St. Peter’s Church

The region of Kusudia received Faith in 1971. Mr. Pratap Chandra Das of Kundupur and Mr. Norendra Kisku of Andhari played vital roles in sowing the seed of Chrisianity in this region. Many people in several villages around Kusudia were hastly bapitsed but could not be followed up properly so much so that many lapsed. Though many isolated families in several villages lapsed, Jharia Christian community persevered because they were a compact group of their own, who could withstand any external threats or opositions. Since 1974, Fr. Jacob Kallupurakal was appointed First Resident Priest at Kusudia, who did much pioneering works there against all odds. In 1975, the CMC Sisters of Changanacherry Province, Kerala started a Convent and dispensary at Kusudia which gave new hope and enthusiasm to the people around. The present chruch, presbytery, convent, dispensary and the two hostels are all signs of much hard labour from the part of the pioneer missionary. The parish church and presbytery was built and blessed on 28th May, 1976, on which day George Rathappilly was ordained priest in the new church. in 1976, the two hostels, for boys and girls were strarted all in a very humble way but in due course they developed and flourished. In 1978, a modest but beautiful chapel was built a Nuasahi and was blessed by Msgr. Jacob Vadakeveetil. In 1979, when the associate Priest at Kusudia, Fr. Joseph Kureekal was transferred and appointed as parish priest of Amarda Road the Christian villages of Biripal, Raghpur, Rangoda and Beldiha were separated from Kusudia and were adjoined to Amarda Road Parish. In 1982, when Fr. Jacob Kallupurakal was transferred from Kusudia to Mitrapur, Fr. Chacko Playathil C.M. succeeded him as Parish Priest of Kusudia. He pastored Kusudia for 2 years and was transferred to Hatigarh. In 1984, Fr. Paul Kidangan took charge of Kusudia parish and was there until 1986 when Fr. Chacko V.L. succeeded him. In 1987, July 3, Daniel Murmu was ordained priest at Kusudia. Fr. Chacko V.L. continued to be in Kusudia until 1991 when Fr. Jacob Kallupurakal, for a second time, assumed charge as parish Priest. In 1993, Fr. Jacob Kallupurakal was assigned as Diocesan Director of Social Services and on his move to Balasore, Fr. Joseph Kureekal succeeded him as parish priest of Kusudia. When Fr. Joseph Kureekal was moved to Keutunimari Fr. Paul Kidangan succeeded him in 2002. After his service when Fr.Paul Kidangan took up a more challanging ministry at Andapur Mission station Fr. Danniel Murmu took the cahrge of the Parish. He contiuned to be in the office untill 2006 when he was transferred to Rangiam and Fr. Gerald Gomes succeeded him.

Catholic Church Kusudia, P.O. Basta, Balasore, Pin - 756029