Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - The Holy Father has appointed the Reverend Francis Tirkey, of the clergy of the diocese of Purnea, India, until now director of the Social Service Centre of Purnea, as bishop of the same diocese.
Msgr. Francis Tirkey was born on 24 July 1961 in Kolodiah. After studying philosophy at Saint Albert’s College in Ranchi, and theology at Saint Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary in Mangalore, he was awarded a diploma in sciences of social services from the Coady International Institute in Halifax, Canada.
He was ordained a priest on 17 May 1993 for the clergy of Dumka, incardinated in the diocese of Purnea after the division of the dioceses.
After ordination, he first held the offices of deputy parish priest in Tinpahar, diocese of Dumka (1993-1994) and administrator of the Social Development Centre of Dumka (1994-1997). He studied at Saint Xavier’s College of Social Service in Ranchi (1998-1999). Since 1999, he has served as director of the Social Service Centre of Purnea, diocesan administrator of Purnea (2004-2007), vicar general of Purnea (2007-2021), head of the Working Commission for ST/SC (Scheduled Tribe/Caste) and public relations officer of the diocese of Purnea (since 2007), head of seminarians (since 2013) and since 2015, head of social communications. (Agenzia Fides, 17/2/2024)
