A long-awaited Dream became a Living Mission
For nearly seventy years, the Redemptorists of the Province of Bangalore carried a deep and prayerful longing, to establish a mission house outside the city of Bangalore, within the State of Karnataka, so as to walk more closely with the people of this land in their own language, culture, and daily struggles.
This dream, patiently preserved across generations, has now become a living reality under the leadership of our Provincial, Fr. Edward Joseph K., and through the collaborative efforts of every Kannada-speaking Father of the Karnataka Mission Zone. Most beautifully, this grace has come to fulfilment in the Jubilee Year of St. Gerard Majella, as we celebrate the 300th anniversary of his birth, a tender reminder that God’s timing is always perfect.
Across two quadrennia, this desire was prayed over, spoken about, postponed, and assessed, yet never forgotten. When God plants a dream, time may delay its fulfilment, but grace never abandons its journey.
A decisive moment came on 30 July, when two Redemptorist Fathers were appointed as Assistant Parish Priests at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Mysore. On that grace-filled day, the then Bishop of Mysore, Most Rev. Dr. K. A. William, together with his council, warmly welcomed the Redemptorists into the Diocese. As he installed Fr. Peter B. and me, he publicly expressed his heartfelt desire that the Redemptorists would soon establish a full-fledged mission house in the Diocese. Those words were not ceremonial; they rekindled a hope long kept alive in prayer.
Soon after, land offered by the Diocese seemed close to being finalized. But painful and tragic developments changed the situation, and once again the dream seemed to slip through our fingers. It was then that the Diocesan Administrator, Most Rev. Dr. Bernard Moras, spoke words that became a turning point for us:
“Your mission and growth should not be hindered by internal difficulties.”
Those words became not only permission to continue, but a call to trust and to move forward in faith.
Walking by Faith, Not by Sight
What followed was a long and demanding journey of search and discernment. The Karnataka Mission Zone team, Fr. Christopher Ponnusamy, Fr. Peter Balasamy, and I, scouted over 40 properties around the city of Mysore. In the final phase Fr. Anthonyswamy, Parish Priest of Nagavalli, joined us in the search. In this entire journey, of search Fr. Provincial and Council visited several referred properties. After searching so many we finally proposed three possible lands to the Provincial Council. Our Provincial, Fr. Edward Joseph K., personally visited the shortlisted properties along with Fr. John Mathew, the Vicar, and offered his guidance. He then encouraged that the EPC members give their suggestions. Accordingly, Fr. Sarath M., Fr. Christopher Louis, and Fr. Sanjay visited the places and shared their feedback. Later, the EPC suggested that all Kannada-speaking Redemptorists personally visit the property that had been narrowed down at Nanjangud and offer their opinion. Many Fathers came, saw the place, felt the pastoral possibilities, and with one voice gave a positive response. Only after this wide consultation and prayerful discernment was the proposal finally took shape.
Thus, from the very beginning, this mission was not born of individual preference, but of communal discernment, shared responsibility, and brotherly collaboration.
A House That Was Already a Home
Among all the options, the house at Nanjangud touched our hearts differently, as if God Himself was quietly saying, This is where I want you. The first visit remains unforgettable. With simple facilities for community life and a small prayer room already inside, it did not feel like a property we were inspecting, but like a home waiting to receive us.
In that prayer room, beside the statue of Our Lady, I placed a medal of St. Gerard Majella and whispered a simple prayer:
“If this is Your will, Lord, let this house become our mission.”
On the second visit, we placed a small statue of St. Joseph, entrusting the entire process to his silent protection.
From that moment, grace began to move quietly but firmly. When deadlines became tight, documents were verified. When delays were feared, unexpected solutions appeared. Through the mercy of God and the intercession of St. Gerard and St. Joseph, the first portion of the land was registered on 2 September 2025. It was not merely a legal step, but a moment of deep gratitude and inner assurance that God was truly leading us.
From Waiting to Welcome
Later, we along with the Provincial, and Fr Joseph Abraham the Bursar, met the newly installed Bishop of Mysore, Most Rev. Dr. Francis Serrao, shared the entire journey, and sought his blessing. Listening with pastoral warmth and missionary vision, the Bishop proposed 13 January 2026 as the date for the community inauguration.
From December onward, renovation and preparation began with the financial support of the Province. With limited time and many festivals in between, workers labored day and night. There were sleepless nights and tired bodies, yet no one complained. Every wall painted and every wire fixed felt like a prayer in action.
On the evening of 12 January, the community was officially installed by our Provincial, Fr. Edward Joseph K., in the presence of Fr. John Mathew, Vicar, and Fr. Sarath M., OPC Member, along with community members and benefactors. For me, it was a deeply moving confirmation that the long road of hope had finally found a home.
On 13 January 2026, Jeevanodhaya which means “Rise of Life”, was born, as the Bishop of Mysore blessed the house and consecrated the oratory in the solemn Eucharistic Celebration. This was witnessed by the Redemptorists who came from far and wide, the priests of Mysore and Ooty diocese, religious, and lay faithful.
A Mission Entrusted, Not Earned
On the day of inauguration, the Bishop shared his dream of proclaiming a Year of Faith in the Diocese and entrusted the Redemptorists with a special mandate, to preach, to evangelize, and to be instruments of reconciliation. We receive this not as an achievement, but as a grace.
May Jeevanodhaya become a place where the wounded rediscover hope, where tired souls find rest, and where God’s mercy is preached not only in words, but through daily life.
Gratitude Written in Every Brick
Before all else, I offer my special and heartfelt gratitude to Fr. Edward Joseph K., our Provincial, whose leadership, personal encouragement, and firm support made this mission possible. His trust in me and in the Karnataka Mission gave me strength when the responsibility felt heavy.
I thank Fr. Christopher Ponnusamy, our Mission Zone Coordinator, for his vision and tireless accompaniment, and Fr. Anthonyswamy, who walked with me through every struggle, studied documents patiently, and guided me like an elder brother.
I thank my community members, Fr. Anthonyswamy, Fr. Nirmal Kumar, and Fr. Peter B. and remember with gratitude Fr. Joseph Abraham for his practical wisdom, and Fr. Kevin Kumar for his support in the final phase.
This house is not the result of one person’s effort. It is the fruit of shared sacrifice, silent service, faithful prayer, and brotherly love.
God’s Answer to a Long Prayer
Above all, I thank Almighty God, Mother of Perpetual Help, St. Gerard Majella, and St. Joseph. I thank every benefactor, worker, and friend who supported this mission.
Jeevanodhaya is not merely our home. It is God’s gentle and powerful answer to a prayer carried for generations.
It is the place where a seventy-year dream learned to breathe, and where mission begins anew.
Fr. Robin Kumar, C.Ss.R.
Superior, Jeevanodhaya Community, Nanjangud
