“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who brings good news… of salvation” ( Is 52:7)
These Biblical words can be rightly ascribed to Fr. Theodore Baa, whose long priestly life was largely spent on venturing into the frontiers of the tribal missions of Bihar – Jharkhand. The fruits of his hard labour will ever be recognized and thanked for by one and all: clergy, religious, and faithful alike. May God be praised for ever.
Fr. Theodore Baa, 96, was born as the eldest of five brothers and a lone sister to Mr. Lucas Baa and Mariam Baa on April 3, 1929 at Gotra Samtoli village of then Bihar, now in Jharkhand. He completed his high school studies at St. Mary’s High School, Samtoli. Thereafter he joined the TOR Franciscans in Gokhla, entered the Novitiate in 1949 and made the First Profession on December 21, 1950. After philosophical studies at Gokhla, he joined St. Albert’s College in Ranchi residing at the newly built Franciscan Training Institute. He made his Solemn Profession on December 21, 1953. During the course of his theological studies, Br. Theodore was sent to St. Francis Seminary, Loretto, PA, USA, in 1955 for completion of theology.
He was ordained a priest at Altoona, PA. on May 25, 1957. Thereafter, he studied at the Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, and obtained a Licentiate in Canon Law in 1959. The same year, he joined St. Thomas University in Rome and was awarded the degree of Doctorate in Canon Law, Summa Cum Laude in 1962. The missionary journey of Fr. Theodore Baa started as a professor of Canon Law and formator at St Albert’s College, Ranchi and then as Rector of St. Johns Minor Seminary Bhagalpur. Thereafter he plunged into pastoral activities at Gokhla and its surrounding areas, visiting people on bicycle. His remarkable services at Mangra Parish was commendable and is remembered even today.
Whenever the Province wanted to take a plunge into a new area Fr. Theodore was always the first choice as he could adapt to any situation, learn new languages and customs of the people. His services at Dakita and Agiamore will be remembered as he would bicycle his way to far away places carrying rice and lentils (dal) on the bicycle – the food for catechist and himself. In those days people were too poor to afford a meal for others and he didn’t want to burden the people where he spent his nights. His missionary journey would take weeks away from home station, meeting people, living with them and giving Jesus. Thus he laid foundation for the Missions of Dumbruhat, Chandana, Susnia and Poro.
His next assignment took him to Dorma a very challenging task which he fulfilled commendably bringing peace and unity in the Parish. His pioneering spirit, trust in the providence of God and inimitable enthusiasm took him to Adhikari in Dargeeling, Kawgachi in Kolkata, Kanjuwe, Hansdiha in Dumka, which has given birth to nine parishes to date.
He served the Province in different capacities as Local Minister, Provincial Councilor, Vicar Provincial and Minister Provincial from 1988 – 1992 and the Order as one of the members for revising the TOR Constitutions and participated in the meetings conducted in Rome and Washington D.C, in the year 1987 – 1988.
He retired from active ministry to Poreyahat where he made himself available for spiritual direction and counselling. He had the singular privilege of witnessing the growth of the diocese planted by the Franciscan pioneers from a sapling to a tree. He was the last link that connected the past with the present. He lived into the fullness of life seeing 1252 full moons.
On January 1, 2025 he took ill due to weakness, dehydration and loss of appetite and was rushed to Krist Raja Hospital, Godda. He was kept under the care of Sr. Dr. Geo CMC and Sisters supported by friars. His condition slowly deteriorated and on January 8, 2025 due to breathlessness he peacefully slept in the Lord at 2:00 am surrounded by Dr. Geo, Sisters, Friars and Hospital staff. Thereafter his body was brought to Franciscan Ashram, Poreyahat. Mass of Resurrection was celebrated in the community Chapel. His body was kept in state in St. Mary of Perpetual Help, Poreyahat.
On January 9, early morning his mortal remains were taken to Gokhla about 80 kms from Poreyahat accompanied by Fr. Provincial, Friars, Priests and Religious and was kept in the Community Chapel for a while where prayers were led by Fr. Provincial. Thereafter, the Mass of Resurrection was officiated by Most Rev. Kurien Valiakandathil, Bishop of Bhagalpur, assisted by Most Rev. Julius Marandi, Bishop of Dumka, Rev. Fr. Thomas Chittookalam, Rev. Fr. Manoj Vangathanam, Provincial, St. Francis Province and a large number of priests and friars.
Fr. Theodore family members and a very large number of religious and laity joined funeral service. In his homily, Bishop Kurien thanked God for the gift of Fr. Theodore to the church and being a beacon and example to follow in his enthusiasm, love for people, humility and pursuit of holiness.
In his demise the Church has lost a fervent missionary,
the Order a true Franciscan full of seraphic love and fervour.
The Diocese an adventurous pioneer venturing into untrodden territories.
The Province a spiritual leader, a loyal Franciscan, a Missionary par excellence, a dependable friar in evangelization and an example to emulate.
To Priests and Religious an example to imitate and burdens and sins to be unloaded
To the Missionaries – his life and works will remain and unconquerable pinnacle to mount
To the Laity, the patient listener to unburden their problems and get their sins absolved.
To the Penitents a confessor always available
To the Heaven the one who has fought the good fight, finished the course, kept the fight and ready to receive the crown of righteousness promised by Jesus.
To All of Us, a person to intercede for us in heaven.
Good bye and thanks dear Fr. Theodore for being with us, guiding us, leading us and praying for us. May his soul take rest in eternity in the company of Saints in heaven.