PONETTE, Pierre August Maria Jozef. Ronse, East Flanders 6.3.1910 — Ranchi 3.2.2000. Father. S.J. Belgian Catholic Missionary in India. Son of René Ponette (1874–1918), textile manufacturer and advocate, and Margareta Van Coppenolle (1882–1969). Joined S.J. in 1927 and 1931 its Indian mission. In 1932-35 studies of language and theology in Shembaganur, 1935-39 teacher at St. Xavier’s College in Calcutta. After theology studies in Kurseong ordained as priest in 1941. Worked in various parts of West Bengal, Jharkand and Chattisgarh (Kurseong, Khunti, Hazaribagh, Tapkara, Sitagarha), finally in Ranchi. Spoke Hindi and Mundari.
Publications: “The Proverbs of the Mundas (Bihar)”, Anthropos 72, 1977, 522-528.
– Edited: The Munda World. Hoffmann Commemoration Volume. 10+148 p. Ranchi 1978.
Sources: odis.be with photo; gw.geneanet.org.