Sylvester Kerketta was born on 11th August 1958, at Agharma in Gumla District of Chotanagpur in Jharkhand State. He joined the Society of Jesus for the Santal Region on 9th September 1978 at Jisu Jaher, Dudhani, Dumka, in Jharkhand State. He was ordained priest on 9th May 1994. Fr Sylvester was of a quiet nature, unassuming demeanour, soft-spoken, mildmannered, unobstrusive, courteous and ever ready to oblige with a smile. His first priestly assignment was as assistant pastor in Mariampahar parish where he stayed for five years. Here he learnt the ropes for what was to be his life-long ministry of shepherding the people of God. He loved to be with rural people in their villages and regularly toured the villages to preach the Word and administer the sacraments to the faithful, mostly Santals and Mahlis. Hailing from a different culture, Fr Sylvester inculturated himself and felt at home among the people. In the Jubilee Year 2000, he pursued his third year of Jesuit formation, after which he was appointed Father in-Charge of the recently established mission of Deopur, detached from Hathimara. As Father-in-Charge, he endeavoured with zeal to build up the Christian community. He visited his flock regularly in the villages. From 2007 onwards, Fr Sylvester served, ever faithfully, as assistant pastor in the parishes of Majlispur in West Bengal, then in Mariampahar, and lastly in Chilimpur parish. Fr Sylvester had been suffering from kidney trouble for the last few years. On 10th April, feeling unwell, he was taken to Dakaita Mission Hospital where he was diagnosed positive with COVID-19. He seemed to respond well to treatment. However, his health deteriorated and on 19th April, he rendered his soul to the Lord. May he enjoy Eternal Rest!
Paul Aquilina, SJ
