Ambikapur, April 6, 2025 (CCBI): Archbishop Emeritus Pascal Topno SJ of Bhopal passed away in the early hours of Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 12:30 am at Holy Family hospital in Ambikapur in Chhattisgarh. He was 93. Funeral details are awaited.
Born on June 15, 1932, in the village of Kcneloea, Jharkhand, Archbishop Topno was raised in a devout Catholic family, where daily evening prayer was an essential part of life. He joined the Society of Jesus on June 20, 1953, and began his novitiate at Sitagarh.
He later travelled to Belgium for his theological formation and was ordained a Jesuit priest on July 30, 1965. After completing his tertianship, he served at Loyola School, Kunkuri, in multiple roles including Teacher, Rector, and Principal.
Archbishop Topno went on to serve as Provincial of the Ranchi Jesuit Province. On January 18, 1986, he was appointed Bishop of Ambikapur, in Chhattisgarh a post he held until June 15, 1994.
He was appointed as Archbishop of Bhopal on May 20, 1994, and officially installed on July 17 the same year. During his 13-year tenure, he shepherded the archdiocese with simplicity, wisdom, and deep spiritual insight.
Archbishop Topno retired on June 15, 2007, his 76th birthday, and later chose to reside at Khrist Milan Ashram in Namnakala, Ambikapur, from June 2013.
Archbishop Pascal Topno will be remembered as a humble shepherd, a spiritual guide, and a devoted Jesuit who lived for God and His people
By Dr. Stephen Alathara