A report by Verghese V Joseph.
As a first step towards beatification, the martyrs of Kandhamal, the Christians of Orissa killed in violence by Hindu fundamentalists in the summer of 2008, have been officially recognized as servants of God.
The Apostolic Nuncio to India, Monsignor Leopoldo Girelli, in a letter addressed to the archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar – in whose territory the Kandhamal district falls under – officially communicated that the Vatican dicastery for the Causes of Saints has issued the ‘nihil obstat’ for the beatification process of Kanteshwar Digal and his 34 companion martyrs of Kandhamal. In the Roman Catholic Church, ‘Nihil obstat’ (Latin for “nothing hinders” or “nothing stands in the way”) is a phrase traditionally used by Catholic Church authorities to formally declare that there is no objection to the publication of a book, or to some other proposed action.
This is a requirement that formally declares the investigation into sanctity open; from this moment – therefore – the people in question assume the title of servant of God.
The archdiocese will have to now start the canonical process by collecting the testimonies based on which the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints in the Vatican will then decide. And, if the final outcome is positive, the Pope will be able to authorize the promulgation of the decree on martyrdom, which will lead to beatification.
The authorization received from the Vatican is very significant for the Church of India, which recalls the events in Orissa 15 years ago as the most terrible anti-Christian persecution in recent years. Very serious violence in which the killings in the Kandhamal district were also accompanied by church fires, devastation, hundreds of people forced to find refuge in the forest to escape the raids of fanatics instigated by Hindu nationalists. The cause of beatification is linked to the name of Kanteshwar Digal, a lay family man, catechist in the parish of Sankarakhole, killed at the age of 53 on 25 September 2008.
Reacting to the development, Archbishop of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar Mgr. John Barwa said, “I am pleased to announce a significant step forward in the process of beatification for our beloved Servant of God Kanteshwar Digal and Companions, martyrs of Kandhamal. After careful consideration and prayerful discernment, the Congregation for the Cause of Saints has granted the Nihil Obstat, which signifies that there is no objection to commencing the cause for the beatification of Kanteshwar Digal and Companions.”
The Nihil Obstat, granted by the Congregation for the Cause of Saints in Rome, affirms that
there are no doctrinal or moral impediments to investigating the life, virtues and sanctity of the Servant of God Kanteshwar Digal and Companions. This is a testimony to the authenticity of the proposed cause and its alignment with the teachings and values of our faith.
“Indeed, this is a momentous occasion in the life our Archdiocese of Cuttack- Bhubaneswar,
Odisha Church and the Church at large. The life of Servant of God Kanteshwar Digal and
Companion has been a source of inspiration. Through their unwavering faith during the 2008
Kandhamal communal violence, has left an indelible mark on our spiritual journey.
As we embark on this holy endeavor, I invite all the faithful to join us in prayer and reflection,” the prelate said.
The Archibishop expressed, “Let us offer our prayers and supplications to the Lord, asking for His guidance and grace throughout this process. May we be inspired by the example of Kanteshwar Digal and Companions to lead lives of greater faith and devotion to God. I entrust this process to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, all the saints and our
Servant of God Kanteshwar Digal and Companions. May the Lord bless and guide us as we
move forward in this sacred undertaking.”
Cardinal Oswald Gracias, archbishop of Mumbai, who is currently in Rome for the Synod expressed joy at the news of the step taken by the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints. In 2017 it was he who encouraged the local Church of Orissa to promote the cause of beatification, with the support of the then prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, Card. Fernando Filoni.
The 35 Kanhamal martyrs are 24 men and 11 women. They are:
- Father Bernard Digal
- Juboraj Digal
- Sibino Pradhan
- Raghapati Digal
- Kantheswar Digal
- Bikram Nayak
- Rajesh Digal
- Trinath Digal
- Parikhita Nayak
- Suchitra Digal
- Lensa Digal
- Subedana Nayak
- Mayagini digal
- Jhunima Parichha
- Bastina Montry
- Priya Darshoni Nayak
- Dustina Parichha
- Sirel Parichha
- Bhumika digal
- Tepan Nayak
- Badani Digal
- Digamber Digal
- Lalita Digal
- Augustine Digal
- Tileswar Paltasingh
- Kundan Montry
- Hemant Digal
- Bibhisana Digal
- Reboti Parichha
- Melanio Digal
- Krushna Nayak
- Jamadei Pradhan
- Baliarsingh Digal
- Gonda Digal
- Mary Pani
Excellent Decision by Vatican taking initiative to the beatification process of the martyrs of Kandhahar 🙏🙏