By Purushottam Nayak
Mayurbhanj, Sept 2, 2020: The diocese of Balasore on September 2 commemorated the 21st martyrdom of Father Arul Doss who worked among poor tribal people of Odisha, eastern India.
“He sacrificed his life for the marginalized, downtrodden, poor and needy people,” said Father Isaac Puthenangadi, the diocese’s administrator who was the main celebrant of the Mass in the cathedral church in Balasaore.
Only ten priests and seven sisters attended the services in view of the lockdown rules and regulations because of the coronavirus pandemic.
A mob of Hindu radicals used bow and arrows to kill Father Doss on the night of September 1, 199, by at Jambani, a remote village in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha.
The Indian priest was killed nearly nine months after the same radical group burned to death Australian missionary Graham Stewart Staines and his two sons at Manoharpur in the same district.
“We give thanks today because God gave us a courageous and committed person for the diocese of Balasore. May the Lord fulfil our intention through the intercession of Father Arul Doss,” the administrator said.
Later the priests and the nuns paid homage to Father Doss’s tomb built in the cathedral campus.
“Though he is not physically present but he is alive and active in the hearts and minds of the people, particularly in the Ho tribes,” said Father Jadu Marandi, the former vicar general of the diocese.
The pilgrimage center developed in Father Doss’ memory at Jambani attracts people throughout the year, especially on September 2, his death anniversary.
Father Joseph Kerketta, pastor of Baghdapha parish that covers Jambani village, said in normal years, people used to proceed to the pilgrimage center after Mass to pray to the slain priest.
Jambani is 10 km the parish, which is 150 km north of Balasore.
“Thousands of people used to gather in Jambani pilgrimage center but due to the lockdown no people are allowed this year. It has saddened the people,” Father Kerketta added.
Father Kerketta described Father Doss as “a vibrant and dynamic pastor. He risked his life to bring faith among the Ho and Santhal people.”
The parish priest also recalled Father Doss as a “simple, humble, friendly, and community loving person” who loved children. “We still remember how organized children’s sports in Jambani ground.”
Father Ajaya Kumar Singh, a seminary mate of Father Doss, says the current “challenging time requires priests like him.”
“He was very passionate and committed missionary. That was why he opted to work in a remote area among Ho and Santal tribal people,” said Father Singh, a social activist.
Father Singh also noted that Father Doss was killed by the same gang that torched Staines and children. Father did not leave his people and look for a safer place despite the danger to his life,” he added.
Father Doss, who was 35 at the time of his assassination, was a native of the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. He served as the pastor of Anandapur Catholic Church in Mayurbhanj district for five years before his death.
Turisingh Bandra, head catechist of the parish, says Father Doss still occupies a place “in our heart and mind. We will never forget his love and sacrifice.”
Pelong Bankira, Catholic resident of Jambani village, said she was sad that she could not visit Father Doss’ memorial this year. “But he is alive in my life because of his love and service,” the 35-year-old woman told Matters India.