Jamshedpur: Hundreds of people of Jamshedpur attended the funeral of an American missionary, who helped Saint Mother Teresa to draft her constitution and took education to remote villagers of Jharkhand state in eastern India.
Jesuit Father Carl Dincher died on October 10 aged 89.
Jesuit Bishop Felix Toppo led the funeral services on October 13 at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri, less than 3 km southeast of Jamshedpur town. Jesuit Father E. Abraham, director of the Xavier Labour Relations Institute, and many priests of Jamshedpur assisted him.
“Fr Dincher was a tireless worker, always generous with his time and talents and a very affectionate person. All those who approached him for help were his “Beta” or “Beti” (daughter or son) and this was his Charism,” said Father Abraham in his homily.
The XLRI director urged the gathering to follow the great missionary’s footsteps of love and care for the poor and the need. He spent all his energy, enthusiasm and commitment for the all works he was entrusted, he added.
Fr Dincher was born on September 22, 1927, in Maryland, US. He entered the Society of Jesus in 1945 and was ordained a priest in 1957 in De Nobili College, Pune. He came to India from Maryland Province in 1952.
While studying in the US he applied to go to the Philippines as a Missionary because his Uncle Fred Dincher was working there. He used to say that his Uncle Fred was his inspiration to become a missionary. However, he was sent to India where the Maryland Province had started a Mission in Jamshedpur in 1948.
Over the years, Fr Dincher worked as a pastor in the major parishes of Jamshedpur diocese where he is still much loved and revered by all, especially the poor, Father Abraham said.
Fr Dincher worked as rector of De Nobili School, Dhanbad, and director of branch schools for several years. His life can be divided into two halves. First half he worked as a pastor and educationist most of the time and second half he worked as retreat preacher and spiritual counsellor.
He also served as socius to the provincial in the mid-1970s for two years and spent a couple of years in Bhubaneswar. He spent a good part of his of life in Jesu Bhavan, Mango, as superior and director of the retreat house and spiritual ministry.
Over the years, Fr. Dincher became a much sought-after retreat preacher for priests, religious and laity all over the country and abroad. He has preached several retreats to Mother Teresa sisters and the saintly nun was present during several retreats.
In 1961, he met Mother Teresa and was impressed by both her compassion and by her wisdom. He worked as her advisor. He is quoted as saying “for her and for me also I see Jesus in each of my brothers and sisters. There is something tremendously fulfilling of being amongst the poorest of the poor.”
He had helped Saint Mother Teresa to revise her constitutions and sat with her for several hours over several days and finalized them before sending them to Rome for final approval.
He was bestowed “The Most Outstanding Catholic Individual Award” by the Cardinal L T Picachy Memorial Committee in 2001.
In Fr. Dincher’s own words, “I have found my happiest days in India were in the villages. I came to love the people there very much and have found that though they were extremely poor, they would share whatever they have. I love the people in India. I get homesick for them. The mission work hasn’t been easy, but it has been a joy.”