India: New Mission Inaugurated in Riot-Prone State of Odisha

On July 6, 2025, about 500 faithful, including three Catholic priests and a deacon, took part in a Thanksgiving Mass to mark the inauguration of Sugadabadi, located in Kandhamal District, in the eastern Indian state of Odisha, as a new mission station.

The mission comes under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar. Fr. Pradosh Chandra Nayak, Vicar General of the Archdiocese, read out the official communiqué declaring Sugadabadi as a mission station.

“This village is known for its unity, love, charity, and fraternity. Though the people have limited earning resources and minimal access to livelihood facilities, they are rich in faith in Christ and generous in spirit,” said Fr. Purushottam Nayak, the newly appointed Mission In-Charge, during his homily.

“May God continue to shower His blessings upon us, helping us grow in faith each day, so that we may become a model Catholic village for the region,” he prayed.

Bijay Nayak, President of the Sugadabadi Zone, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the elevation of his village to a mission station. He noted that having a resident priest now means easier access to the sacraments: Baptism, Confession, Holy Communion, Marriage, and Anointing of the Sick.

He sincerely thanked Archbishop John Barwa, SVD, of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar, for granting this opportunity to spread the Kingdom of God, and also acknowledged the constant support and guidance of Fr. Pradosh Chandra Nayak, the Vicar General of the diocese.

“From now on, even the elderly faithful will be able to receive the Holy Eucharist more frequently. The priests are being well cared for by the villagers,” affirmed the Vicar General.

Ajay Nayak, the local catechist, recalled, “Sugadabadi that once stood united and bravely resisted the anti-Christian violence of 2007–2008 is now a mission station. The perpetrators could neither attack Christians here nor touch our churches.”