By Purushottam Nayak –
Sukananda, Odisha: In Odisha, Sukananda, Kandhamal district under archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar attributes the successful completion of a century of Christian faith to the intercession of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.
More than 500 faithful including 20 Catholic priests, 10 religious nuns gather to celebrate the centenary of Christian faith and the feast of Our Lady of Immaculate conception on December 8, 2025.
“Mary, the mother of Jesus, was preserved from original sin from the very first moment of her conception. By God’s special grace, she was kept pure and free from all stain of sin, preparing her to be the holy mother of Christ, “the main celebrant Archbishop John Barwa, SVD of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar says in his homily.
“Satan and his legions is no match for the purity and power of mother Mary. She who crushed the serpent’s head (Gen 3:15) continue to intercede for her children, drawing them closer her son, Jesus She is a guide, channel and intercessor for God’s grace, having provided the source Jesus. She is and continuing to help believers receive His blessings,” continues the prelate.
“We are proud to honour mother Mary who is always with us, she knows the needs, necessities and intercedes for us. Faithful are growing in faith, love and charity over the century by the intercession of Immaculate Conception of Mother Mary, we celebrate today,” expresses Father Arun Digal, the parish priest of Sukananda Parish.
“Families have passed down prayers, traditions, and stories of blessings attributed to her intercession. What began as a humble expression of Marian love has grown into a vibrant spiritual legacy that continues to shape the identity of the community. Over the past century, countless individuals have sought Mary’s maternal protection—during times of persecution of 2007-2008 anti-Christian violence, hardship, social change, and personal struggle. Her immaculate example has inspired generations to lead lives of charity, humility, and unwavering trust in God. They demolished churches but not the hearts of people in the time of persecution ,” continues Digal.
Sukananda was a part of Padangi Parish. Badre Pradhan and companion received Christianity. Now the parish has six substations, 78 Catholic families and 300 faithful. A mud chapel dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, was constructed at Sukananda in 1947 by Fr. Garcia Primitivo, CM, than a asbestos Church was constructed in 1925. In 1962 Sukananda became a separate Parish. In 1966, Fr. Mathew Aimanathil, CM was appointed Parish Priest. In the begging the families were became a separate Parish.
Archbishop inaugurated the Sacred Heart statue donated by one of the parishioners. The energetic youth performed entrance dance, the choir helped the celebration more devotion the fellowship meal was ushered to the gatherings with the spirit of love, service, unity and charity.
