India: Victims of Anti-Christian Violence Ordained Catholic Priests, Defying Logic of Extremism

In a powerful testimony of faith, forgiveness, and resilience, four men who survived anti-Christian violence during their childhood have been ordained as Catholic priests, transforming personal trauma into a lifelong commitment to service and reconciliation.

Around 3,000 faithful, more than 100 priests, and 35 religious sisters gathered on January 28 at St. Joseph’s Parish, Godapur, in Kandhamal district of the Archdiocese of Cuttack–Bhubaneswar, in the eastern Indian state of Odisha, to witness the priestly ordination of survivors of the Kandhamal anti-Christian violence.

Two of the newly ordained priests— Fr. Sugrib Baliarsingh and Fr. George Badseth - were ordained for the Archdiocese of Cuttack–Bhubaneswar. The other two—Fr. Saraj  Nayak and Fr. Madan Baliarsingh —were ordained for the Order of Friars Minor Conventual (OFM Conv.).

The ordination Mass was presided over by Auxiliary Bishop Rabindra Ranasingh of Cuttack–Bhubaneswar, himself a native of Kandhamal. It marked his first priestly ordination since his episcopal consecration.

“Priesthood is a sacrament. We are partakers in the priesthood of Christ,” Bishop Ranasingh said in his homily. “We are chosen by God to share in the threefold mission of Christ—teaching (prophetic), sanctifying (priestly), and governing (shepherd-kingly).”

Addressing the newly ordained, the bishop continued: “You are Alter Christus—another Christ. You represent Christ’s presence and action. Christ works through you. God has chosen you to serve, to sacrifice your comforts and happiness for His people, even at the cost of your lives.”

As children, the four priests witnessed brutal attacks on their families, churches, and communities during the anti-Christian violence that swept Kandhamal in 2007–2008. Some lost parents, relatives, and homes, while others were forced to flee into forests, surviving amid fear, hunger, displacement, and uncertainty.

“I suffered along with my parents while fleeing to the jungles without food or water during the time of persecution,” Fr. George Badseth said. “I underwent mental agony, fear, and psychological trauma during that difficult period.”

Fr. Sugrib Baliarsingh reflected on his calling: “I saw hatred destroy lives, but I also witnessed forgiveness and courage. That is what led me to the priesthood.”

Father Mukund Dev, parish priest of St. Joseph’s Parish, Godapur, and Pramod Sobhapati, a touring catechist, described the ordinations as a sign of hope for communities still affected by religious intolerance.

“These men embody the Gospel message,” they said. “They respond to violence not with revenge, but with service, compassion, and prayer.”

Church leaders noted that the journey of these priests challenges the logic of extremism. “Persecution tried to silence Christianity,” said Father Pradosh Chandra Nayak, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cuttack–Bhubaneswar, “but instead it raised shepherds who now preach peace.”