Visakhapatnam Archbishop Leads Young Priests on Formation Pilgrimage to Odisha

Odisha, Jan 22, 2025: In an inspiring initiative aimed at renewing priestly life and strengthening fraternity, Archbishop Udumala Bala Showreddy of Visakhapatnam led forty diocesan priests on a two-day ongoing formation pilgrimage to Odisha, described as “formation on the road.”

The programme brought together mostly young priests within their first decade of ministry, offering them an opportunity to grow through pastoral exposure, cultural encounter, and shared reflection beyond their familiar settings.

“Priests can sometimes remain confined to their own language and pastoral environment,” the Archbishop said. “Exposure to different faith expressions helps us move from being merely ritualistic to becoming more spiritual, inclusive, and missionary.”

During the visit, the priests interacted with clergy, religious, and Church institutions of the Diocese of Berhampur and the Archdiocese of Cuttack–Bhubaneswar, gaining insight into the vibrant faith life and pastoral practices of the Church in Odisha.

“This is the first time we have travelled together as young priests to another state,” said Fr. Polamarasetty Ravi Teja, Secretary to the Archbishop, describing the experience as enriching and formative.

Calling the journey a moment of grace, Fr. Jeyraju Kona, Procurator, said the programme renewed priestly joy, strengthened bonds of brotherhood, and inspired participants to serve with deeper commitment.

The initiative stood out as a meaningful model of ongoing priestly formation, integrating spirituality, fraternity, and pastoral renewal in the service of the Church’s mission.

By Sujata Jena