From ashes to grace: A riot-hit Indian parish celebrates first Holy Communion of 30 children

Thirty children received First Holy Communion in an anticipated celebration of the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 12, adding joy to Odisha’s Padang, one of the worst-affected parishes during the anti-Christian violence of 2008 in India.

“I am thrilled to see people gathering in large numbers and 30 boys and girls receiving First Holy Communion during the celebration of the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at Padangi,” said Mathew Kallammakal, CM, the Provincial of the North Indian Province of the Congregation of the Mission, who presided over the con-celebrated Mass that day, attended by over a thousand faithful, including 12 Catholic priests and 10 nuns.

“I do remember very few people were at this parish when I visited this place along with a team after two months of the Kandhamal riot of 2008. We went to the cemetery and prayed. Seeing this, people came slowly and gradually to the Church. Though the churches, houses, institutions, and convents were destroyed by the Hindu radicals, the faith of Christians was not shaken. Thirty candidates receiving First Holy Communion give a message to the world that the persecuted people are growing in faith in Christ,” recalled Fr. Kallammakal, who served as the Assistant General of the order for nine years in Rome.

“Though Christianity is a minority faith nationally, it has a significant presence in India’s independence movement and has contributed to various social and political causes. We are victims of religious fanatics, yet we have the Heart of Jesus to follow that invites us to possess a love that is patient and kind,” says Father Pradosh Chandra Nayak, vicar general of the Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar, in his homily.

“Today, on the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we are invited not to envy, not to boast, not to be proud, not to dishonor others, not to be self-seeking, not to be easily angered, not to delight in evil, but to rejoice with the truth. Love always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres,” asserted Father Nayak.

“I am blessed and pleased to receive Holy Communion, God’s supernatural help in living a holy life. It helps deepen my intimate union with Christ, provides spiritual nourishment, and a sense of being connected to God’s divine presence,” acknowledged Sonali Pradhan, a young girl studying in standard 9, one of the 30 candidates.

“Celebrating the Sacred Heart Feast, the patron feast, brings unity, fraternity, and love among the people,” said Father Sebastian Thottamkara, the parish priest.

Padangi Parish was established by the Missionaries of Saint Francis de Sales (MSFS) in 1905. One hundred twenty years later, the parish has about 400 Catholic families and 1500 faithful, spread over 11 village substations.