In a rare and deeply symbolic celebration of vocation emerging from a region marked by violence and resilience, the parish of Bamunigam in Kandhamal witnessed a Mass of thanksgiving in honour of Sister Usha Rani Nayak of the Sacred Hearts as she returned home after her first religious profession.
The occasion had special significance as she became the first consecrated woman in her family and among the growing number of vocations emerging from Kandhamal.
The thanksgiving Mass marked Sister Usha Rani's first return to her home village after making her first profession on 8 December 2025 at the Sacred Hearts novitiate in the Philippines, formally entering the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts. As her family was unable to attend the profession abroad, the parish and the village gathered to publicly recognise and celebrate her consecrated life through a solemn liturgical and community celebration.
This was followed by a solemn Eucharistic celebration, which brought together family members, relatives and the entire community of faith. After Mass, there was a celebration and a procession through the streets of the village, which ended at her home.
01/13/2026