The small village of Siphri in Chainpur, Gumla District, Jharkhand, was filled with joy and jubilation on Monday, May 19, 2025, as Fr Amit Toppo, a newly ordained Pauline Priest, celebrated his First Eucharist in his native village. The historic event marked a significant moment for the local Catholic community. Fr Toppo became one of the latest vocations to emerge from this vibrant village. It is to be noted that Deacon Toppo was Ordained a priest on the previous day, Sunday, May 19, by His Lordship Anand Jojo, the Bishop of Hazaribag, at St Anthony’s Church, Malam, Gumla.

The Eucharistic celebration took place in the Siphri village, the long served spiritual hub for the Catholic faithful in the region. The altar and the make-shift tent were adorned with flowers, traditional tribal motifs, and colorful decorations, reflecting the community’s pride in welcoming their son as a priest. Hundreds of villagers, along with his parents, siblings, family members, Pauline Brothers and Priests, clergy, and religious sisters, gathered to participate in the solemn Mass, which was conducted in Hindi. During the homily, the newly ordained, reflected and preached on a heart-moving theme ‘Grace’. The homily highlighted the origin of his calling, amidst struggles and confusions, further he reflected on the importance of prayer life which was centre of his family and the upbringing.

The choir, composed of the local youth, led the congregation in traditional hymns and Oraon devotional songs, adding a cultural richness to the liturgy. A special word is to be mentioned about ‘Jhangh Naach’ traditional Adivasi dance which further highlighted the deep-rooted Catholic faith in the region.

Following the Mass, a felicitation program was held where community leaders, including tribal elders, expressed their pride in Fr Toppo’s journey. The event concluded with a communal meal featuring traditional dishes, fostering a spirit of fellowship and celebration.

Fr Toppo’s journey to the priesthood began in Siphri, where he was inspired by the faith of his family and the legacy of missionary priests. His ordination is seen as a continuation of the thriving Adivasi Church in Jharkhand, which has produced numerous priests and religious vocations, notably exemplified by the Jesuits from Belgium.

As Fr Amit Toppo begins his Pauline Priestly ministry, may his service inspire more young men and women to answer God’s call. The celebration of his First Eucharist not only marked a personal milestone but also reinforced the deep faith of the villagers. We wish Fr Toppo God’s blessings!!!

It is a rare privilege to celebrate the Jubilee of Religious Profession when the universal church celebrates the Jubilee Year. Such a coincidence makes the celebration even more profound—a true moment of grace and reflection on God’s blessings. It’s an opportunity to not only honour the years of faithful service but also to align with the Church’s wider call for renewal, gratitude, and spiritual deepening.

On May 16, 2025, the members of the Society of St Paul gathered in the community of Ranchi, to honour and celebrate the remarkable milestone of the Golden Jubilee of Religious Profession of our beloved brothers—Br Alphonce Bara, Br Andreas Beck, and Br Xavier Tirkey—as well as the Sacerdotal Silver Jubilee of Fr Dominic Tirkey. Together, they reflected on the incredible ways in which the Lord has been guiding them throughout their journey.

The Jubilee Thanksgiving Eucharist commenced with a beautiful prayer dance, as the chief celebrant Archbishop Vincent Aind of the Archdiocese of Ranchi, together with the Jubilarians, Rev. Fr Joby Mathew, the Provincial Superior, and as many as 25 concelebrating priests, processed to the altar.

After a warm welcome extended by Fr Francis Dalmet, the Superior of the Community of Ranchi, the Archbishop and the Jubilarians lit the lamp, symbolically welcoming the light of Christ into our midst.

In his homily, the Archbishop reminded the Jubilarians and the members of the Society of St Paul that vocation is a divine gift—most fittingly celebrated on this 50^th anniversary—and it reflects their journey with Jesus Christ, the eternal Priest. He also emphasized that St Paul was the first to use media as a means of communication. However, as members of the Society of St Paul continue to embrace modern means of communication, it is essential to reflect: How alive is the Word of God in your lives, and how effectively do you communicate it through your words and actions?

A good number of Pauline priests and brothers from different communities of the Province, along with members of the Sister Disciples of the Divine Master, as well as priests and religious from various congregations in Ranchi, graced the Jubilee celebrations. Family members of the Jubilarians attended the celebrations in large numbers and shared their sentiments of love and gratitude by singing songs. On behalf of the Jubilarians, Br Andreas Beck expressed heartfelt gratitude to God for their lives and vocations. He also showered his gratitude and appreciation for the Provincial Government and the members of the community of Ranchi for planning and organizing the Jubilee celebrations, making it solemn and memorable to all those present.

During the felicitations, the Jubilarians were honoured for their dedicated lives and unwavering enthusiasm to the Pauline life and mission. The priests, religious sisters, and friends and benefactors also extended their best wishes to the Jubilarians. The celebration featured vibrant traditional dances and songs and concluded with a delightful meal, marking a memorable end to the Jubilee festivities.

January 1, 2025

Today, Fr. Rony joyfully celebrates his Golden Birthday, marking a milestone in both his life and his service to the Lord.

The members of the Community of Bengaluru came together to offer heartfelt thanks to the Lord for the gift of Fr. Rony’s life and the innumerable blessings he has received throughout his years. His leadership, love, and devotion have been a guiding light to all who have crossed his path, and this momentous day is a celebration of his Pauline vocation and service to the Lord.

In a beautiful show of unity, the parishioners of St Paul’s Church, Bengaluru, also came together to honor their Shepherd on the eve of the New Year 2025. The celebration took place during the Eucharistic Adorationand Holy Mass, where the community gathered in prayer, offering thanks for Fr. Rony’s faithful ministry and asking God to continue blessing him abundantly in the years ahead.

We wish Fr Rony God’s choicest blessings as he embarks on another year of his journey with Christ. May he continue to grow in His grace, radiating God’s love and compassion to all those he encounters.