Feast of Mary, Queen of the Missions Draws 3,000 Faithful in Rayagada, Odisha

Rayagada, Nov 29, 2025: Nearly 3,000 faithful, along with 19 priests and 80 sisters, gathered at the Mary, Queen of the Missions Cathedral, Rayagada, for the feast of Mary, Queen of the Missions, which was one of the parish’s significant events of the year and was held on 27 November. The cathedral campus was filled with prayer and reverence as the community honoured Mother Mary, who leads believers toward Christ and His mission.

The Solemn Holy Mass was offered by Bishop Aplinar Senapati of Rayagada. The celebration also saw the participation of Fr. Shanti Chandan Pani (VG), contributing to the unity of the occasion.

A Eucharistic Procession moved through the cathedral grounds with the faithful carrying rosaries and candles, expressing their desire to follow Mary, who directs the Church toward Jesus. The rosary recited together marked a shared act of faith.

Sharing a reflection on Mother Mary, Fr. Ramesh Bishoi encouraged the community to draw strength from her faith, humility, and trust in God’s plan. His message highlighted Mary’s continued intercession in the lives of the faithful.

Parish Priest Fr. Abed Kumar Khura and Assistant Parish Priest Fr. Umakant Mali coordinated the day’s arrangements with commitment, ensuring that each part of the feast reflected Mary’s call to service and faith.

By N. Amit Dev

ICYM Odisha