Rev Fr Francis Xavier Minj, SDB, was ordained to the Sacred Order of Priesthood on Thursday, 15 January 2026, at 8:30 a.m., in a solemn and grace-filled Eucharistic celebration held at Holy Family Catholic Church, Noadih. The sacred liturgy was presided over by Most Rev Linus Pingal Ekka, D.D., Bishop of Gumla, and witnessed by a large gathering of priests, religious men and women, Salesians, family members, relatives, and faithful from various parishes.

The ordination ceremony marked a significant moment of joy and thanksgiving for the Salesian Congregation and the local Church. Fr Francis Xavier Minj, SDB, was ordained alongside Fr John Fabanius Ekka, S.J., as both candidates offered their lives in total dedication to the service of God and His people through the ministerial priesthood.

In his homily, Bishop Linus Pingal Ekka addressed the newly ordained priests with words of encouragement and pastoral wisdom. He reminded them that they had been well formed through their study of Sacred Scripture and the teachings of the Church, and were now ready to be sent on mission. Emphasising the call to authentic discipleship, the Bishop urged them to be true witnesses of Christ through their lives, words, and actions. He exhorted them to serve the people with humility, compassion, and selflessness, reaching out especially to those in need and on the margins of society.

Highlighting the essence of the priestly vocation, the Bishop stated that the Sacrament of Holy Orders is fundamentally a call to service. He encouraged the newly ordained priests to be generous in offering themselves for the service of the Church and of humankind, always guided by love, fidelity, and pastoral zeal. Turning to the faithful, the Bishop requested their continued prayers and support for the new priests, so that they may remain faithful and joyful in their priestly ministry.

At the conclusion of the Eucharistic celebration, Fr Francis Xavier Minj, SDB, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to God for the gift of his vocation and for choosing him to serve as a priest. He thanked Bishop Linus Pingal Ekka for conferring the Sacrament of Holy Orders, the priests and religious who accompanied him on his journey, his parents and family members for their sacrifices and constant support, and all the faithful who gathered to witness and pray for him on this sacred occasion. With humility, he requested the prayers of everyone so that he may remain faithful and dedicated in his priestly ministry.

Rev. Fr. Vincent Xalxo, SDB, represented the Provincial and presented the candidate for ordination, underscoring the joy of the Salesian family on this momentous day.

The celebrations will continue with the First Holy Mass of Fr Francis Xavier Minj, SDB, which will be held on Friday, 16 January 2026. The occasion will once again bring together the faithful in thanksgiving to God for the gift of a new priest to the Church.