Mandar. 7th November 2017. The 125th Death Anniversary of Father Constant Lievens (1856-1893) was observed today at Constant Lievens’ Hospital and Research Centre (CLHRC), Mandar. Hailed as the “Apostle of Chotanagpur”, he died in Belgium on at the age of 37.

At a solemn commemorative Holy Mass this evening at the Hospital premises, His Eminence, Telesphore P. Cardinal Toppo stated that CLHRC will certainly take effect as it is a work of God. While admitting the challenges being faced regarding human and material resources, he reiterated that as divine plan, the project is set to materialize. His Eminence also underlined the Church’s commitment to bring modern health services to the needy at affordable cost, regardless of their socio-economic conditions.

Young trainee nurses sang beautifully at the Liturgy and performed well choreographed dance items at the ensuing felicitation. Fr. George, Director of CLHRC, welcomed the dignitaries, while Fr. Sijo Kunnel raised the vote of thanks. The hospital campus was suitably cleaned and decorated with flickering lights. A festive dinner brought the event to conclusion.

It may be recalled that the mortal remains of Father Constant Lievens were brought in Chotanagpur on 31th October 1993. Before enshrining the same in the Immaculate Conception of Mary Cathedral, Ranchi on 7th November, solemn processions were held at various locations he had rendered service in the last 5 years of his life. The shrine continues to draw numerous devotees, who seek intercession of the great messenger of the Gospel. In the same year, the Bishop of Brugg, native diocese of Father Lievens in Belgium, declared the latter a “Servant of God”. On 13th July 2014, the dossier regarding Blessedness of Father Lievens was submitted to the Holy See for scrutiny.