It is with profound sorrow and aching hearts that we bid farewell to Fr. Joseph Gauci Sacco, a priest who dedicated over five decades of his life to serving the Santals, the largest tribe in India. Fr. Gauci Sacco breathed his last on the 27th of June, 2023, at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering faith, boundless compassion, and unyielding commitment to his calling.

Fr. Gauci Sacco was not only a priest but also a beacon of hope and solace for the Santal community. Hailing from Malta, he embraced his sacred duty and was ordained on that fateful day of March 19, 1966, at the College of St. Mary's, nestled amidst the majestic Himalayan mountains in Kurseong, India. From that moment forward, his life became an extraordinary journey of selfless service, walking hand in hand with the Santals, sharing the love and compassion of God.

For 35 years, Fr. Gauci Sacco immersed himself in the lives of the Santal people, offering spiritual guidance, administering sacraments, and providing unwavering support. He was a pillar of strength, radiating his boundless love and bringing solace to the weary souls he encountered. Fr. Gauci Sacco's profound connection with the Santals was evident in every action he took, every prayer he uttered, and every tear he wiped away.

Throughout his eventful journey, Fr. Gauci Sacco witnessed the miraculous and experienced moments of profound consolation. The sacrament of Confirmation of the Sick held a special place in his heart, as he bore witness to the transformative power of faith and the remarkable recoveries that unfolded before his eyes. Even in the face of despair, Fr. Gauci Sacco remained steadfast, offering the sacraments and extending a hand of compassion to those in need.

Fr. Gauci Sacco's impact extended far beyond individual healings and miracles. He possessed a unique ability to weave the threads of faith through his sermons, captivating the hearts and minds of the Santal community. His words, infused with profound wisdom and delivered with utmost humility, had the power to touch souls and ignite flames of hope. Even when he felt his sermons fell short, Fr. Gauci Sacco firmly believed that God could utilize him as an instrument, just as He had used Balaam's donkey in biblical times, to deliver His divine message.

Fr. Joseph Gauci Sacco's passing leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew him. As one of the two remaining Maltese Fathers in the Dumka Raiganj Province, his departure marks the end of an era—a loss that reverberates deeply within the Santal community. His unwavering dedication, selfless love, and unshakeable faith will forever be etched in the collective memory of those he served.

As we mourn the loss of Fr. Joseph Gauci Sacco, let us also celebrate the profound impact he made on the lives of the Santals. May his memory serve as a guiding light, inspiring us to embrace our fellow human beings with compassion, to nurture our faith with unwavering devotion, and to walk in the footsteps of this extraordinary servant of God. In the silence of our grief, let us offer prayers of gratitude for the life of Fr. Joseph Gauci Sacco, a man who touched lives, healed hearts, and exemplified the essence of selfless love. May his soul find eternal rest in the embrace of the Divine, and may his spirit continue to dwell among us, forever inspiring us to live a life of purpose, compassion, and unwavering faith.