The Province will witness a moment of joy and grace as Dn. Francis Xavier Minj, SDB, will be ordained to the Sacred Order of Priesthood on Thursday, 15 January 2026, at 8:30 a.m. The solemn Priestly Ordination will take place at the Holy Family Catholic Church, Noadih.

The ordination will be graciously conferred by Most Rev. Linus Pingal Ekka, D.D., Bishop of Gumla, who will preside over the Eucharistic celebration. The event will mark a significant milestone in the life and vocation of Dn. Francis Xavier Minj, as he responds generously to God’s call to serve the Church as a priest, inspired by the Gospel theme, “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12).

Following the ordination, the First Thanksgiving Holy Mass of the newly ordained priest will be celebrated on Friday, 16 January 2026, at 8:00 a.m. at Bhagittoli, Gumla, Jharkhand. This Eucharistic celebration will be an occasion of gratitude and praise to God, as family members, relatives, confreres, friends, and the faithful gather to thank the Lord for the gift of priesthood.

The Province, along with the local Church, will join in prayer and thanksgiving, invoking God’s abundant blessings upon Rev. Fr. Francis Xavier Minj, SDB, as he begins his priestly ministry in the service of God’s people.