In a moment that felt like both recognition and renewal, dozens of Catholic families from the Nandagiri settlement in Odisha, India, found themselves at the center of a heartfelt visit from 23 Catholic bishops.
The visit, which took place on February 5, was more than just a formal gathering—it was a moment of solidarity and spiritual upliftment for a community that has endured years of hardship and displacement.
The bishops, who had traveled from across India, were welcomed with traditional dances, colorful attire, and heartfelt gestures of respect.
Men adorned with buffalo horns performed animist dances, while women dressed in bright garments presented floral offerings to each bishop.
As they were led into the church by young dancers, the 300 Catholics in attendance erupted in applause, celebrating not just the visitors but their shared faith and perseverance.
A Message of Strength and Support
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore expressed deep admiration for the community’s resilience.
“We have heard so much about your faith and perseverance.
We are all happy to come here and meet you,” he told the congregation.
His words carried weight, acknowledging the trials these families have endured over the years.
The bishops’ visit to Kandhamal came immediately after the conclusion of a weeklong assembly of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI).
Their journey to this remote district took over five hours by bus from Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, a journey that underscored their commitment to standing with the persecuted faithful.
Displacement and Survival: A Community’s Struggle
For the 54 Catholic families now living in Nandagiri, this visit was not just a formality—it was a recognition of their suffering and their unwavering faith.
Chrisanto Mallick, a senior member of the Nandagiri Catholic community, described the visit as deeply moving.
“We are thrilled as the visit of so many bishops is recognition of our suffering and witness,” he said.
These families were originally from Beticola, a village they were forced to flee during the anti-Christian violence that swept through Kandhamal in August 2008.
The violence was triggered by the assassination of Hindu nationalist monk Swami Lakshmanananda Saraswati.
Following his death, Christian communities were falsely accused of being involved, leading to brutal reprisals.
Hindu nationalist groups in the region banned Christianity, demanding that Christians convert to Hinduism or face severe consequences.
Many who refused were subjected to horrific acts of violence—some were burned alive, buried alive, or brutally attacked.
Nearly 100 Christians lost their lives, over 300 churches were destroyed, and approximately 6,000 homes were looted and razed to the ground.
In total, 56,000 Christians were displaced.
Forced Out and Starting Over
When the violence subsided, the Catholics of Beticola attempted to return to their village, but they were met with hostility and threats.
Their persecutors made it clear that they were no longer welcome.
With nowhere else to turn, the government provided them with small plots of land on a remote mountain slope in Nandagiri, where they were housed in basic shelters.
“My family had 20 acres of land and were living comfortably from a farming income when we had to leave Beticola without anything,” recalled Sunil Mallick.
“Here, we had to restart life from zero, and I had to work as a daily laborer just to survive.”
A Silver Lining Through Education
Despite their struggles, the Catholic Church played a vital role in helping these families rebuild their lives.
Many children were provided with education through church-supported hostel schools, even in other dioceses.
Mallick, who also serves as a catechist in the community church, expressed gratitude for the support.
“The Church extended great help in taking care of our needs, arranging school admissions for our children,” he said.
His three children, including a blind daughter, are now pursuing higher education.
Thomas Mallick, another displaced Catholic, echoed this sentiment.
“At first, we had to struggle for work and survival,” he said.
“But thanks to the Church, our children received an education, something that may not have been possible in Beticola.”
He even went as far as to call their displacement a “blessing in disguise,” as it led to new opportunities for the younger generation.
A Testament to Faith and Endurance
The visit of the bishops was not just a show of solidarity; it was a reaffirmation of the community’s strength and faith.
It served as a reminder that despite the trials they have endured, they are not forgotten.
The people of Nandagiri continue to build their lives, anchored in their faith and bolstered by the support of the Church.
For these families, the journey has been long and painful, but their spirit remains unbroken.
The visit from the bishops was more than just a symbolic gesture—it was a powerful acknowledgment of their endurance, their faith, and their unyielding commitment to their beliefs.
As they continue their lives in Nandagiri, one thing remains clear: their faith has not only survived but thrived, turning a story of persecution into one of resilience and hope.
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