Shillong, Oct 28: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday paid his last respects to Rev Fr John Madur at the Archbishop’s House in Laitumkhrah.
In a social media post the Chief Minister said that Fr Madur left an indelible mark on the lives of those he encountered through his deep faith, humility and spiritual guidance.
Meanwhile, Voice of the People Party (VPP) president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit has expressed grief over the demise of Fr Madur.
In a condolence message, Basaiawmoit said Fr Madur’s passing is a profound loss not only to the Church and the Christian community but also to wider society and all those who knew him personally.
Recalling his association, the Nongkrem MLA said one of his most memorable encounters was on December 31, 1999, when Basaiawmoit was serving as president of the Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP). They were together at a programme hosted by the FKJGP to welcome the new millennium under the theme “Ka Hok Sha Ka Hajar Snem Bathymmai”.
Fr Madur, a senior Catholic priest who served as the Diocesan Administrator of the Archdiocese of Shillong, passed away at Nazareth Hospital here on Tuesday afternoon. He was 67.
His funeral will be held on Thursday.
He served as the Diocesan Administrator following the death of Archbishop Dominic Jala in October 2019, a responsibility he held until 2021, when the Archdiocese underwent a period of transition. He also served as Vicar General and Chancellor of the Archdiocese.
Beyond his ecclesiastical responsibilities, Fr Madur was involved in initiatives promoting interfaith harmony. He served as vice-president of the Shillong All Faiths Forum (SAFF), which brings together religious leaders to foster peace, mutual understanding and cooperation among communities.
