Srikakulam Diocese Welcomes Communio Missionary Volunteers for a Journey of Faith and Mission

SRIKAKULAM, 16 August 2026: The Diocese of Srikakulam warmly welcomed ten Communio Missionary Volunteers at the Mariagiri Shrine as they began their Mission Exposure Programme, an experience intended to deepen their understanding of missionary life through prayer, service and encounter.

A Warm Welcome at Mariagiri Shrine

The gathering began with prayer and a warm welcome from Fr. Rayarala Vijay Kumar, PIME, Bishop of Srikakulam. He expressed his joy at welcoming Communio to the diocese and appreciated the volunteers' willingness to encounter local communities and experience the mission of the Church.

The Bishop wished them a “fruitful and grace-filled Mission Exposure Programme” and encouraged them to approach the experience with open hearts.

Called to Encounter and Serve

Bishop Vijay Kumar urged the volunteers to make the most of their time in the diocese by listening to people's experiences, learning from their lives and serving with love.

He particularly encouraged them to “discover Christ in every encounter”, highlighting the importance of meeting people with openness, compassion and a spirit of service.

On behalf of Fr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General of CCBI and Director of Communio, Sr. Margarita Dias SCB, Associate Director of Communio, expressed gratitude to the Bishop for his welcome, blessings and encouragement.

She thanked the Diocese of Srikakulam for opening its doors to Communio and providing young people with an opportunity to experience the Church's missionary life through “prayer, service, fellowship and meaningful encounters”.

Ten Volunteers Begin Their Mission

The Mission Exposure Programme brings together volunteers from dioceses and archdioceses across India. They are Anchal Ekka, Anei Lakra, Apeksha Xess, Francis Dias, John Rao, Pritam Kujur, Shyamla Molugumati, Stephen Lobo, Vijay and Vinoj Varghese.

Representing different parts of the country, the volunteers bring diverse experiences of faith and community life to their missionary journey in Srikakulam.

They expressed their gratitude for the warm reception and their enthusiasm for the days ahead.

A Journey of Faith and Solidarity

The programme will enable the volunteers to step beyond their familiar surroundings, meet local communities, listen to their stories and share in their experiences of faith.

Through these encounters, they will have an opportunity to discover the presence of Christ in the lives of the people and gain a deeper appreciation of the richness of the local Church.

The experience is centred on prayer, solidarity and mission, encouraging the volunteers to strengthen their missionary commitment and become joyful witnesses to Christ's love.

With “grateful hearts, joyful feet and a spirit ready to serve”, the Communio Missionary Volunteers have begun their journey in Srikakulam — one that seeks to transform both those they encounter and the volunteers themselves.

By Catholic Connect Reporter