H.E John Barwa SVD Completes 14 Years As Shepherd of the Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, Odisha, April 4, 2025 – His Excellency, Most Reverend John Barwa, SVD, completed 14 years as the archbishop of the Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar on April 2, 2025. Archbishop Barwa was installed as the shepherd of the archdiocese on April 2, 2011. Over the past 14 years, he has steered the archdiocese towards remarkable spiritual, social, and infrastructural growth. His unwavering commitment to faith, service, and community development has significantly transformed the lives of the clergy, religious, and lay faithful across the region.

Under Archbishop Barwa’s leadership, the archdiocese has witnessed the establishment of new churches, priest residences, convents, schools, and institutions, strengthening both faith formation and education. His dedication to enhancing the educational landscape has resulted in a sponsorship and professional support system, ensuring students have the necessary resources for academic and career success.

Recognising the importance of community outreach, Archbishop Barwa has undertaken extensive pastoral visits, blessing churches in remote villages and fostering spiritual renewal among the faithful. His presence has served as a beacon of encouragement, reinforcing the church’s mission of love and service. Furthermore, his efforts in establishing a legal cell have provided crucial support for victims of the 2008 riots in Kandhamal. Notably, his role in securing the recognition of the Kandhamal martyrs as "Servants of God" has been a significant step toward honouring their sacrifice and strengthening the faith of the people.

The archdiocese, under Archbishop Barwa’s guidance, successfully hosted two landmark events in 2025—the celebration of the archdiocese’s Golden Jubilee at Daringbadi, which united the faithful in a historic testament to faith and unity, and the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) Plenary Assembly in Odisha, highlighting the archdiocese’s vital role in national ecclesial collaboration.

A visionary leader, Archbishop Barwa has also prioritised self-sufficiency, implementing land resource management and commercial development initiatives aimed at long-term economic stability. His commitment to sustainability has integrated environmental stewardship into the church’s growth strategy. Special initiatives in children’s spirituality and youth empowerment have further strengthened the archdiocese, ensuring a dynamic and engaged Catholic community for future generations.

As the faithful celebrate this milestone, Archbishop John Barwa’s 14 years of service stand as a testament to his perseverance, vision, and dedication to holistic community growth. His leadership continues to inspire transformation, fostering a thriving archdiocese rooted in faith, compassion, and a commitment to progress.

By Catholic Connect Reporter