Love Beyond Boundaries: Catholic Priest Becomes Father at a Hindu Wedding

Kochi, April 15, 2026: How often does one witness a moment where faith, compassion, and humanity come together so seamlessly that labels cease to matter? In the quiet village of Vandampathal in Kottayam district, such a moment unfolded when Fr. Roy Vadakkel, director of Bethlehem Ashramam, stepped into a role far beyond his calling—as a father.

At a wedding conducted as per Hindu rituals, Fr. Roy stood beside Parvathi, not as a priest, but as the only father she has ever known. The young woman, who grew up in the orphanage, married Ananthu, a resident of Kattappana in Idukki district, recently. A video capturing the poignant moment of Fr. Roy giving her hand to the groom has since gone viral, touching hearts across the country.

Parvathi’s journey to this moment has been one of quiet resilience. According to sources at Bethlehem Ashramam, she arrived there as a one-year-old after losing her mother. “She was brought to the institution by local residents as the child had no one to take care of her,” a source told The New Indian Express. From that day on, the Ashramam became her home—and Fr. Roy, a constant presence in her life.

For over 21 years, the orphanage has been more than just a shelter. “For the inmates, Fr. Roy has been the father that they never knew,” the source said, reflecting the deep emotional bonds formed within its walls.

After completing her schooling, Parvathi pursued a technician course in dialysis. Life soon brought a new chapter—a marriage proposal—which she shared with Fr. Roy. Acting as a guardian, he discussed it with her relatives and well-wishers, ensuring that every step forward was taken with care and support. There were no objections, as the groom too belonged to the Hindu community.

Organising the wedding, however, required thoughtful coordination. “We had to make arrangements to conduct the wedding as per Hindu rituals and a Hindu priest was contacted through Fr. Roy’s connections.

The orphanage provided everything needed,” the source explained. Yet, it was during the ceremony that the most meaningful moment emerged.

A key ritual required the father of the bride to place her hand in the groom’s. In that instant, there was no hesitation. Having been the only father figure in Parvathi’s life, Fr. Roy stepped forward and completed the ritual. “It was a big occasion for everyone,” the source recalled.

For Fr. Roy, the moment carried profound significance. He described it as “the most satisfying and happiest day” of his priesthood. “She is a child who grew up under my care. I know the importance of valuing human lives irrespective of their caste or religion. And I practice the same,” he said.

Over the years, he has conducted the weddings of more than 15 children raised in the Ashramam—though all had been Christian ceremonies until now. This wedding, however, stood apart, not just for its interfaith nature, but for what it symbolised.

Even as Parvathi begins her new life, the Ashramam remains her home. In words that echo both tradition and tenderness, Fr. Roy added, “Like how every woman comes to her parents’ house for her childbirth, if Parvathi decides to come to the Ashramam for her childbirth, she will be taken care of, as was the case with the other inmates.”

In a world often divided by differences, this simple yet powerful act stands as a reminder: sometimes, humanity is the only identity that truly matters.

Courtesy: The New Indian Express

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