India: New Mission Station Inaugurated amid challenges

A significant milestone was marked in the history of the Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar of the Eastern Indian State of Odisha as the official handing over of charge to Fr. Deepak Uthan Singh as the first Priest-in-Charge of the newly established St. Joseph’s Mission Station, Kerubadi, took place on October 31, 2025.

A large number of people welcomed the priests, nuns with traditional and modern dances.

The solemn Eucharistic celebration and installation ceremony was presided over by Fr. Pradosh Chandra Nayak, the Vicar General of the archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar, the delegate of Archbishop John Barwa, SVD.  Formally entrusting the pastoral and administrative responsibilities of the New mission station to Fr. Uthan Singh, Fr. Nayak highlighted the establishment of the mission station as a tangible sign of the Church’s growth and a renewed invitation to live and share the Gospel in every corner of society.

The event drew more than 12 Catholic priests, religious, parish council representatives, lay leaders, and parishioners, and a large gathering of the faithful.

In his address, Vicar General expressed gratitude for the growth of the Catholic community in the region and encouraged Fr. Uthan Singh to shepherd the new mission with dedication, compassion, and a zeal for evangelization. He thanked God for bestowing constant care, love, and support. He also thanked the parishioners and benefactors whose efforts made the establishment of the mission station possible.

Fr. Uthan Singh, in his message, humbly accepted the new responsibility, seeking the prayers and cooperation of the faithful as he begins his ministry. "This mission is God’s work," he said. “Together, as one family of faith, we will strive to build a community centred on prayer, service, and love for all. Let us build this mission as a centre of faith, service, and unity,” he said.

“I am very happy to see that my people could provide the necessary things to Fr. Uthan Singh, which reflects that my people are growing in charity, generosity,” says Bernard Nayak, the president of the committee of the new Mission station. 

The event concluded with a solemn blessing, followed by a community fellowship gathering.

The Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales (MSFS) were the first to sow the seed Christian faith in Southern Odisha, including the regions like Ganjam, Puru, Aska, and Cuttack from 1850 to 1922. The St. Joseph’s Catholic Mission Station, Kerubadi, was carved out from Our Lady of Holy Rosary Parish, Daringbadi, to better serve the growing Catholic population in the area. It aims to become a vibrant centre for pastoral care, catechesis, social outreach in the locality, worship, and interreligious harmony. The New Mission Station has marked 110 years of Catholic faith. The Mission Station is blessed with Sarat Chandra Nayak, Bishop of Berhampur of South Odisha, five Catholic Priests, 10 religious nuns, and many aspirants.