Ranchi: His Eminence Telesphore Placidius Cardinal Toppo the Archbishop emeritus of Ranchi archdiocese retired as Archbishop on 24 June 2018 after his retirement. On 1st September, he moved on to the Divine Mother Minor Basilica presbytery in Ulathu. The Basilica itself was his dream comes true as he had moved heaven and earth to build it and have it approved as a minor Basilica by the Holy Father.
Following his expressed desire that he wished to reside there, Archbishop Felix Toppo SJ and Auxiliary Bishop Telesphore Bilung SVD refurbished the apartment and made it comfortable. Fr. Kishore Toppo assistant at Ulhatu was given the charge of looking after him. Sr. Immaculata Kullu DSA took up the task of faithfully looking after his needs.
As old age began taking over the physical and mental facilities of his Eminence, Archbishop Felix and Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas SFX arranged an extra full time attendant Mr. Rahul Kumar to take care of his various needs and to complement Sr. Immaculata in looking after Cardinal Toppo. After evaluating more carefully the evolving health situation of His Eminence, Archbishop Felix and Bishop Theodore felt that the Cardinal required more frequent and constant health care attention.
Providence has its own way of taking care of his own people. Hardly 25 metres from the Minor Basilica in Ulhatu, Cardinal Toppo himself had in 2016 inaugurated the House for the aged established by the Congregation of the Daughters of St. Anne. Mother Linda Mary Vaughan DSA Superior General of the DSA was approached. She willingly and gladly accepted the proposal to host Cardinal Toppo as a guest in the House,
Two elderly accompanied by Archbishop Felix, Bishop Theodore, Fr. Maximus Toppo, Parish Priest of the Ulhatu Parish and Rector of the Minor Basilica, His Eminence entered his new Home on July 2.
Fr. Pradeep Tirkey who was recently entrusted with the full charge of looking after Cardinal took care of the details of the transfer. He will continue with the task of looking after the needs of His Eminence in close collaboration with the Sisters. Mother Linda Mary and Sr. Jacinta, the in charge of the St. Anne’s Hospital and old age and Fr. Praful Tigga were personally present to welcome the Cardinal. All arrangements are made including a refrigerator being installed in the room so that his Eminence continues to enjoy a comfortable evening of his life.
Cardinal Telesphore will also be able to avail 24×7 excellent medical and nursing facilities from the attached super speciality hospital inaugurated by the DSA at the hands of CM Hemant Soren last year.