By Purushottam Nayak –
Kerubadi, Odisha: A profound sense of joy, gratitude, and unity marked the Silver Jubilee celebration of priesthood of a beloved son of Kerubadi New Mission Station of archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar as hundreds of faithful gathered to honour his 25 years of dedicated service to God and the Church.
The grand celebration began with a solemn Thanksgiving Holy Mass, drawing priests, religious, and lay faithful from three dioceses of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar, Berhampur and Rayagada of eastern Indian state of Odisha.
Fr. Ajaya Pradhan a Catholic Priest born May 3, 1974 to Gongadhar and Bijayani Pradhan at Kerubadi, a Catholic village now a new Mission station of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar archdiocese. Paternal uncle Bidyadhar Pradhan adopts him as a son and takes care of his studies at Berhmapuris after losing his father from the early stages of his childhood. He has three two siblings .
He was ordained May 3, 2001 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Mohana for Berhampur diocese, and incardinated for another new Rayagada diocese officially erected on April 11, 2016 by Pope Francis. It was carved out of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Berhmapur and is a suffragan see under the Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar. Currently he is the Parish Priest of Chandrapur of Rayagada diocese.
“We are grateful and thankful to God for accompanying Father Ajaya Kumar Pradhan in 25 years of Priestly journey”, says Sarat Chandra Nayak, Bishop of Berhampur while beginning the thanksgiving mass and later handed over to jubilarian Father Pradhan.
The atmosphere was deeply prayerful and vibrant, reflecting the strong faith and unity of the community. About 2500 faithful, 35 Catholic priests and 15 religious nuns joined together in thanksgiving to God for the gift of priesthood and for the inspiring journey of Father Pradhan , who has faithfully served the people with love and commitment.
In his homily, Father Peter Chinchani emphasized the beauty of the priestly vocation as a call to serve selflessly and to reflect Christ’s compassion in everyday life. He praised the jubilant priest for his humility, dedication, and tireless pastoral work, noting how his ministry has touched countless lives and strengthened the faith of many communities.
“The celebration became a powerful expression of unity as people from different backgrounds came together as one family. Youth groups, parish leaders, and representatives from various substations actively participated, offering songs, cultural performances, and heartfelt felicitations,” says Father Deepak singh, In-Charge of Kerubadi New Mission Station.
“Their expressions of love and gratitude highlighted the deep bond shared between the priest and the faithful,” continued Father Singh.
Liberio Nayak, a retired teacher and one of the organizers on the occasion fondly recalled the priest’s journey—from his early days in Kerubadi to his years of devoted ministry across different missions as a teacher, preacher and a pastor. He acknowledges Father Ajaya’s significant contribution in promoting spiritual growth, fostering unity, and reaching out to the poor and marginalized.
In his thanksgiving message, the jubilant priest humbly expressed his deep gratitude to Almighty God for His constant guidance over the past 25 years. He thanked Bishop Nayak of Berhampur for the valuable presence. He also thanked his family, fellow priests, and the faithful for their prayers, encouragement, and unwavering support. Renewing his commitment, he pledged to continue serving God’s people with renewed zeal, faith, and love.
The celebration concluded with a joyful fellowship meal, where all present shared in a spirit of brotherhood and harmony. The event not only celebrated a milestone in priestly life but also strengthened the bonds of faith and unity within the community.
“The Silver Jubilee of priesthood of this son of Kerubadi New Mission Station stands as a shining testimony of grace, service, and unwavering faith—an inspiration to all and a reminder of God’s enduring presence in the life of His people,” says Elsy Vadakumpadan, the Superior of new convent of Dominican Sisters at Kerubadi Mission. The women’s congregation has opened second house at Kerubadi and continuing their ministry from 25th march 2026, on wards.