Biography of Cardinal Telesphore Toppo: India’s First Tribal Cardinal

Biography of Cardinal Telesphore Toppo: India’s First Tribal Cardinal – On October 4, 2023, the Indian Catholic Church mourned the passing of His Eminence Telesphore Placidus Cardinal Toppo, Archbishop Emeritus of Ranchi, Jharkhand. At the age of 84, he passed away at Constant Lievens Hospital in Mandar, Ranchi, after several months of being bedridden due to age-related health issues. Cardinal Toppo’s death represents a profound loss for the church and the many communities he served throughout his life.

Cardinal Toppo was the Bishop of Dumka from 1978 to 1984 and the Archbishop of Ranchi from 1985 to 2018. He also served two terms as President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), from 2001 to 2004 and again from 2011 to 2013. Additionally, he was the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) from 2004 to 2008.

Early Life

Born on October 15, 1939, in Jhargaon, a small village in the Chainpur parish of Gumla (which was part of the Ranchi Archdiocese at the time), Cardinal Toppo was the eighth of ten children in a farming family. His parents, Ambrose Toppo and Sophia Xalxo, struggled to provide education for their children, but they recognized young Telesphore’s dedication and supported his schooling as much as possible.

Education and Vocational Inspiration

Cardinal Toppo began his education in his village’s lower primary school before traveling daily to a distant village, Barwaynagar, to attend upper primary school. Despite the long daily journey of several kilometers, his enthusiasm for learning never wavered. For secondary education, he walked even farther to attend Lievens Barve Boy’s Secondary School in Chainpur, where he completed his matriculation.

During his school years, Belgian Jesuit missionaries frequently visited his village, which left a deep impression on him. He was inspired by their dedication to serving the local tribal communities and began to feel a calling to follow in their footsteps. This desire to serve and spread the message of Christ motivated him throughout his youth.

He joined St. Albert’s Seminary and graduated with honors from St. Xavier’s College, Ranchi. He later earned a Master’s degree in history from Ranchi University. He pursued further philosophical studies at St. Albert’s College and was sent to the Pontifical Urban University in Rome for theological studies.

Priesthood and Early Ministry

Cardinal Toppo was ordained as a priest on May 8, 1969, by Bishop Franciskus in Basel, Switzerland. After returning to India, he served as a teacher and later as acting principal at St. Joseph’s High School in Torpa. In 1976, he founded the Lievens’ Vocation Centre in Torpa and became its first director. He was subsequently appointed as the secretary to Archbishop Pius Kerketta, the Archbishop of Ranchi.

Episcopal Ministry

On June 8, 1978, Cardinal Toppo was elected as the Bishop of Dumka. He chose the motto “Prepare the Way of the Lord” and was ordained Bishop on October 7, 1978. In 1984, Pope John Paul II nominated him as the Coadjutor Archbishop of Ranchi, and he was installed as the Archbishop on August 25, 1985.

During his time as Archbishop, Cardinal Toppo became a leading figure in the Indian Catholic Church. He served two terms as President of the CCBI and was elected President of the CBCI from 2004 to 2008. His leadership extended to international roles as well, including serving as President Delegate at the 11th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in 2005.

In 2003, Pope John Paul II elevated him to the College of Cardinals, making him the first Asian tribal Cardinal. Cardinal Toppo also participated in the conclaves of 2005 and 2013, which elected Popes Benedict XVI and Francis, respectively.

Legacy and Contributions

Cardinal Toppo’s influence was not limited to the church alone. His leadership was instrumental in the growth and development of the Adivasi Church in Jharkhand. He was widely respected for his deep concern for the marginalized, particularly the Chotanagpur tribal community. His compassion, humility, and dedication to the welfare of the poor earned him the Jharkhand Ratna Award in 2002 for his social contributions.

Pope Francis recognized Cardinal Toppo’s service by appointing him as a Special Envoy to the XI Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences in 2016.

Personal Qualities

Cardinal Toppo was a man of deep faith and prayer. His life was marked by simplicity and devotion, particularly to the Holy Eucharist and the Sacred Heart of Jesus. His love for Mother Mary was also a key aspect of his spiritual life. Despite his many responsibilities, he maintained a disciplined life, never missing the Holy Eucharist or his daily prayers.

Endowed with qualities such as humility, honesty, generosity, and courage, Cardinal Toppo’s influence extended far beyond his official roles. His warm, approachable demeanor endeared him to people from all walks of life, and his leadership in the church was both visionary and compassionate.

Conclusion

Cardinal Telesphore Toppo’s legacy is one of faith, service, and unwavering commitment to the church and the people he served. His journey from a small tribal village to becoming India’s first tribal Cardinal is a testament to his extraordinary dedication and the divine calling he embraced throughout his life. His contributions to the spiritual and social welfare of the Indian church, particularly in Jharkhand, will continue to inspire future generations.

He served as a priest for 54 years, a bishop for 44 years, and a cardinal for 19 years.