Saturday, June 14, 2014

Br. Eusebius Ekka, ofmcap (14-08-1963 to 07-06-2014)

 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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