MADISON — Fr. Anthony Swamy Aakula recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.
He was born in the town of Palnellore in the state of Tamil Nadu in India on October 7, 1950, to Marianna Reddy and Martinamma Aakula.
He attended St. Mary Elementary School in Palnellore and Don Bosco High School in Pannur, located in Thiruval. He attended Sacred Heart Seminary in Poonamalle, Chennai, and graduated with a degree in Sacra Theologia. Graduate study was at Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu, India.
Father Aakula was ordained a priest on March 19, 1984, by Bishop Dr. P. C. Balaswamy, Bishop of Nellore, South India, at St. Joseph Cathedral, in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Father Aakula served as parish priest and manager of the Balavanam Co-op Farm and Catholic mission at Chinthalagunta, Nandipadu, Post Nellore and of the Catholic mission and diocesan farm at Vallur Post. He served as parish priest at the Catholic mission in Markapur in the Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh; Catholic mission, Mariammapet, Perala Chirala, Prakasam district; Catholic mission, Atmakur P.O., Nellore; and Infant Jesus Shrine, Tada, Nellore.
In the Diocese of Madison, he served as administrator of St. Mary Help of Christians Parish in Sullivan, linked with St. Mary Parish in Palmyra; as temporary administrator of St. Joseph Parish, Ft. Atkinson, remaining as administrator in Palmyra; and as temporary chaplain at UW Hospital & Clinics, Madison. He is currently serving as parochial administrator of St. Matthew Parish in Shullsburg, linked with Our Lady of Hope Parish, Seymour, and St. Peter Parish, Elk Grove.