The historic Mondasoro Mission in Kandhamal district, in the eastern Indian state of Odisha, marked a significant milestone on April 30, celebrating 125 years of Christian missionary presence and service while recalling a rich legacy of faith, sacrifice, and social transformation.
Founded by MSFS French missionaries in the late 19th century, the mission has played a vital role in spreading the Gospel in remote parts of Odisha. Over time, it evolved into not only a center of evangelization but also a cornerstone of education, healthcare, and social upliftment for local communities.
Bishop Rabindra Kumar Ranasingh of the Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar presided over the Jubilee thanksgiving Mass at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Parish in Mondasoro, concelebrated by 60 priests and attended by 45 religious sisters and about 2,500 faithful.
“Celebrating 125 years is, above all, a thanksgiving for God’s faithfulness, guiding the Church, protecting the community, and blessing generations of believers,” Bishop Ranasingh said in his homily. “It recalls the sacrifices of missionaries from France and Spain, as well as bishops, priests, and lay faithful who sustained the Church through many challenges.”
He emphasized that the Jubilee is not only about remembering the past but also about renewing commitment. “It calls each of us to carry forward the spirit of sacrifice, service, and love. It invites us to deepen our prayer life, live the Gospel more actively, and promote equality, fraternity, and human dignity,” he said, urging the faithful to continue the mission for future generations.
Fr. Suresh Babu, MSFS, Provincial Superior of the Visakhapatnam Province, highlighted the enduring faith of the local community. “The seed of faith planted by the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales has taken deep root and grown over these 125 years,” he said.
Recalling past hardships, he added, “The people of this region once faced persecution and were pressured to renounce their faith. Yet they remained steadfast, even at the cost of suffering. We are grateful for the dedication and sacrifice of the missionaries who served this land, from the Godavari to the Narmada, with tireless commitment.”
The mission traces its beginnings to Fr. A. Suffet, MSFS, who arrived in Mondasoro (then Deegi) in 1901. The first mission house was built in 1907, followed by a school and orphanage in 1917. During World War I, MSFS missionaries withdrew, after which the Sisters of St. Joseph of Annecy arrived in 1918, and Spanish Congregation of the Mission (CM) priests continued the work from 1922. Later, diocesan clergy carried forward the mission.
Fr. Manoj Kumar Nayak, the current parish priest and a former student of the mission, expressed gratitude for its lasting impact. “This mission has nurtured generations, not only in faith but also in public service,” he said, noting that it has produced priests, bishops, civil servants, and leaders across various fields.
The 125-year Jubilee stands as a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of missionary work in Kandhamal and the resilience of a faith community that continues to grow and serve.
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.
Latest News
