On Saturday, 24 February 2024, Archbishop Dr Felix Toppo SJ made a pastoral and friendly visit to Ranchi St Paul Society. Though unexpected, the whole community assembled together to welcome him with a bouquet of flowers.
At the outset, he appreciated the spiritual assistance that we offer to the Catholics around us. He said, “I have come to say thank you and urge you to continue the excellent work you are doing in this place, and I assure you my full support in carrying out your priestly ministry.” We need to understand the difficulties of people and offer them spiritual assistance. He exhorted us in the words of Pope Francis, “This is the priestly spirit: making us servants of the People of God and not masters, washing the feet of our brothers and sisters and not crushing them under our feet.”
He also shared how his spiritual journey began in 1968 when he joined the Society of Jesus. His leadership – within the Jesuits – extended roles such as director of pre-novices, novice master, and superior at various intervals. He himself will install the new archbishop-elect Rt Rev Vincent Aind, on 19 March 2024, and will return to his Jesuit community and offer his spiritual services to the people around Jamshedpur.
Fr Francis, on behalf of the community, thanked His Grace for his gracious visit to the community. As a token of our love, appreciation and gratitude, we offered him 12 copies of the Hindi Bible.
Br Arockiam@Ranchi