Four New Catholic Priests Ordained in Kandhamal, the centre of the 2007-08 Anti-Christian Violence

Simonbadi, Odisha, May 6, 2025: Four deacons were ordained as Catholic priests on May 6, 2025, at Maa Maria Capuchin Parish in Simonbadi, located in Odisha’s Kandhamal district — a region that bore the brunt of anti-Christian violence in 2007–2008. The ordination ceremony drew a congregation of over 2,000 faithful, including more than 100 priests and 50 religious nuns and brothers.

Archbishop John Barwa, SVD, of the Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar, presided over the ceremony and conferred priestly ordination upon the four deacons. In his homily, the archbishop underscored the divine nature of the priestly vocation. “It is God who calls you, who chooses you from your mother’s womb for a mission that no ordinary person can fulfil,” he said. He also reminded the newly ordained priests that through the power of the Holy Spirit, they are called to be messengers of love, peace, and service—bringing comfort to the grieving, healing to the sick, reconciliation and strength to the weak, and the sacraments to the faithful.

The four newly ordained priests are Capuchin Father Isaac Parichha of Mary Mata Province, Andhra Pradesh, and three diocesan priests — Fathers Litu Pradhan, Saraj Nayak, and Michael Behera. All four priests have roots in Kandhamal, where hundreds of Christians were killed or displaced during communal attacks in 2007-08.

Father Isaac Parichha (28) was born in Malebadi, a village under Daringbadi tehsil in Kandhmal District.

Father Litu Pradhan (31) hails from Sisopanga village, one of the worst-hit areas during the 2008 violence. His father, Meghanath Pradhan, expressed deep pride in his son's vocation. “I am proud to be a Christian despite the persecution. The fruit of my faith is my newly ordained son,” he said.

Father Saraj Nayak (29) was born in Godapur village, while Father Michael Behera (33) was born in Mandiponka village.

Father Mariadas Pratipathi, OFM Cap, Provincial Minister of Mary Mata Province, Andhra Pradesh, expressed his gratitude to Archbishop Barwa and the diocesan clergy for their cooperation in administering Maa Maria Parish. He also thanked the parents of Father Isaac Parichha for dedicating their son to the service of the Church.

The ordination ceremony held deep emotional significance for local residents, particularly those who endured the horrific 2007–2008 anti-Christian violence. The ordination of these four priests stands as a powerful testimony to faith, hope, and the resilience of the Christian community in Kandhamal.

By Fr. Purushottam Nayak