Kandhamal Martyrs

On November 2, All Souls’ Day, the faithful of the Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar, in the eastern Indian state of Odisha, gathered to remember not only their departed loved ones but also the Kandhamal martyrs, those who lost their lives during the anti-Christian violence of 2007–2008.

A newly built church on the very site where a Christian teacher was burnt alive during the 2008 anti-Christian violence has rekindled hope and faith among Christians in Kandhamal district of Odisha, eastern India, on May 26.

In a powerful witness of faith rising from persecution, four new Catholic priests were ordained in Kandhamal, Odisha—the region once scarred by India’s worst anti-Christian violence on May 6.

Deep sorrow filled the hearts of around 500 faithful who gathered at Our Lady of Charity Parish in Raikia, Kandhamal, Odisha, to mourn the death of Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 in his residence at Casa Santa Marta, Vatican City.

A group of pilgrims from Kerala, fondly known as "God’s Own Country," made a faith-filled journey to Kandhamal, Odisha—revered as the land of Christian martyrs—to honour the sacrifices of those who gave their lives for Christ on April 9.