Our Archbishop John Barwa SVD
About Archbishop Most Reverend John Barwa SVD
Most Rev. Archbishop John Barwa SVD is a prominent figure in the Catholic Church, known for his unwavering commitment to social justice, interfaith harmony, and the welfare of marginalized communities in India. Born on June 15, 1956, in Kunkuri, Jashpur district, in the state of Chhattisgarh, India, John Barwa joined the Society of the Divine Word (SVD), a missionary congregation, in 1977. His journey towards priesthood and subsequently to the episcopate reflects a life dedicated to serving others, particularly the underprivileged.
Barwa's early years in the priesthood were marked by his dedication to the tribal communities of India. His missionary zeal took him to remote areas where he worked tirelessly to uplift the socio-economic conditions of the tribal people, advocating for their rights and dignity. He became a voice for the voiceless, advocating for land rights, education, and healthcare for the indigenous populations.
In recognition of his leadership and pastoral qualities, John Barwa was ordained as the Bishop of Rourkela on April 5, 2006. As a bishop, he continued his advocacy for the marginalized, focusing on empowering tribal communities and promoting sustainable development initiatives. His efforts garnered widespread acclaim and earned him the reputation of being a champion for social justice in the region.
Barwa's commitment to dialogue and interfaith harmony is another hallmark of his episcopate. In a diverse country like India, characterized by various religions and cultures, he has been a vocal proponent of building bridges between different faith communities. His efforts in fostering mutual understanding and cooperation have played a significant role in promoting peace and harmony in regions marked by religious tensions.
In recognition of his exemplary service to the Church and society, Archbishop John Barwa was appointed as the Archbishop of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar on February 3, 2011. This appointment brought added responsibilities, but Barwa embraced them with characteristic humility and dedication. He continued his mission of promoting social justice, peace, and interfaith dialogue, becoming a beacon of hope for the people of Odisha.
Throughout his tenure as Archbishop, Barwa has remained committed to his core values of compassion, justice, and solidarity. He has spoken out against injustices, including discrimination, violence, and exploitation, while also working towards building a more inclusive and equitable society. His leadership has inspired countless individuals to join the cause of serving the marginalized and working towards a more just and compassionate world.
In addition to his pastoral duties, Archbishop John Barwa is also actively involved in various national and international Catholic organizations, further extending his influence and impact. His tireless efforts in the service of humanity have earned him widespread respect and admiration, both within and outside the Catholic Church. Archbishop John Barwa SVD stands as a shining example of servant leadership, embodying the spirit of compassion, solidarity, and social justice.
