Kandhamal Christians Pray for Persecutors on Divine Mercy Sunday

MUNDANAJU, Odisha, April 29, 2025 – Approximately 1,500 faithful, including six priests and two nuns, gathered on April 27 at Divine Mercy Church in Mundanaju, part of Our Lady of Charity Parish in Raikia, Kandhamal, to celebrate the Feast of Divine Mercy — the patronal feast of the village. The congregation also offered prayers for those who persecuted them during the anti-Christian violence of 2007–2008. The event served as both a celebration of faith and a poignant reminder of the enduring spirit of mercy and forgiveness.

The celebration commenced with the vibrant youth of the village welcoming the priests to the altar with a traditional entrance dance, arati, and kumkum. The main celebrant for the Holy Mass, was Fr. Pradosh Chandra Nayak, Vicar General of the Archdiocese. In his homily, Fr. Pradosh emphasised the Christian call to mercy, quoting Scripture. “James 2:13 reminds us that without showing mercy, we cannot expect mercy from God,” he said.

Fr. Nayak also reflected on the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:44, urging the congregation to love their enemies and pray for their persecutors. “We must rise above anger and hatred while letting the law uphold justice and fairness,” he said. “Fairness and righteousness must be upheld in the administration of law, fostering trust and stability.”

The day was especially poignant for Benedict Digal, elder brother of the late Fr. Bernard Digal, who was brutally assaulted during the Kandhamal violence and succumbed to his injuries on October 28, 2008, in Chennai. “We take this privilege to pray for our persecutors,” Digal said, “God calls us to be merciful and forgiving.”The Martyrs’ Memorial near Divine Mercy Church, built in collaboration with Bishop Neethinathan Anthonisamy of Chinglepet Diocese and Kandhamal survivor Fr. Manoj Kumar Nayak, served as the focal point of post-Mass prayers. Fr. Nayak currently serves as parish priest at Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Parish, Mondasoro.

Franciscan Sister Manjulata Pradhan, a survivor of the Kandhamal violence, expressed a profound spirit of forgiveness. “The victims of the anti-Christian attacks in Kandhamal are an inspiration to us all. They remind us to remain steadfast in our faith despite brutal assaults, persecution, suffering, and even death,” she said. “I also pray for Pope Francis, who opened the Holy Door of Mercy at the Basilica of St. Peter. May God bless him,” Sister Manjulata added. She also prayed to Almighty God to give the Catholic Church a new pope soon.

Following the Holy Eucharist, the community gathered at the Martyrs’ Memorial for prayer and later shared a meal as a sign of unity and love.

By Purushottam Nayak