Odisha’s Kandhamal Observes Archbishop Cheenath’s 9th Death Anniversary

Kandhamal, Odisha, August 16, 2025 – The faithful in Kandhamal paid heartfelt tribute to the late Emeritus Archbishop Raphael Cheenath, SVD, on the occasion of his ninth death anniversary. Remembered as a courageous shepherd of the Church in Odisha, Archbishop Cheenath’s legacy continues to inspire survivors of the 2008 anti-Christian violence.

More than a hundred survivors, priests, religious, elders, youth, and children gathered on Thursday evening at Our Lady of Charity Parish, Raikia, in the Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar, one of the worst-affected blocks during the violence. A special prayer service was held in the evening for the repose of the Archbishop’s soul and in memory of his tireless defence of the persecuted.

Vicar General Fr. Pradosh Chandra Nayak recalled Cheenath’s pivotal role during the communal unrest. He praised the Archbishop’s courage in approaching the Supreme Court of India to secure enhanced relief, rehabilitation, and proper compensation from the Odisha Government for victims whose lives, homes, and institutions were destroyed.

“He stood firmly with the people when they were shattered,” Fr. Nayak said, remembering how nearly 60,000 Christians fled into forests after more than 6,000 houses were destroyed by fundamentalists. “Over 100 men and women were killed, and even Catholic nuns suffered sexual assault.”

Fr. Nayak also recalled attending Archbishop Cheenath’s funeral nine years ago at Sacred Heart Church, Mahakali Caves Road, Andheri East, Mumbai.

For many survivors, Cheenath remains a beacon of hope. “I am grateful to Emeritus Archbishop Cheenath, whose courageous fight ensured that victims like my brother, Fr. Bernard Digal, received compensation from the Odisha Government,” said Benedict Digal of Tiangia, the village that recorded the highest number of killings during the violence. Fr. Bernard Digal, the only Catholic priest to be martyred in 2008, had served as Treasurer of the Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar before his brutal murder.

Archbishop Cheenath’s ecclesiastical journey was equally distinguished. Born on 29 December 1934, he was ordained a priest on 21 September 1963. He was consecrated bishop on 18 May 1974 and later installed as Archbishop of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar on 11 August 1985, succeeding Archbishop Henry D’Souza.

Archbishop Cheenath passed away on 14 August 2016 in Mumbai, but in Kandhamal, the faithful continue to honour his memory as a defender of justice and faith.

By Purushottam Nayak

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