Konadi Community Celebrates Feast of St Francis Xavier in Odisha

Konadi, Odisha 5 December 2025 — Hundreds of people gathered at Konadi, a substation under Our Lady of Charity Parish in the Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar, to celebrate the Feast of St Francis Xavier on 5 November 2025, marking a vibrant expression of unity, fraternity, cooperation and spiritual renewal. The celebration brought together faithful from Konadi, Karada and Lourdes Nagar Borimunda, who honoured their patron saint with solemn liturgy, cultural activities and charitable service.

The faithful welcomed priests, dignitaries and guests with traditional dance and floral garlands, setting a festive tone for the solemn Mass presided over by Fr. Pradosh Chandra Nayak, Vicar General of the Archdiocese. In his homily, he highlighted St. Francis Xavier’s courage, compassion and missionary zeal, reminding the congregation that greatness lies in self-giving service. He called on the faithful to embody the saint’s spirit by reaching out as messengers of love, peace, justice and understanding. 

Local catechists shared their gratitude and pride in honouring a saint whose incorrupt body has been venerated in Goa for 472 years. They emphasised the feast’s role in strengthening social unity and nurturing bonds across communities. As the celebration concluded, participants reflected on St Xavier’s legacy of faith, sacrifice and service, recognising the enduring inspiration he offers to India and to Christian communities worldwide.

By Purushottam Nayak