Ranchi Christians mourn Italian Jesuit missioner

He was 76.

Ranchi:  Christians in Ranchi bid farewell to Italian Jesuit missioner Father Pier Giorgio Mennini, who was hailed as friend of tribal people. He was 76.

Father Mennini was admitted in the Holy Family Hospital in Mandar after a fall on 7th July. The fall had caused a blood clot in his brain and paralysis on his right side of the body affecting his speech. He died on Aug. 16.

Archbishop Salvatore Pennachio, the Apostolic Nuncio to India has sent a condolence message Ranchi Jesuit provincial Father Marianus Kujur saying expressing his sadness over the sudden death of Fr. Mennini, a dedicated missionary, a committed Jesuit who worked for the training of Jesuit novices and spiritual direction of many priests and religious.

The condolence message was read in the presence of Cardinal Telesphore Toppo of Ranchi, who led the requiem Mass along with Bishop Felix Toppo of Jamshedpur and Bishop Charles Soreng, bishop Emeritus and hundreds of priests, men and women religious and the bereaved people of Ranchi.

In his 45 years of service in India Fr. Mennini had worked as a spiritual director, guide, counselor and a faithful companion to thousands of young people in formation in Pune, Chennai, New Delhi, Hazaribagh and Jharna, Ranchi from where he made his final journey to heavenly abode.

Archbishop Pennachio said that the legacy of Fr Mennini as zealous missionary and true witness of Gospel values will affect not only the Jesuits but the entire church in India and in particular the Archdiocese of Ranchi.

Fr. Mennini’s brother Mr. Paolo, and his wife Maria Laura were present for the funeral.

Fr Marianus Kujur, SJ., the Provincial Superior of Ranchi, who conducted the last rite at the grave said Fr. Mennini’s untimely demise is a great loss not only to Ranchi Province but also to the whole Church in India as his spiritual guidance went beyond the boundaries of Ranchi Province.

Press Release