SAC DARPAN: Fr. Lucas, We Miss You: An Obituary to Rev. Fr. Lucas Tirkey

“… Whether we live or die, we belong to the lord” (Rom 14:8).

Rev. Fr. Lucas Tirkey, a dynamic and most loved priest, parish priest, formator, spiritual director, professor of Spiritual Theology, Prefect of Philosophy has gone to his eternal reward. St. Albert has lost its finest Jewel. Whole Albertine family is mourning with his sudden demise. But as true Christians, we believe that he is in the company of Saints and in the presence of God the Father.

On April 8, While going to Simdega for the blessing of a convent he experienced severe chest pain and was taken to dispensary in Hulhundu and soon he was taken to Orchid Hospital, Ranchi where he was diagnosed as having two blocks in the heart, one 100% and the other 60%. Doctors were unable to clear the blocks for two days and therefore he was referred to Apollo Hospital, Ranchi. Though the expert doctors could clear the blocks and regained his consciousness his brain had already affected the attack. He remained unconscious for 14 days and slowly his brain started dying and other organs failing. On April 25 at 4.40 a.m doctors declared him dead.

Fr. Lucas Tirkey was born on April 20, 1955 as a sixth child among seven children of Late John Tirkey and Late Mariam Tirkey in Kurdeg parish. He was ordained priest for Ranchi Archdiocese by the Archbishop Telesphore P. Cardinal Toppo on January 4, 1986. He turned 60 years when we was in Apollo Hospital. After the initial studies, he completed degree from St. Xavier’s College, Ranchi. Then he completed the philosophy from St. Albert’s College Ranchi, Theology from Orience theological Instutude – Shillong, and Licentiate in Spiritual Theology from St. Thomas Aquinas Pontifical University – Rome. Ever since his ordination, he served the Church in various capacities: As Assistant Parish Priest of Torpa Parish, Archdiocesan Vocation promoter and formator of young candidates, secretary to the Archbishop of Ranchi, parish priest of St. Mary’s Cathedral, Ranchi and as Professor cum Prefect of Philosophy at St Albert’s College, Ranchi.

Speaking on his death, Fr. Joseph Prasad Pinto Ofm Cap., the Rector of the Seminary said, “We have lost a precious Jewel. He was a role model for all Christians.” His Eminence Telesphore P. Cardinal Toppo said, “his death has incurred a great loss not only to the Albertine family, but also to the Archdiocese.” Fr. Lucas was very much sought person in many formation houses in and around Ranchi. In their condolence messages, many told us that they have lost “their guardian.”

The funeral ceremony was conducted in the St. Mary’s Cathedral Ranchi on April 26, 2015 at 11 a.m. His Eminence Telesphore P. Cardinal Toppo was the main celebrant at the Eucharist. Auxiliary Bishop, Most Rev. Telesphore Bilung SVD, Rev. Fr. Joseph P. Pinto Ofm Cap. the Rector of St. Albert’s College, Rev. Fr. C.R. Prabhu the former Rector of St. Albert’s College and around two hundred priests concelebrated and prayed for Fr. Lucas Tirkey. Fr. Eustace Xalxo, companion and the best friend of Fr. Lucas preached a meaningful homily. The cathedral was packed with the faithful.

Fr. David Anand Xalxo gave a short biography of Fr. Lucas while Fr. Joseph P. Pinto, Most Rev. Sr. Linda Mary Vaughan, the Superior General of DSA Congregation and Mr. George Lakra gave eulogy address. While Sr. Nilima Xaxa OSU thanked the congregation on behalf of family, Most Rev. Telesphore Bilung SVD thanked on behalf of the Archdiocese.

Fr. Jacob T.K. organized the whole funeral event efficiently and meaningfully. The body was kept at St. Albert's College for the public to pay homage and last respect. The Staff and Students of SAC especially the philosophy brothers along with their prefect, Fr. Raju Felix Crasta worked out with the arrangements. Brothers were assigned to perform various duties. It was a fitting and well deserved farewell.