Rt. Rev. Abbot NICHOLAS AMRITMANI AMBROSE O.Praem

He was the sixth child in a loving family of seven, born to a humble motor mechanic and a devoted housewife. His parents were among the first twenty Tamil families to settle in Jabalpur after World War II, creating a home where faith blossomed despite the absence of a proper church. A priest would visit every three months until a Dutch priest, Doubblemann, became the first bishop of the Cathedral Church of St. Peter and Paul. The Ambrose family gathered for evening rosaries, and ultimately, Nicholas answered the call to priesthood. A gifted athlete and footballer, Nicholas found his true vocation in shepherding others in faith. As the first abbot of the Abbey of Jamtara in Jabalpur, he worked tirelessly to bring his village into the spotlight as India's inaugural abbey. Affectionately known as Swamy Ji with villagers and Fr Nicky in urban faithfull, he connected deeply with each family, embodying his guiding principle: “I have come to serve and not to be served.” His life was very committed and loved spending his time amongs his floks knowing eachone by their names.

1965–1966: Acting Principal of Jamtara Monastery

1967–1970: Prior, Cantor, Master of Brothers in Jamtara, and Moderator of YCS

1970–1973: Novice Master, Jamtara

1974–1977: Parish Priest, St. Joseph the Worker’s Church, Bandra East, Mumbai

1977–1983: Prior, Cantor, Junior Master, and Abbot’s Delegate

1983–1987: Superior and Parish Priest, Nirmala Church

1987–1993: Prior and Principal, Jamtara Monastery

1994–1995: Parish Priest, Nirmala Church

1995–1999: Parish Priest, St. Jude’s Church

22 November 1999: Elected as Prior

On the auspicious occasion of the 2000th Great Jubilee of the Birth of Lord Jesus Christ, 7 October 2000 became a historic day in Norbertine history. On this day, St. Norbert Priory, Jamtara, was elevated to the status of an Abbey. Along with this memory, the scene of 13 November 2000 also comes alive before our eyes, when Right Rev. Bishop Theophine O. Prem blessed Abbot Nicholas Amritmani Ambrose as the first Abbot of St. Norbert Abbey, Jamtara. The writer himself, along with his teachers and colleagues, the Christian community of Jabalpur, and the secular citizens of Jabalpur, were witnesses to this event.

He cherished playing harmonium and singing hymns, often encouraging others to join him. His favorites hymns included "NAMO AYE MERI MAA" and in filmy song "EK PYAR KA NAGMA HAI." A devoted supporter of the Hindi Choir at Ss Peter and Paul Cathedral Church, he looked forward to their annual picnic in Jamtara, filled with music, good food, and joyful dancing.