Pedda Kottala Church Celebrates Centenary Jubilee with Faith and Joy

Kurnool, May 2, 2026: The Holy Name of Jesus Church in Pedda Kottala, in the Diocese of Kurnool, joyfully commemorated the centenary of its church building with a week-long celebration marked by prayer, devotion, and vibrant community participation from April 30 to May 4, 2026.

The centenary jubilee brought together priests, religious, parishioners, and well-wishers from across the region in thanksgiving for a century of faith, evangelisation, and spiritual growth. Novenas, processions, cultural programmes, and community gatherings highlighted the celebrations, reflecting the deep-rooted faith and unity of the local Catholic community.

A major highlight of the jubilee was the solemn Eucharistic celebration on the penultimate day, presided over by Bishop Johannes Gorantla of Kurnool. The bishop was accorded a traditional welcome upon his arrival in the village, with festive processions and colourful cultural performances setting a joyous tone for the occasion.

Nearly 30 priests concelebrated the Eucharist, while the parish choir added solemnity and grace to the liturgical celebration. A large congregation of faithful participated, filling the church and its surroundings with prayerful enthusiasm.

In his homily, Bishop Gorantla reminded the faithful that the jubilee celebrated not merely a church building, but a hundred years of God's abiding presence among His people. Recalling the village's nearly 180-year-old Christian heritage, he paid tribute to the sacrifices, perseverance, and unwavering faith of earlier generations. He encouraged the faithful to remain steadfast in hope amid life's challenges and to continue living as Good Samaritans, serving others and passing on the faith to future generations.

During the novena days, Bishop Saginala Prakash of Kadapa also presided over a Jubilee Mass, adding to the spiritual richness of the celebrations. The grand finale was scheduled for May 2, with Archbishop Udumala Bala of Visakhapatnam invited to preside over the solemn Jubilee Eucharist.

The centenary festivities concluded with community meals, prayers for the departed, and cultural programmes, making the occasion a memorable milestone in the history of the parish.

Parish priest Fr. P. Rayappa Reddy presented a brief history of the parish and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the parishioners and all who contributed to the successful celebration of 100 years of the Holy Name of Jesus Church, Pedda Kottala.

By Fr. Inna Gundreddy

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