About Archdiocese

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF CUTTACK-BHUBANESWAR

The Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar has a rich history of missionary endeavour, spiritual growth and dedicated service to the people of Odisha. Its journey reflects the unwavering commitment of missionaries, clergy, religious congregations and lay faithful to proclaim the Gospel, nurture Christian communities and serve humanity with love and compassion.

The Early Mission: 1845–1922

The origins of the Catholic Church in this region date back to 1845, when the territory formed part of the Diocese of Visakhapatnam, in present-day Andhra Pradesh. Missionaries of the Society of the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales (MSFS) established parishes and provided pastoral care to the faithful.

Following the First World War, many French missionaries returned to France. On 10 January 1922, four Spanish Vincentian priests of the Congregation of the Mission (CM) arrived in Odisha and assumed responsibility for the mission, continuing and strengthening the work of evangelisation.

The Mission of Cuttack: 1928–1937

A significant milestone was reached on 18 July 1928, when Pope Pius XI established the Mission of Cuttack as a Missio sui iuris, an ecclesiastical territory with its own independent missionary administration. Father Valerian Guemes, CM, was appointed its administrator and subsequently served as its Ecclesiastical Superior.

In 1937, the Mission of Cuttack was elevated to the status of a diocese and became a suffragan of the Archdiocese of Ranchi. In 1938, the Most Rev. Msgr. Florencio Sanz Esperanza, CM, was appointed its first bishop, marking a new chapter in the development of the Catholic Church in Odisha.

Growth and Pastoral Leadership: 1938–1974

In 1948, Bishop Florencio Sanz Esperanza retired, and the Most Rev. Msgr. Paul Tobar Gonzalves, CM, succeeded him. Following Bishop Tobar's death on 18 April 1971, Father Vincent Urbaneja, CM, was appointed administrator of the diocese.

A historic transformation took place on 24 January 1974, when the ecclesiastical territory was reorganised, the Diocese of Berhampur was established, and Cuttack-Bhubaneswar was elevated to a metropolitan archdiocese. The Most Rev. Msgr. Henry D'Souza was appointed its first Archbishop and was ordained on 5 May 1974 in Calcutta, now Kolkata.

In the same year, the Archbishop's residence was transferred from Cuttack to Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, reflecting the developing pastoral and administrative needs of the Archdiocese.

Successive Archbishops: 1984–2011

In April 1984, Archbishop Henry D'Souza was called to serve the Archdiocese of Calcutta. On 11 August 1985, the Most Rev. Raphael Cheenath, SVD, formerly Bishop of Sambalpur, succeeded him as Archbishop of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar.

Following Archbishop Cheenath's retirement, the Most Rev. John Barwa, SVD, then Bishop of Rourkela, was appointed Archbishop of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar on 11 February 2011. He was installed on 2 April 2011 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary in Cuttack.

The Archdiocese Today: Faith, Hope and Service

The Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar continues its mission under the pastoral leadership of Archbishop John Barwa, SVD, with the assistance of the clergy, religious congregations and lay faithful. The Archdiocese also has an Auxiliary Bishop, the Most Rev. Rabindra Kumar Ranasingh, who supports its pastoral ministry.

The Archdiocese serves communities across nine civil districts of Odisha: Boudh, Cuttack, Kandhamal, Kendrapara, Khordha, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, Nayagarh and Puri.

Its mission extends beyond the celebration of the sacraments and the proclamation of the Gospel. Through parishes, educational institutions, healthcare initiatives, charitable activities and social outreach, the Church seeks to uphold human dignity, promote peace and reconciliation, support the poor and vulnerable, and contribute to the well-being of society.

The dedication of priests, religious sisters and brothers, catechists and lay collaborators remains central to this mission. Their service continues a legacy of faith that has endured through changing times and challenges.

Looking to the Future

As the Archdiocese reflects on its historical journey, it gives thanks to God for the faith, sacrifices and generosity of all who have contributed to its growth. Its history is not merely a record of dates and appointments; it is a living testimony to the power of faith, the spirit of missionary service and the enduring hope of the Christian community.

Inspired by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar remains committed to deepening faith, fostering unity among communities, serving those in need and building a more compassionate and peaceful society in Odisha.

With gratitude for the past and hope for the future, the Archdiocese continues its journey of faith, service and witness, trusting in God's guidance for generations to come.