FR. JOSEPH SRAMPICKAL, S.J. (83/63)

Died at Xavier Bhavan, Digha Ghat, Patna, India, on 20.06.2024

The sudden passing away of Fr. Joseph Srampickal was a great shock for all of us. Though he was in the United States of America for many years for his studies, after his return to Patna Province, he did not want to teach in any of our English Medium schools. He did not believe in working in big and posh institutions, but chose to serve the poor in the villages. His heart was with the poorest of the poor of Bihar. He wanted to reach out to the poorest through our social action centers.

From 1991 to 2011, for 20 long years, Fr. Srampickal stayed in Gaunaha in West Champaran district. Gaunaha is located on the Indo-Nepal border and is one of the most backward Blocks of Bihar. He brought about social, educational and economic transformation in about 212 villages of the Block. Fr. Srampickal devoted his entire life to the service of Tharus, Musahars, Oraons, Bengali and Burmese refugees and other backward classes. He used to cycle from village to village all day long and worked for the development of these people. He lived like one of them. Fr. Srampickal was a true missionary who went into the huts of the poor and marginalized and enjoyed their company. Today, it is because of him that people in Gaunaha have good education and are able to raise their voice for their rights. He used street plays (Nukkad Natak) as one of the most powerful instruments to prevent ill-effects of child labour, child marriage, illiteracy, superstitious practices and atrocities on women.

Fr. Jacob Srampickal, SJ, his younger brother, followed him to Patna Province to become a missionary like him. Fr. Jacob was well known for his contribution in the field of communication. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2012 at the age of 61. We pray for Frs. Joe and Jacob Srampickal that God may give them eternal rest.