St Joseph’s Mission Station Established in Kerubadi, Odisha

Kerubadi, November 14, 2025: A major milestone for the Catholic community in the Archdiocese of Cuttack–Bhubaneswar was marked on 31 October as responsibility for the newly established St Joseph’s Mission Station, Kerubadi, was officially handed over to Fr. Deepak Uthan Singh, who becomes its first priest-in-charge. The appointment was made during a ceremony led by Fr. Pradosh Chandra Nayak, Vicar General of the archdiocese and delegate of Archbishop John Barwa, who entrusted the pastoral and administrative leadership of the new mission station to Fr. Uthan Singh.

Fr. Nayak described the establishment of the mission as “a tangible sign of the Church’s growth and a renewed invitation to live and share the Gospel in every corner of society.” More than a dozen priests, religious, parish representatives, lay leaders, and a large gathering of the faithful were present.

In his address, the Vicar General acknowledged the growing Catholic presence in the region and encouraged Fr. Uthan Singh to lead the new mission with dedication, compassion, and a spirit of service. He expressed gratitude to the parishioners and benefactors whose support made the mission station possible.

Accepting his new role, Fr. Uthan Singh said, “This mission is God’s work. Together, as one family of faith, we will strive to build a community centred on prayer, service, and love for all. Let us build this mission as a centre of faith, service, and unity.”

Bernard Nayak, president of the mission committee, added, “I am very happy to see that my people could provide necessary things to Fr Uthan Singh that reflects that my people are growing in charity, generosity.”

St Joseph’s Mission Station has been carved out of Our Lady of Holy Rosary Parish, Daringbadi, to better serve the growing Catholic population in the area. Rooted in a 110-year history of Christian presence first sown by the Missionaries of St Francis de Sales in southern Odisha, the new mission aims to be a centre for pastoral care, catechesis, social outreach, worship, and interreligious harmony.

By Purushottam Nayak