About Archbishop
Most Rev. John Barwa SVD
Most Rev. John Barwa, SVD, is the Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. A member of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD), he is dedicated to pastoral leadership, missionary service, and the spiritual well-being of the communities entrusted to his care.
Born on 1 June 1955 in Gaibira, in present-day Odisha, India, Archbishop Barwa joined the Society of the Divine Word and pursued his formation for the priesthood. He was ordained a priest on 14 April 1985 in Sambalpur. His early ministry included parish service, pastoral formation, and teaching liturgy. He also pursued advanced studies in liturgy at the Pontifical Institute of St. Anselm in Rome.
On 4 February 2006, he was appointed Coadjutor Bishop of Rourkela and received episcopal ordination on 19 April 2006. He subsequently became Bishop of Rourkela on 2 April 2009. On 11 February 2011, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Archbishop of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar, succeeding Archbishop Raphael Cheenath, SVD.
Throughout his ministry, Archbishop Barwa has served the Church through pastoral guidance, missionary outreach, and a commitment to the dignity and welfare of all people. His ministry reflects the Church's mission to proclaim the Gospel, strengthen Christian communities, encourage solidarity, and support those in need.
As Archbishop of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar, he provides spiritual leadership to the Archdiocese, guiding its pastoral mission and encouraging the faithful to live out the values of faith, compassion, service, and unity.
Archbishop Most Rev. John Barwa, SVD, emphasizes the importance of dialogue, mutual respect, and harmony among people of different religious and cultural backgrounds. In India's diverse society, interfaith dialogue plays an important role in fostering peaceful coexistence, strengthening mutual understanding, and encouraging cooperation among communities. His pastoral mission reflects the importance of promoting peace, respect, and unity across religious boundaries.
On 11 February 2011, Pope Benedict XVI appointed Archbishop John Barwa as the Archbishop of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar. This appointment entrusted him with the pastoral leadership of the Archdiocese, including the spiritual guidance of the faithful and the continued development of its pastoral mission. His ministry emphasizes faith, service, dialogue, and concern for the well-being of society.
Throughout his episcopal ministry, Archbishop Barwa has upheld the Christian values of compassion, justice, and solidarity. These values call for a commitment to human dignity, the protection of vulnerable communities, and the promotion of peaceful coexistence. His pastoral leadership encourages individuals and communities to respond to social challenges with compassion, responsibility, and a spirit of service.
Alongside his pastoral responsibilities, Archbishop Barwa's ministry forms part of the wider mission of the Catholic Church in India and beyond. Through his service to the Archdiocese, he contributes to the Church's work of evangelization, community development, and the promotion of dialogue and understanding. His vocation as a member of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) reflects a commitment to missionary service and the proclamation of the Gospel.
Archbishop Most Rev. John Barwa, SVD, continues to serve as a spiritual shepherd, encouraging the faithful to live according to the values of faith, compassion, peace, and solidarity. His ministry highlights the importance of serving others, respecting human dignity, and building communities rooted in mutual understanding and Christian fellowship.
