Samuel Marandi was born in Rajapur village of Sahibganj Dt. in Jharkhand State on 20th November, 1964. After completing his matriculation, Samuel joined the Society of Jesus at Jisu Jaher, Dudhani, Dumka, on 29 June 1988. Ordained priest in 2003, his first priestly assignment was that of assistant pastor at Deopur. After a couple of years he was transferred to Tinpahar parish which, at the time, was the responsibility of the Province. Fr Samuel was a simple, open and welcoming person, a little shy and diffident, very responsible in carrying out his pastoral duties. Always available for mission, he was happy and felt at home ministering to the rural folk and visiting them in their villages. Pastoral ministry was to be his life-long call. He was a good community man, sensitive to the needs of others. He was also interested in cultural values. After tertianship, his first assignment was as assistant parish priest in Majlispur, West Bengal. Two years later he was appointed Father-in-Charge of Nunbatta, in Dumka diocese. He put his mind and heart in forming the Christian community. In 2015, he was assigned as assistant pastor in Mariampahar parish and later the task of minister of the house was also given him. His last assignment in 2017 was at Kodma in Sahibganj Dt, with the task of pioneering the new parish of ‘Bishunpur-Mangrutikur.’ His task came to an abrupt end at the beginning of April 2021, when he contracted the COVID-19 virus. He was immediately rushed to Dakaita Mission Hospital where he was put on oxygen. Fr Samuel breathed his last on 24th April 2021, at around 9:00 am. Fr Samuel was laid to rest with his fellow Jesuits in the Province cemetery. May God grant him Eternal Bliss!
Paul Aquilina, SJ
