- 27 July, 2025
Gajalbadi, Odisha, July 27, 2025 – Anjana Mallick, the only woman catechist in the Diocese of Berhampur, continues the legacy of Father Johnmarry Dupont, a French Missionary of St. Francis de Sales (MSFS), who arrived from Visakhapatnam to Surada, Ganjam district in South Odisha from 1850 onwards.
Born on 13 May 1978 in Kerubadi, a new mission station under Our Lady of Holy Rosary Parish in Daringbadi, Kandhamal (Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar), Anjana is the fifth of six siblings and the only daughter. She married Rabindra Kumar Mallick of Gajalbadi on 27 December 1999 and is a mother of three. For the past 17 years, she has served as a catechist.
Fr. Dupont, of the Fransalian order, established the Surada mission centre in 1853. “It is a precious call of God to share the Gospel with others, a mission begun by Fr. Dupont. I devote time both to my family and to the faith formation of villagers—children, youth, adults, and parents,” Anjana says.
A housewife turned missionary, she was inspired by the Episcopal ordination of her elder brother, Bishop Sarat Chandra Nayak of Berhampur. “It encouraged me to initiate children and neighbours into Christian life, help prepare them for sacraments, and strengthen their relationship with God,” she adds.
“She is active and energetic in keeping alive the seed of faith planted by the French missionary centuries ago. In a Synodal Church, communion, participation and mission are key, and everyone is called to contribute,” says Fr. Kabiraj Bastaraya, Parish Priest of Dantoling, known for its annual Our Lady of Lourdes feast on 11 February.
Pope Francis has highlighted the vital role of lay leaders, especially women, instituting the lay ministry of catechist through the Apostolic Letter Antiquum Ministerium on 11 May.
“Catechists are grassroots missionaries—guiding children and communities in faith, hope, fellowship and charity,” says veteran priest Fr. Anselm Biswal, author and former Director of Catholic Charities and Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar.
He notes, “Though women religious vocations are growing, female catechists remain few in Odisha. Greater female participation would be encouraging, especially as women form the majority of liturgical gatherings.”
He adds, “Women’s movements are often limited due to caregiving and household responsibilities, but they play vital roles in community and national development.”
Gajalbadi Panchayat, with a population of 5,000, includes 80 Baptist and 12 Catholic families. The faith in the area was spread by pioneers Pandit Uthansingh and Kaibalya Mallick.
“We are proud of our mother’s dedication in guiding others in their faith journey,” say her daughters, Anupoma and Anima.
Anjana remains the sole woman among 370 catechists and 30 touring catechists in the Diocese of Berhampur.
By Purushottam Nayak
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