Fr. Marcus Murmu was born in Lotbarua village in Dumka District of Santal Parganas on 25th April 1957. After completing his secondary schooling he joined the Santal Region of the Society of Jesus at Jisu Jaher, Dudhani on 4th July 1982. He completed his BA from Loyola College, Chennai, did his philosophy studies from JDV, Pune and his theological studies at Tarunoday, and Vidya Jyoti, Delhi. Fr. Marcus was ordained as priest in St. Paul’s Cathedral, Dudhani, Dumka, on 15th April 1997.
Fr. Marcus loved his Santal brothers and sisters very much and he never tired of working for their integral upliftment. Honest in character, committed, responsible and prayerful, he was open, available, and caring towards those entrusted to his care. He was a good listener, kind hearted, detached and calm. He was a man of depth in his work and a man for others in his outlook. No wonder he gained the esteem of those who came in contact with him.Right after his ordination, his Superiors appointed to life-long pastoral ministry. He served as assistant pastor at Mariampahar. From 2000 onwards, he was parish-priest or father-in-charge of the Parishes of Tinpahar, Jibonpur, Mariampahar and, finally, Chilimpur. He was also Superior at Mariampahar and Chilimpur. For a number of years, Fr. Marcus served as Provincial Consultor and Province Coordinator of the Pastoral Ministry.
Towards the end of December 2019, Fr. Marcus was diagnosed with cancer and underwent chemotherapy which left him quite weak. On 14th June, Fr. Marcus was brought to Dumka and placed in St. Ursula’s Clinic for convalescence. On 18th June, his strength began to wane perceptibly and Fr. Provincial, Varghese Palli administered the sacrament of the sick. Fr. Marcus breathed his last quietly at 12:45 pm on 20th June. May the Lord grant him His beatific Vision!
- Paul Aquilina, SJ
