The Only Woman Catechist of South Odisha Carries Forward the Legacy of Fr. Dupont, the French Missionary
Anjana Mallick, the only woman catechist in the Diocese of Berhampur, continues the enduring legacy of Father Johnmary Dupont, a Missionary of St. Francis de Sales (MSFS), who ministered in the Surada region of Ganjam district, South Odisha, during the latter half of the 19th century.
Born on May 13, 1978, in Kerubadi a new mission station under Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish, Daringbadi, in Kandhamal district of the Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar Anjana is the fifth of six siblings and the only daughter in her family. She married Rabindra Kumar Mallick of Gajalbadi, Ganjam, on December 27, 1999. The couple is blessed with three children.
For the past 17 years, Anjana has faithfully served as a catechist, balancing her family responsibilities with her mission of spreading the Gospel.
Father Johnmary Dupont established the mission center at Surada in 1853, laying the foundation for Catholic missionary work in the region. “It is a precious call from God to share the Gospel with others a mission started by Father Dupont. I give time both to my family and to the faith formation of the villagers adults, youth, and parents alike,” says Anjana Mallick.
“Though a housewife, I was inspired to serve after the Episcopal ordination of my elder brother, Bishop Sarat Chandra Nayak of Berhampur. I began initiating children and neighbors into Christian life, preparing them for the sacraments and helping them grow in faith and in their relationship with God,” she adds with joy.
“She is active and energetic in keeping alive the seed of faith planted centuries ago by the French missionary Father Dupont. In a synodal Church, there is communion, participation, and mission everyone is called to actively engage in this mission,” says Father Kabiraj Bastaraya, Parish Priest of Dantoling, where the popular Our Lady of Lourdes Feast is celebrated annually on February 11.
Pope Francis has strongly affirmed the vital role of lay catechists. On May 11, 2021, he instituted the lay ministry of catechist through the Apostolic Letter Antiquum Ministerium ("Ancient Ministry"), emphasizing the need for both men and women to take central roles in the Church’s mission.
Catechists are the “barefoot missionaries” grassroots faith leaders who nurture faith, hope, fellowship, and charity among people, especially in remote communities.
“While we are seeing a rise in vocations to religious life among women, very few take up the role of catechist. It would be encouraging to see more women catechists, especially since women constitute the majority of those participating in liturgical life in Odisha,” says Fr. Anselm Biswal, a veteran priest, author, former Director of Catholic Charities, and former Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar.
“Women are often the primary caregivers, responsible for household chores, childcare, and managing the home. Their movement is often limited to the family and the village. That’s why the number of women catechists is still very small. Yet, women play multifaceted roles as caregivers, educators, entrepreneurs, and leaders contributing significantly to family, community, and nation-building,” he adds.
Gajalbadi Panchayat, where Anjana now serves, has about 5,000 residents, including 80 Baptist Christian families and 12 Catholic families. The Christian faith in the area was first introduced by pioneers like Pandit Uthansingh and Kaibalya Mallick.
“We are proud of our mother, who, with full commitment and dedication, guides people in deepening their understanding and living out their faith,” say her two college-going daughters, Anupoma and Anima Mallick.
Today, Anjana Mallick stands as the only woman among the 370 catechists and 30 touring catechists serving in the Diocese of Berhampur in South Odisha a powerful witness to the role of lay women in the mission of the Church.
