From the Soil of Martyrs to the College of Bishops: Auxiliary Bishop Rabindra Kumar Ranasingh Ordained for Bhubaneswar Archdiocese

Daringbadi, Odisha, January 18, 2026: Calling Kandhamal a land sanctified by faith, sacrifice and martyrdom, Archbishop John Barwa said the episcopal ordination of Auxiliary Bishop Rabindra Kumar Ranasingh marked “a historic day that will be written in golden letters in the life of the local Church.”

Delivering the homily during the episcopal ordination on January 17 at St John’s School Ground, Daringbadi, the Archbishop reflected deeply on the meaning of episcopal ministry, reminding the faithful that a bishop’s vocation is rooted not in authority but in love and service.

Referring to Jesus’ question to Peter — “Do you love me?” — Archbishop Barwa said this remains the fundamental question addressed to every bishop. “Episcopal ministry flows from love — love for Christ and love for His people,” he said, praying that the Holy Spirit would guide the newly ordained bishop to be a shepherd marked by compassion, humility and pastoral closeness.

Describing Kandhamal as the “soil of martyrs,” the Archbishop noted with emotion that from a land scarred by persecution and suffering, a son of the Church had now been called to serve among the successors of the Apostles. “From this sacred land rises a shepherd for the universal Church,” he said, drawing prolonged applause from the congregation.

The solemn Eucharistic celebration drew more than 500 priests and religious and over 10,000 faithful from across the Archdiocese of Cuttack–Bhubaneswar and neighbouring dioceses. Bishop-elect Ranasingh was led to the altar in a vibrant cultural procession accompanied by traditional music and dance, reflecting the rich faith heritage of Kandhamal.

During the liturgy, Fr Dibakar Paricha, Chancellor of the Archdiocese, and Fr Pradosh Chandra Nayak, Vicar General, formally presented the Bishop-elect. The Apostolic Letter of appointment issued by Pope Leo XIV on November 22, 2025, was read by Fr Mrityunjay Digal.

Following the proclamation of the Gospel, Archbishop Barwa, as Principal Consecrator, questioned the Bishop-elect on his resolve to preserve the faith, proclaim the Gospel and serve the People of God. The rite of ordination unfolded with the laying on of hands, the prayer of consecration, the anointing with Sacred Chrism, and the handing over of the ring and pastoral staff, signifying his incorporation into the College of Bishops.

Bishop Sarat Chandra Nayak of Berhampur and Bishop Kishore Kumar Kujur of Rourkela served as Co-consecrators, with several bishops and archbishops from Odisha, Kolkata and Chhattisgarh concelebrating.

Reflecting on the significance of the appointment, Fr Ajay Kumar Singh said the ordination came at a crucial time for the Archdiocese, highlighting Bishop Ranasingh’s strong grounding in Canon Law and his wide pastoral experience. He also recalled that the new bishop hails from a parish among the first affected during the anti-Christian violence of December 2007.

Born on July 9, 1972, in Kasabasa village of Kandhamal district, Bishop Rabindra Kumar Ranasingh was ordained a priest on April 18, 2001. Holding a doctorate in Canon Law from Rome, he has served the Archdiocese of Cuttack–Bhubaneswar in several key pastoral and administrative responsibilities.

As he begins his episcopal ministry, the Church in Odisha entrusts him to the intercession of the martyrs of Kandhamal and to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, praying that his service may be marked by faith, courage and pastoral love.

From the Soil of Martyrs to the College of Bishops: Auxiliary Bishop Rabindra Kumar Ranasingh Ordained for Bhubaneswar Archdiocese

Latest News