Fr. Varghese Kalapurakudy

A country priest comes to Kakinada, finding joy with his people in Christ's Sacred Heart.

Sunday, March 27, 2016

Easter Joy and a Holy Padhayathra

Co-missionary and former seminary classmate of Fr. Varghese's, Fr. Baskhar, shared striking photos from his Way of the Cross and Easter Vigil Mass. This pastor of Infant Jesus Church serves at a church converted from an old school in Kothakota village, 20 kilometers from Narsipatnam. To reach Fr. Baskhar's mission, Fr. Varghese and fellow priests ride a bus five hours' north from Kakinada and then walk from the road point, through forest pathways, to reach the interior village. 
Fr. Baskhar serves Catholics from seven surrounding villages, in an area known through the 1940s for its human sacrifice to the goddess Durga. Many of his people are from various tribal groups. He is the "first parish priest of newly-erected parish," wrote Fr. Baskhar, after he took up his new assignment June of 2014. "I must lay good faith foundation." 




But before they celebrated the joy of the Ressurrection, Infant Jesus faithful brought the story of Christ's passion to village streets:  








Re-enacting Christ's passion in a holy "padhayathra," prayerful procession, draws 
 His people into more deeply experiencing Christ's love and sacrifice for them.


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