Bangladesh’s first Mundari indigenous Monsignor Marcellus Philip Topno dies at 76

The Rajshahi Catholic community is mourning the loss of Monsignor Marcellus Philip Topno, a beloved and humble priest and a proud son of the Mundari indigenous community.

He died at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital on May 21. He was 76.

A soft-spoken and deeply spiritual figure, Topno had been battling a prolonged illness before his death. Yet, throughout his 45 years of priestly service, he remained a symbol of devotion, humility, and loyalty to his calling.

Born on September 11, 1949, in a Mundari family in Mission Para, under the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Beneedwar, Topno was known throughout his life as a man of gentle leadership and strong faith.

He completed his early education at St. Philip’s High School in Dinajpur, followed by higher secondary studies at Notre Dame College in Dhaka. He later earned his bachelor’s degree from Morning Star Seminary in Kolkata, West Bengal, India.

His theological and philosophical training was completed at the Holy Spirit Major Seminary in Banani, leading to his ordination as a Roman Catholic priest on January 1, 1980.

In recognition of his lifelong dedication to the Church and his community, the Vatican conferred upon him the honorary title of Monsignor in 2016 — the first known among the Mundari indigenous Catholics of Bangladesh to receive such an honor.

Over the decades, Topno served in various parishes and seminaries with quiet distinction. His ministry began at Bonpara’s Our Lady of Lourdes Church as an assistant parish priest. He later became the rector of the Suihari Intermediate Seminary in Dinajpur, where seminarians recall him as a fatherly mentor—always approachable, never harsh, and full of pastoral wisdom.

His dedication to education and spiritual formation took him to Italy for higher studies. Upon returning, he took up pastoral assignments across several key parishes in the Rajshahi Diocese, including Dhanjuri, Thakurgaon, and Borni, as well as in urban and rural parishes like Sursunipara, Andharkotha, the Bishop’s House, and Good Shepherd Cathedral Church.

He also held responsibilities as an assistant parish priest in Rohanpur, Luispara, and the Cathedral parishes and served as a spiritual director at Musroil Seminary—roles through which he guided countless young seminarians and lay faithful in their spiritual growth.

Despite his many roles and responsibilities, Topno remained true to his simple lifestyle and prayerful spirit, never allowing status or duty to overshadow his core values of service and humility.

On behalf of the Rajshahi Diocese, Bishop Gervas Rozario, along with the clergy, religious, and faithful, extended heartfelt condolences to Topno’s family and community.

"May the Lord grant eternal rest to this faithful servant who walked humbly with God," read a diocesan statement.