Two Capuchin Friars Ordained Priests in Kandhamal, Odisha

Simonbadi, Odisha, January 10, 2026: Two Capuchin Franciscan friars were ordained priests on January 8 at Maa Maria Catholic Church, Simonbadi, in Kandhamal district of Odisha.

Bishop Aplinar Senapati, C.M. of the Rayagada Diocese, ordained Fr. Samir Baliarsingh OFM Cap and Fr. Samonta Gundramajhi OFM Cap during a solemn Eucharistic celebration attended by around 54 priests and over 1,000 faithful.

In his homily, Bishop Senapati reflected on the call of Moses, highlighting that God works through human weakness and that leadership involves responsibility, struggle, and perseverance. He noted that priests in Odisha face many challenges, yet their fidelity becomes a sign of God’s presence among the people. He also emphasised that priesthood is a call to serve and unite people beyond divisions of caste, creed, or religion.

The newly ordained priests belong to the Capuchin Province of Andhra–Odisha–Telangana. Both completed their philosophical and theological studies in Eluru, Andhra Pradesh.

The ordination celebration was marked by a joyful welcome for the Bishop and clergy, with participation from youth, children, and parishioners. The day concluded with a fellowship meal shared by priests, religious, and the faithful, expressing unity and fraternity within the Church.

The Capuchin Order has a growing presence in Odisha and across India, with several houses in the region and over a thousand priests serving nationwide.

By Fr. Purushottam Nayak

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