Bhubaneswar, May 25: The Catholic Church in Odisha is mourning the passing of Father Anselm Francis Biswal, a revered priest whose six decades of dedicated ministry left an enduring impact on the faithful and society. He passed away on May 22 at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy of humility, compassion, prayer, and selfless service.

Leading the funeral Mass at Sacred Heart Parish in Suruda, Archbishop John Barwa paid heartfelt tribute to the late priest, describing him as far more than a religious leader.

“We are not only bidding farewell to a Catholic priest, but also to a loving father, a grassroots missionary, a compassionate consoler, a wise mentor, a dedicated social worker, and a gifted writer whose life touched countless hearts,” Archbishop John Barwa said.

The funeral ceremony witnessed the participation of more than 50 priests, 25 nuns, and around 500 faithful. Bishops Aplinar Senapati and Rabindra Ranasingh also concelebrated the liturgy in Suruda, located in Odisha’s Ganjam district.

Archbishop Barwa reminded mourners that the mission of a priest continues even after death through the values, guidance, and prayers he leaves behind.

“Though his earthly life has ended, the values he preached, the people he guided, and the lives he touched will continue to remain alive in the hearts of the faithful,” he said.

Bishop Sarat Chandra Nayak, who had once been Father Biswal’s student, expressed gratitude to the priest’s family for dedicating him to the service of the Church.

“Your family’s generous offering of your son and brother to God’s service became a blessing for countless people. His life and ministry will forever remain in the hearts of the faithful,” he said.

Born on November 6, 1935, in Dantolingi, Father Biswal completed his matriculation in 1953 before pursuing higher studies in arts at Fakir Mohan College in Balasore. Answering his spiritual calling, he joined the Minor Seminary at Bhanjanagar and later studied philosophy at St. Albert College in Ranchi and theology at the Papal Seminary in Pune.

He was ordained as a deacon in March 1962 and became a priest in October 3, 1962.

Over the next six decades, Father Biswal served in several parishes and seminaries across Odisha, including Puri, Balasore, Cuttack, Berhampur, Raikia, Khordha Road, Bamunigam, Sambalpur, and Padanpur. He held various responsibilities as chaplain, parish priest, school manager, seminary formator, and director of social centres.

Known for his humility and pastoral dedication, Father Biswal was regarded as a patriarchal figure among the clergy in Odisha. He also contributed significantly to religious literature through his book, The Little Mustard Seed: The Catholic Mission in the Soul of South Odisha 1850-1922, which documented the spread of Christianity in the Ganjam and Phulbani regions.

Retired principal Pradeep Kumar Nayak said the book offered valuable insights into the history of Christianity in southern Odisha.

Family members, too, remembered him as a deeply spiritual and committed individual. “By serving him for the last six years, I learnt that he was a man of prayer, sincerity, commitment, and dedication,” said his nephew-in-law, Minarani Joseph.

Father Biswal’s demise has created a deep void within Odisha’s Catholic community. However, Church leaders believe his influence and teachings will continue to inspire generations.

“Though he has departed from this earthly life, his legacy of faith, love, and selfless service will continue to live on forever in the hearts of the people,” Archbishop Barwa said.

As the Church in Odisha bids farewell to one of its most respected spiritual leaders, Father Anselm Francis Biswal is being remembered as a devoted shepherd, scholar, and compassionate guide whose remarkable legacy will endure for years to come.