the first Rector of St. Joseph’s Minor Seminary, the first Director of the Diocesan Youth Commission, and Pastor of various parishes in the new Diocese of Chingleput. Additionally, he has served as a member of the Priests’ Senate and College of Consultors in the Diocese of Chingleput.

A staunch advocate for social justice, Fr. Raja organized "Nadavu" (Sowing Seeds), an interreligious cultural troupe. For years, he utilized street theatre, folk dance, and music to advocate for Dalit liberation, women’s emancipation, and the importance of education. He has conducted numerous workshops on personal effectiveness and integral personality development, helping young people bridge the gap between spirituality and social concern.

Fr. Raja is an accomplished musician and scholar of both Western and ancient Tamil music. He has composed over 300 songs and produced nearly 40 audio CDs in Tamil and English. As an author, he has contributed works on the laity, Scripture, spirituality, the Stations of the Cross, the saints, and socio-spiritual awareness.

Fr. Raja is dedicated to the holistic formation of students, helping them integrate their intellectual pursuits with spiritual, social, emotional, and moral growth. At Bucknell, he provides dedicated pastoral care, celebrating daily and Sunday Mass, administering the Sacraments, and offering individual accompaniment and counseling for students of all backgrounds.