Obituary
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal,
love leaves a memory no one can steal”– so reads a headstone in a cemetery in
Ireland. The untimely and sudden death
of Br. Eusebius Ekka has left an ache in the hearts of a vast number of his
near and dear ones, both among the friars of St Fidelis Province, Priests of
different Dioceses, Nuns and among his family members, that the Master of Life
alone can heal.
Birth and Growth: Br.
Eusebius Ekka was born on 14th August 1963 at Gorkho village, Nawatanr, Ranchi,
Jharkhand, to late Mr. Stanislaus Ekka and late Mrs. Serophina Tirkey. He was
the youngest in the family. He grew up gracefully in the devout family with
extra love and care of his loving parents. His family members were very joyful
and proud to fulfill his wish as he desired to join the Capuchins of St. Fidelis
Province, North India.
Religious Life: Br.
Eusebius Ekka entered the Capuchin Order as an enthusiastic aspirant. After
the initial years of preparation, he began his novitiate on 14th May
1986 at Monte Mariano, Farangipet. Convinced of his vocation he withstood the
rigour and stress of the novitiate with vigour and determination and made his
First Profession on 15th May 1987. He did his Philosophy studies at
Deena Seva Ashram, Bangalore, from June 1987 to April 1990. He completed his
Theological studies at St. Albert College, Ranchi, in the year 1994, and was ordained
as Priest in the Capuchin Order on May 18, 1996. Later, he did his Licentiate
in the Pastoral Theology from the Lateran University, Rome.
Faithful Ministry: One’s talents come to light when one seizes
the very first chances. Br. Eusebius Ekka was dedicated to his ministry
wherever he was appointed. He was a faithful
minister in the vineyard of the Lord. He was mostly in the parishes as parish
priest and also in charge of the parish schools. People do remembers his
cheerful and selfless pastoral ministries wherever he was, especially in U.P.,
Odisha, and Chattisgarh. He did a lot in the up-bringing and recognition of the
school at Haldijharia, Chattisgarh.
While being engaged in various ministries in
the parishes and other activities, Br. Eusebius Ekka did not forget to prepare
a modest ‘abode’ for himself in his Father’s Kingdom. We firmly believe that the Creator and the
Lord of life has welcomed our Br. Eusebius Ekka with the words: “Well done good
and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Master” (Mt. 25:21).
Embraced Sister Death: “Because
I have loved life, I shall have no sorrow to die”, writes the renowned
author Amelia Burr. Br. Eusebius Ekka was
never afraid of death because he loved life. We are deeply sad to inform you that Br. Eusebius Ekka passed away on June 07, 2014, at ORCHID
Hospital, Ranchi. The funeral service was held at Jivan Deep, Khunti, Jharkhand
(Novitiate House), on June 09, 2014. It was attended by a large number of
priests, religious, faithful, relatives and friends. The Eucharist was presided
over by Rev Fr. John Berchmans Barla, Provincial Minister, and many priests of
different dioceses/congregations. We
pray that God grant eternal reward to our beloved brother for the good life he
lived and the good example he left for all of us. May he enjoy the eternal
bliss!
(A tribute of love from St. Fidelis province, Lucknow)
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