Bastiampillai Anthonipillai Thomas or "Father Thomas"[1][2] (7 March 1886 – 26 January 1964) was a Roman Catholic priest of the congregation of Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and founder of the Rosarians Order.
[3] Thomas was born on 7 March 1886 in Padiyanthalvu, Jaffna, Sri Lanka.
He studied at St. Patrick's College, Jaffna and at University of Cambridge.
[4] Thomas was compelled to become a priest after hearing the words “If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself, take up his cross and follow me” (Mt 16:24) at a Sacred Scripture lesson.
[4] Thomas died on 26 January 1964[4] and was declared a Servant of God on 11 March 2006 by Pope Benedict XVI.