Bangalore, 12 April 2025 (CCBI): Pope Francis has appointed Fr. Sonatan Kisku, aged 56, as the Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Dumka in Jharkhand. The announcement was made on Saturday, 12 April 2025. Fr. Kisku is currently serving as the Vicar General of Dumka and the Parish Priest of St. Mary’s Church, Dumka.
Fr. Sonatan Kisku was born on 15 May 1969 in the village of Kaudia, under Kalhajor Parish in the Dumka Diocese. He completed his early education at St. Joseph’s High School, Guhiajori. Responding to the call to priesthood, he joined St. Paul’s Minor Seminary in Lucknow in 1991. After three years of initial formation, he went on to study philosophy at Morning Star College, Kolkata (1994–1997), and later theology at the Papal Seminary in Pune (1998–2001). He also completed a year of regency at Kissanjganj, which is now part of the Diocese of Purnea. He was ordained a priest on 15 April 2002.
In 2004, Fr. Kisku was sent to Rome to pursue higher studies in Canon Law. He earned his Licentiate in Canon Law in 2007 and returned to serve his diocese in various capacities. That same year, he was appointed Director of Candidates at the diocesan vocation centre. From 2008 to 2013, he served as Diocesan Treasurer, Chancellor, and Minister at the Bishop’s House. He was also appointed Father-in-charge of Gopikandor from 2012 to 2014.
Since 2013, he has guided and accompanied the junior clergy of the diocese. Since 2014, he has been overseeing the care of sick and elderly priests. He has also handled diocesan land and legal matters since 2008. From 2015 to 2023, he was the Director of the Diocesan Social Development Centre. He has been the Secretary of St. Joseph’s School, Jarmundi, since 2015 and continues to support the diocese in legal and pastoral matters.
By Dr. Stephen Alathara