Bishop of Raigarh
Paul Toppo was born on June 30, 1957, in Garla, in the Diocese of Raigarh. He attended primary and middle school at his parish in Tamamunda and high school at the Loyola Jesuit School in Kunkuri. He obtained a B.A. (Honours) in English Literature and completed his philosophical and theological studies at St. Albert's College (Seminary) in Ranchi. He earned a Licentiate in Liturgy from the Pontifical Institute of St. Anselm in Rome. He was ordained a priest on May 24, 1988, and is incardinated in the Diocese of Raigarh. After his ordination, he held the following positions: 1988–1990: Assistant parish priest in two parishes, first in Bhelwa and later in Ambakona; 1990–1993: Liturgy studies in Rome, residing at the Pontifical College of St. Peter the Apostle; 1993–1994: Assistant parish priest in Duldula; 1994–1995: Rector of the St. Francis Xavier Orientation Centre (Minor Seminary) in Gholeng; 1995–1997: Secretary to the Bishop. Since 1994: Liturgy Officer and Master of Ceremonies for the Diocese of Raigarh. Since 1995: Member of the College of Consultors. Since 1997: Vicar General and Chancellor of the Diocese of Raigarh.