It was a day of immense joy and gratitude for the Redemptorists of the Province of Bangalore, as they witnessed the ordination of one of their own, Fr. Camil Dungdung, C.Ss.R., into the priesthood. The priestly ordination ceremony was presided over by Rt. Rev. Kishor Kumar Kujur, Bishop of Rourkela Diocese, on April 26, 2025, at 7:00 am, at Christ the King Parish Church, Jolda, under the Diocese of Rourkela, Odisha. Fr. Camil, hailing from Saraigarh village, is the beloved son of the late Mr. Binay Dungdung and Mrs. Balamdina Dungdung.
The solemnity of the liturgy reflected the profound significance of the moment, as Deacon Camil was consecrated through the laying on of hands and the prayer of consecration. The ordination Mass was a grand and prayerful gathering, attended by 24 priests, numerous religious sisters, and an estimated 3,000 faithful. The celebration drew not only parishioners from Jolda but also large groups from nearby Kalunga Parish and Pandripani Parish, along with friends, well-wishers, and family members.
Following the beautiful and moving liturgical ceremony with the choir led by Fr. Kulkant Xess, which concluded around 10:00 AM, a community breakfast was graciously organised and served by the parish team. It was a joyful moment of sharing and fellowship among all gathered.
The newly ordained Fr. Camil was then warmly felicitated by the Redemptorist Confreres, along with the Parish Team of Jolda, and representatives from Kalunga and Pandripani Parishes. Heartfelt speeches, songs of congratulations, and words of encouragement and blessings marked this part of the celebration.
The day of celebration ended with a fellowship meal that strengthened bonds of friendship, fraternity, and thanksgiving among the faithful and religious.
This ordination marks not just the personal fulfilment of a vocation for Fr. Camil, but also a new chapter for the Redemptorist mission in India—bringing Christ the Redeemer’s love and mercy more profoundly into the lives of the people they serve.
We thank God for the gift of Fr. Camil’s vocation and pray that his priestly ministry will be blessed, fruitful, and a beacon of hope for many.
Fr. Abhay Kullu, CSsR.
