India: Pilgrimage to the mazar of Fr Herman Rasschaert SJ

Group at the tomb of Fr Herman Rasschaert, SJ

Together, we can become better instruments of peace

On March 15, 2025, the first-year theologians from the Jesuit Formation Centre of Theology in Ranchi embarked on a journey to Kutingia to visit the mazar (tomb) of Fr Herman Rass, SJ, who was martyred for peace during the communal violence that erupted in the area in 1964. This visit was a key component of our course on Christian-Muslim dialogue. Once we arrived in Kutingia, we went to the mazar of Fr Herman, where we celebrated the Eucharist, led by Fr Francis Minj SJ.

Fr Herman Rasschaert, a Belgian Jesuit missionary, arrived in India in 1947, coinciding with the country's newfound freedom from British rule. After arriving, he was sent to Sitagarha for language training. A few years later, on November 21, 1953, he was ordained a priest. He dedicated his life to serving the tribal community and, before he was assigned to Kutungia, he served as a parish priest in Khunti, Torpa, and Karra. His work among the tribes brought him immense joy and fulfilment. His enthusiasm for the Mundari tribe kept him energetic and passionate, drawing many tribal people and others to him for various needs.

However, the greatest challenge for him lay ahead when Fr Herman was transferred to Kutungia, located in the remotest part of present-day Jharkhand, one of the states of the Indian Union. Working tirelessly among the Munda tribe, he often cycled for kilometres daily to visit people in faraway settlements. Nonetheless, his fervent missionary efforts earned him the love and trust of the community. He would greet visitors with a smile, making everyone feel welcome whenever they came to see him.

On March 23, 1964, a nightmare unfolded as communal tension raised its ugly head with the arrival of refugees from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) into India. Violence erupted around Gerda, a hamlet that fell under his parish Kutungia. Upon hearing reports of the bloodshed, Fr Herman rushed to the scene, determined to calm the situation. He made a courageous appeal for peace, striving to protect the lives of innocent people caught in the chaos. Tragically, during this communal violence, he was killed by rioters, becoming a martyr for peace.

Fr Herman devoted his life to serving others, a selfless commitment that ultimately cost him his life. His sacrifice echoes the love of Christ Jesus, who gave his life for humanity, shedding his blood on the Cross as an expression of ultimate love. Fr Herman stood as a peacemaker, shedding his blood to promote harmony between two religious communities. His legacy serves as a poignant reminder to be peacemakers as we continue to encounter many instances of hatred and communal violence, where innocent lives continue to be tragically affected.

His sacrifice inspires us as Jesuits to uphold his legacy of peace, aligning with the teaching that "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God" (Mt. 5:9). As Jesuits, we honour Fr Herman by actively engaging in efforts to promote peace wherever division and animosity arise. Through these endeavours, we can instil hope and unity among our communities. Today, Jesuits increasingly emphasize interreligious dialogue as a vital approach to fostering peace and harmony in a world that is often wounded. Fr Herman remains a guiding inspiration on this journey, encouraging us to work fearlessly towards uniting people, and this enduring impression is what he left with us at Gerda.

Today, it is our turn to carry on his legacy with the same passion and energy, focusing on fostering unity through inter-religious dialogue. We owe a debt of gratitude to Joseph Victor Edwin SJ for broadening our understanding of interfaith dialogue in today's context. While the images captured on our phones at Kutungia may fade over time, the impact of Fr Herman will endure forever. Together, we can become better instruments of peace.