FR. JAMES WILLIAM DUNGDUNG, SJ
29.02.1936 - 16.09.2024 (88/66)
Fr. James William Dungdung, SJ, peacefully departed for his heavenly abode on September 16, 2024, at the Constant Lievens Hospital and Research Centre in Mandar, Jharkhand, after battling multiple organ dysfunctions. He had been admitted on August 8, 2024, due to various health issues.
Born in Mariam Tikumtoli village under Gangutoli Parish, Fr. James was the eldest of six children to Mr. Paulus Dungdung and Mrs. Philomina Soreng. He had one brother and four sisters, two of whom became Ursuline Sisters. His early education took place at RC Middle School in Gangutoli, followed by high school at St. Mary’s High School in Samtoli. He continued his studies in Ranchi, completing his Intermediate and Bachelor of Arts at St. Xavier’s College.
Fr. James entered St. Stanislaus’ College, Sitagarha, for his novitiate on July 15, 1958, and pronounced his First Vows on July 16, 1970, at De Nobili College, Pune, where he also studied Philosophy. His regency began at St. Ignatius’ High School in Gumla, followed by a second year at St. Mary’s High School, Samtoli. He then pursued his theological studies at North Point, Kurseong, and was ordained on August 18, 1970, at St. Mary’s Parish Church in Ranchi.
Following his ordination, Fr. James devoted his ministry to various locations within the Ranchi Province. From 1972 to 1977, he served as an assistant teacher at St. Mary’s High School, Samtoli, before becoming the Parish Priest of the Catholic Church in Bardih. He pronounced his Final Vows on September 8, 1977, at the same church. Over the years, he served as Parish Priest in several parishes, including Jampani, Jokari, Vijaygiri, Soso, and Kachal in the Andaman Islands. He also held the position of Assistant Parish Priest in Tongo, Tumdegi, and Diglipur, Andaman, and served in St. Stanislaus College, Sitagarha, and St. Ignatius High School, Gumla. Fr. James cherished his time at the Catholic Church in Noadih, where he felt a deep connection, often returning there, much to the surprise of his family members.
Fr. James was a man of profound faith, loving God with all his heart, mind, and soul. He was a regular participant in the Holy Eucharist and would visit the grotto of Mother Mary after Mass before beginning his daily work. His compassionate heart reached out to the poor and needy, embodying the spirit of service. Simple and honest, he was a person who shunned deceit and lived a life free of guile. His love for nature was evident in his affection for bees, snakes, cattle, and plants, as he genuinely desired the well-being of all.
He was also known for his passion for coffee, believing it to be essential to his well-being—a conviction that seemed to work wonders for him. Fr. James had a love for languages, fluently speaking Kharia, Sadri, Mundari, Khurukh, Hindi, English, and Latin. His unique Khurukh homilies resonated deeply with the local community, often expressing sentiments that others could not articulate.
Calm and contemplative, Fr. James was a peace-loving individual who rarely engaged in quarrels, earning the affection of all those around him. He was dedicated to his priestly duties, faithfully offering confessions, distributing Holy Communion to the elderly and sick, and being ever ready to administer the Sacrament of the Sick.
An exemplary figure, Fr. James inspired many young people to pursue their vocations. As we honour and pay tribute to such a remarkable man, we express our gratitude for his life of service. May God grant his soul eternal rest.
Fr. Jerome Xalxo, SJ