Verghese V Joseph –
Ranchi: In the remote village of Chiropath, nestled amidst the wilderness approximately 230 kilometers away from the bustling city of Ranchi and bordered by Chhattisgarh, a heavily forested state in central India, a humble community gathered to celebrate Palm Sunday on March 24th, 2024. Despite its isolation, St. Mary’s Parish flourishes with around three hundred devout Catholics, their fervor undeterred by the challenges of poor road infrastructure, lack of mobile connectivity, and intermittent electricity supply.
Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas SFX, known for his unwavering dedication, deliberately selected this village for the Palm Sunday festivities, underscoring his commitment to reaching the marginalized communities within his diocese. This marked his inaugural Holy Week as the newly installed Bishop of Daltonganj, wherein he opted for remote locales over the grandeur of cathedral settings, embodying a pastoral approach that prioritizes inclusivity.
Amidst the rugged terrain and rustic charm, the congregation warmly welcomed Bishop Theodore, expressing their reverence through traditional gestures of hand washing, adorning him with floral garlands, and extending heartfelt felicitations following the Mass. The solemnity commenced with a procession traversing from an open expanse to the modest church, accentuated by the ceremonial blessing of palm fronds and the faithful waving them in reverence.
The Mass began with a procession from the open ground to the small church with the blessing of the palms and people waving the palms in procession.
Addressing the devout gathered in Chiropath, Bishop Theodore delivered a message of resilience and hope, urging them to persevere in their faith journey despite adversities. Emphasizing the importance of education, particularly for the younger generation, he implored parents to nurture their children’s intellectual growth, envisioning a brighter future for both individual families and the collective village community.
Speaking to his people in Chiropath, he encouraged them to continue living their lives with courage. He asked them to keep their faith and to educate their children. He asked the youth and children to work hard, get education and bring up their families and their village.
Fr. Marianus Kujur SJ, the Parish Priest, Fr. Timothy Assistant, Fr. Amardeep Kerketta, Bishop’s Secretary Concelebrated in the solemn High Mass. The Sisters of the Handmaids of Mary also participated.
As the echoes of prayers reverberated through the rustic landscape and the sun dipped below the horizon, Palm Sunday in the remote village of Chiropath stood as a testament to unwavering devotion and communal solidarity, encapsulating the essence of faith transcending geographical confines