Catholic Priest Missing in Baroda; Community Appeals for Prayers and Information

Baroda, Mar 4, 2026: A Jesuit priest residing at a home for retired priests in Baroda has been missing since Sunday, March 1, after he walked out of the premises. The priest, identified as Fr. Peter K SJ, who was working with the tribals of South Gujarat, has not returned since, and police have been informed as search efforts continue.

Speaking to Catholic Connect, Fr. Aubrey Fernandes SJ, Chaplain of the Shrine of Our Mother of the Forsaken in Baroda, confirmed that the missing priest, Fr. Peter SJ, had been residing at the facility for medical treatment over the past few months.

“Father Peter belongs to another community, but he was here on treatment for the last three months. This is a home for retired priests, retired Jesuit priests,” Fr. Fernandes explained.

He further noted, “Once Fr. Peter walked out and he lost his way and we found him and got him back, and we were very careful not to send him out.”

However, he managed to leave the residence again on Sunday and has not returned since.

“On Sunday morning at 10 am is when he went out, and he hasn’t come back after that. It’s been three days,” Fr. Fernandes said.

Fr. Fernandes also raised concerns about the priest’s health, noting that he had been dealing with multiple medical conditions that affected his memory.

“He was suffering from some depression or high blood pressure, high sugar. He had a small stroke, so that has affected his memory and things like that,” he shared.

The missing priest was last seen wearing a grey T-shirt, black pants and black rubber chappals.

Fr. Fernandes expressed particular concern that Fr. Peter had left without his prescribed medicines. “That’s a very frightening thing for us because he’s highly diabetic,” he said.

According to Fr. Fernandes, the Jesuit community has informed the police and launched search efforts across the area. “Now we’re hoping that he comes back. We’ve sent search parties everywhere,” he added.

The community has also contacted hospitals in and around Baroda to check whether Fr. Peter may have been admitted after collapsing due to a possible spike in his blood sugar levels, as he is diabetic. However, no hospital has reported receiving him so far.

Fr. Fernandes requested prayers from the faithful, expressing hope that Fr. Peter will be found safe and return soon.

By Catholic Connect Reporter.