By Purushottam Nayak

Kandhamal, April 8, 2025: A group of Catechism students from the southern Indian state of Kerala on April 8 arrived at Kandhamal, a land of martyrs in Odisha, on a pilgrimage.

The 18-member team from St. Joseph Church, Karukunnu, near Alva in Kerala’s Ernakulam district, travelled some 1,720 km northeast to pray at the Tiangia Martyrs Memorial, dedicated to 105 Catholics who were killed during the 2008 anti-Christian violence.

Among them were Kantheswar Digal and 34 others who are the Servants of God, the first in the four four-stage canonization process in the Catholic Church.

The pilgrimage’s theme was “Kandhamal is not far away when there is love,” said the team’s leader Father Sebastian Vadakkumpadan, the team’s parish priest.

The pilgrims included 14 catechism students, two members of the Sisters of the Adorers of Blessed Sacrament and one member of the Holy Family congregation.

“We pray every day lighting one lamp in Kerala for the Odisha mission,” Father Vadakkumpadan, who had earlier served as the secretary to the Prison Ministry of India under the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India for 14 years, told Matters India.

He compared Odisha’s 35 Servants of God to the initial members of Christianity in the Roman empire. “You are not alone. We are with you in your suffering, pain and agony to witness Christ,” added Father Vadakkumpadan, who is also the director of law college, Choondy.

Amos Kunjmon, leader of the Catechism students, said he was willing to return to Kandhamal after completing his studies to serve the people of Kandhamal and fund them after getting a job.

Ansiya Maria Siju Chakkiyath, a college student, said the Kandhamal martyrs have become models of strong faith. She commended the Catholics in Odisha for remaining firm in faith in Christ despite persecution and threat to life.

“The more challenging life, the stronger is the faith of the people. The pilgrimage tour has enriched my faith,” she told GSR.

Anakleta Nayak, a survivor of the 2008 Kandhamal persecution, said “the pilgrims from God’s own Country visiting Kandhamal, the Martyrs land, inspires, encourages and helps us to grow in faith.”

The Tiangia memorial pays homage to the victims of 105 of the Kandhamal violence.

More than 100 people were killed and 56,000 rendered homeless during the violence that began August 24, 2008, and lasted for four months.

10 Comments

  1. I had a great experince by visiting villages, tribels and their activities. Even though we don’t know their languages they see us as their own family. They had lost every thing, their houses, villages, family, everything but they don’t worry about anything that they lost. They are happy with what they have

  2. The Orissa Mission was such a wonderful experience. It made me understand how people here believe in Jesus and how much faith they have in him. Despite they have lost their family members and house, they are still devoted to Jesus and strongly trust in him . In our state, being a Christian is easy, but here ,it requires a lot of sacrifices and efforts. I felt proud to be a Christian and also felt how lucky I’m to be in such a trustful community. This journey made me open my eyes and see how really people truly believe in Jesus and how much love they have for him. I’m really happy to be a part of this Mission and would cherish it forever. Also, I thank other members, sisters, fathers and people of Orissa who cordinated the programme .

  3. Yes,it was a good experience for us, we see many villages and many houses, but they were poor, but they were rich In their faith, they was ready to die for Jesus. They Safar many in that happened in 2008. Many of them lost their family and their house and things, but they are not complaining about the losses. They were telling about the faith. They have inspired me and our team very much and increased our faith

  4. It is very wonderful mission experiance of here especially in kandhamel. I heard lot of problems in this place. But peoples are stil alive with jesus. They are not bothered about the things, money,home etc, they are happy to sharing all the experiance. So l am very happy.

  5. I am really appreciate your faith. It is improved my faith. It is very happy and wonderful moments in my life.

  6. The Orissa mission showed me what true Christian faith means. Even after facing the pain and persecution, people there still hold on to Christ with courage and love. Their faith is strong, their hearts are full of hope and it inspired me deeply.

  7. This Mission experience is improved my faith. You are not fear to live for the christ. This enlightened my life

  8. This mission really strengthened my understanding of true Christian faith. I met people who suffered greatly for Christ, yet their faith never changed. Despite persecution, destroyed churches, and fear, they were in prayer and hope.
    Seeing their love for God, their unity, and how they live daily inspire me deeply. It reminded me that faith is not just belief but living courageously for Christ even in suffering

  9. I really appreciate your faith. U have many problems but still alive with jesus. Your life is improved my faith.

  10. It is so wonderful to see the faith of the people. We value the coordination work of Fr. Ajayzing, Fr. Manoj and diocese team for our visit. Your faith life is a struggle but you live it with Jesus. We thank Fr. Purushottam too for taking to share his experience too. Fr. Sebastian Vadakumpadan, parish priest of St. Joseph Church, Karukunnu, Ernakulam – Angamaly Arch diocese

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