India: Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar marks Golden Jubilee with grand celebration

The Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar in Odisha, India, culminated its Golden Jubilee celebrations with a solemn Eucharistic celebration on February 6, 2025, at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish grounds in Daringbadi, Kandhamal district.

Archbishop John Barwa, S.V.D. of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar was the main celebrant of the Holy Mass, conducted in Odia, and concelebrated by Archbishop Peter Machado, Vice President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), Archbishop Raphy Manjaly of Agra, and 25 other bishops, alongside more than 500 priests and religious.

Over 20,000 faithful from the Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar and five other dioceses of Odisha gathered for the momentous occasion.

A historic announcement was made during the celebration, as Archbishop Barwa read the official decree initiating the beatification and canonization process of Kanteswar Digal and 35 other Kandhamal martyrs, a cause approved by the Vatican in 2023.

These martyrs were among those who suffered during the 2008 anti-Christian violence that erupted on August 24, lasting over four months, claiming more than 100 lives, injuring hundreds, and displacing over 56,000 people.

Archbishop Machado read a message that Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferro, President of the CCBI, sent.

The cardinal acknowledged the sacrifices of the faithful during the 2008 persecution, stating, “We cannot forget the sacrifices of the countless faithful who bore witness to Christ during one of the most challenging periods of Christian persecution. Their steadfast faith and courage continue to inspire the Church in India and beyond.”

He further described the Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar as “a shining testimony to the enduring strength of faith,” calling Kandhamal a "Pooniya Bhoomi" (the land of martyrs).

He assured the Archdiocese of the Church of India of solidarity, affection, and spiritual closeness.

In recognition of Archbishop Barwa's leadership, Archbishop Machado, accompanied by CCBI officials Fr. Stephen Alathara, Fr. Christopher Vimalraj, Fr. Vignan Das, and Sr. Lidwin Fernandes, honored him with an India shawl on behalf of the CCBI, expressing gratitude and appreciation for his service.

Reflecting on the jubilee, Archbishop Barwa said, “This Golden Jubilee is a testament to God’s abundant grace and the steadfast faith of our people. As we celebrate our past, we embrace the future with renewed dedication to serving Odisha with love, compassion, and unity.”

The Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar traces its roots to 1845, when it was part of the Diocese of Visakhapatnam. Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales (MSFS) established parishes and ministered to the faithful.

However, during World War I, the French missionaries returned to France. In 1922, four Spanish Vincentian priests from the Congregation of the Mission (CM) arrived in Odisha, succeeding the MSFS missionaries.

In 1928, Pope Pius XI elevated the Mission of Cuttack to "Missio Sui Juris," appointing Servant of God Valerian Guemes, CM, as its administrator and later as ecclesiastical superior. The mission was raised to the status of a diocese in 1937, becoming a suffragan of the Archdiocese of Ranchi, with Msgr. Florencio Sanz Esperanza, CM, appointed as the first Bishop of Cuttack in 1938.

In 1974, the diocese was elevated to an archdiocese, taking the name Cuttack-Bhubaneswar. Msgr. Henry D’Souza became its first Archbishop, followed by Archbishop Raphael Cheenath, SVD. Bishop John Barwa was transferred from the Diocese of Rourkela and appointed Archbishop of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar on February 11, 2011. He was installed on April 2, 2011.

As the archdiocese celebrates 50 years of grace, faith, and resilience, the event stands as a profound testament to the unwavering commitment of the Church and its people in Odisha. -Stephen Alathara