Bangalore 15 June 2021 (CCBI): Most Rev. Paul Alois Lakra (65) Bishop of Gumla diocese in Jharkhand passed away on Tuesday 15 June, 2021 at 1.30am at Orchid Medical Centre, Ranchi. He was undergoing Covid treatment. His mortal remains will bring to Gumla and the funeral will be conducted on Wednesday 16 June 2021 at St. Patrick Cathedral, Gumla at 10am. Most Rev. Felix Toppo, SJ. Archbishop of Ranchi will preside over the funeral liturgical ceremonies
He was admitted in the Constant Lievens Hospital, Mandar in Ranchi for Covid treatment and when his health condition deteriorated on 17 May 2021 he was shifted to Orchid Medical Centre, Ranchi.
Bishop Paul Lakra was born on 11 July 1955 in the village of Naditoli, diocese of Gumla. He attended St. Patrick’s School in Gumla and then St. Ignatius High School, Gumla followed by an Intermediate Arts Course at Kartick Oraon College, Gumla. In 1976, he entered St. Albert’s College major seminary Ranchi. He obtained Bachelor of Arts (1977-80) from St. Xavier’s College, Ranchi. He then studied philosophy (1980-1983) and spent a pastoral year at the Apostolic School of Topna (1983-84). In 1984 he moved to Morning Star College, Barrackpore, Kolkata for theological studies.
He served as a deacon in Gumla (1987-1988). On 6 May 1988 he was ordained a priest at the age of 32 for the Archdiocese of Ranchi, however in 1993, with the creation of Gumla diocese he was assigned to Gumla diocese. He has ministered as follows: 1988-90: assistant priest and headmaster in Muria, today the diocese of Simdega; 1990-91: Assistant Probation Master St. Albert’s College, Ranchi, in charge of first year students; 1991-93: studies at Urban College in Rome for Licentiate in biblical theology while residing at Collegio S. Paolo Apostolo; 1994-96: parish priest at St. Jude’s church, Naudiha; 1996-98: director of Karondabera minor seminary; 1998-04: secretary to Most Rev. Michael Minj, SJ then the Bishop of Gumla; he was elected as the diocesan administrator of Gumla diocese when the Bishop died in 2004.
Pope Benedict XVI appointed him as the second Bishop of Gumla on 28 January 2006 at the age of 50. He was ordained Bishop by His Eminence Telesphore Cardinal Toppo on 5 April 2006. He served the Gumla diocese for 15 years. He is a priest for 33 years and a Bishop for 15 years.
Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara
Deputy Secretary General, CCBI