India: Asia’s First St. Catherine Labouré House Marks Patroness’ Feast with Renewed Commitment to Charity

St. Catherine’s House in Raikia, Kandhamal, in the eastern Indian state of Odisha—recognized as Asia’s first establishment dedicated to the legacy of St. Catherine Labouré—marked the annual Feast of St. Catherine Labouré with a solemn celebration filled with prayer, reflection, and community fellowship.

Held on November 28, the celebration brought together religious sisters, lay collaborators, devotees of the Miraculous Medal, and members of the local community to honour the life and mission of St. Catherine Labouré, the humble Daughter of Charity to whom the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared in 1830, entrusting her with the design and propagation of the Miraculous Medal.

Around 500 participants—including nine Catholic priests, two deacons, 14 nuns, and several teaching and support staff—gathered for the occasion.

“St. Catherine Labouré is fondly remembered today for her love and service for humankind. In a world where everything seems fleeting—where time erases monuments and memory softens even the sharpest pains—two forces defy decay: love and service,” said the main celebrant, Fr. Pradosh Chandra Nayak, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar, in his homily.

“Her service was love in action. She knew that serving human beings is serving God. A meal for the hungry, a listening ear for the broken, a small gesture of support for the hopeless—such acts ripple outward, forming invisible yet enduring chains of goodness. Love and service never die,” he continued.

Fr. Nayak highlighted St. Catherine’s virtues of simplicity, obedience, and deep devotion to Mary. He emphasized her quiet but profound role in the Church, reminding the faithful that sanctity is often lived in silence, service, and fidelity to God’s call.

Following the Mass, participants took part in a Miraculous Medal novena, reflecting on Our Lady’s message to St. Catherine—a call to trust in divine providence, seek Mary’s intercession, and practice compassionate service to the poor and suffering.

As Asia’s first house named in honour of St. Catherine Labouré, the celebration also highlighted the institution’s mission of continuing charitable works inspired by her life. Community leaders shared updates on ongoing outreach programs, including education initiatives through St. Catherine’s Girls’ School, St. Catherine’s English Medium School, St. Catherine’s Girls’ Hostel for orphaned children, and St. Catherine’s Dispensary, which serves marginalized families. The sisters also assist in the pastoral ministries of Our Lady of Charity Parish, Raikia.

“I am inspired by St. Catherine Labouré. I feel joy and satisfaction in taking care of little children,” said Sr. Prabhasini Ranasingh, Superintendent of the Child Care Institute (CCI) of St. Catherine’s House, established in 1956.

Organizers expressed gratitude for the growing devotion to the Miraculous Medal and reaffirmed their commitment to making St. Catherine’s virtues a model for modern discipleship.

“St. Catherine reminds us that even the quietest of lives can change the world,” said Agata Pradhan, an event coordinator. “Her message of faith, humility, and charity continues to inspire us to serve those most in need.”

The celebration concluded with a fellowship meal shared by all participants.