A Catholic nun who survived the anti-Christian violence that swept through Kandhamal district in the eastern Indian state of Odisha in 2007–2008 has celebrated 25 years of religious life, inspiring the faithful with her witness of faith, forgiveness, and perseverance.
Around 300 faithful, 35 priests, and 20 women religious gathered on May 26 at Kerubadi Mission Station in Kandhamal for a thanksgiving Mass honoring the silver jubilee of Sr. Anjali Nayak of the Carmelite Sisters of St. Teresa (CSST).
Bishop Sarat Chandra Nayak of Berhampur presided over the celebration.
“As you celebrate this Silver Jubilee, may your life inspire many to remain firm in faith,” the bishop said. “The flames of persecution could not consume your faith; instead, they made your witness shine even brighter for Christ and His Church.”
Born on April 23, 1979, in Kerubadi, a Catholic mission village in Kandhamal, Sr. Anjali is the eldest of five siblings. She entered the Congregation of the Carmelite Sisters of St. Teresa and made her religious profession in 2001. The congregation, founded in Kerala, southern India, is engaged in education, social service, and charitable ministries across the country.
Sr. Anjali was serving at Mount Carmel Convent in Balliguda, Kandhamal, when anti-Christian violence erupted in the region. During the attacks, churches, convents, and Christian homes were targeted, forcing many Christians to flee for safety.
Recalling the ordeal, Sr. Anjali said she and her superior narrowly escaped when attackers set fire to nearby buildings.
“It was God’s powerful hand that saved me,” she said. “Walking through the fire caused me no injury. The threats and violence did not shake my vocation.”
Despite the trauma of persecution, she continued her ministry with renewed dedication, serving through prayer, education, charitable outreach, youth formation, and support for marginalized communities.
Fr. Deepak Singh, in charge of Kerubadi Mission Station, described Sr. Anjali as “a living testimony of Christ’s love and forgiveness.”
“The wounds of persecution did not weaken her faith but deepened her commitment to serving God and humanity,” said Devjani Nayak, a local parishioner.
Participants also praised Sr. Anjali’s contribution to communal harmony, education, and spiritual renewal in the region.
The jubilee celebration included prayers, cultural programs, and tributes from clergy and laity. It concluded with a message of hope, reminding the faithful that faith can overcome fear and love can triumph over hatred.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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