And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.” - (Matt. 16:18)
“నీవు పేతురువు, ఈ రాతిపైన నా సంఘాన్ని నిర్మిస్తాను. నరక శక్తులు దానిని జయించలేవు.” – (మత్తయి 16:18)
Ravipadu Parish, The Catholic Diocese of Guntur - India.
Ravipadu is one of the three biggest parishes in the diocese of Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India. In India the oldest Catholicism is found in Kerala in the first century with the arrival of St. Thomas. But in the state of Andhra Pradesh, Catholic faith found its roots in between 1710-1720. The people of the village have received the faith of Christianity in 18th century. Since then they live and lead their lives in the faith of Christianity.
Installation of the Stained-glass Window
Our Old Immaculate Conception Church
The Church of the Immaculate Conception was built before 140 years. It only can accommodate 250 people in the Church.
As the community is growing year after year with the young men and women embrace the religious life and priesthood, the parish church is not enough for the community to participate in the Holy Eucharist and other sacraments.
Therefore, the construction of the Church to accommodate the people of the parish is inevitable and awaited.
There are almost 36 priests and more than 50 Nuns from this village alone. There are many more priests and nuns from other villages of this community.
Since the community is big and the church cannot accommodate all the people, many of them stand in an open area. Very often there is a problem for them to participate in the celebration of the sacraments, due to rain or hot sun outside the Church.
It is the wish of the people that they have the Church in their village that can accommodate all the people and enable them to participate in the celebration of the sacraments.
So, there is an easy access and approachability to God. People also feel that the Church is the symbol of the presence of God.
Not only Catholics but also the people who belong to other religions do stop and look at God and make a silent prayer.
This gives them an opportunity to think about God.
Hence, we humbly request your good self and consideration to give us financial aid to build a Church at this parish for which we will be ever grateful to you.
My dear brothers and sisters,
My name is Fr. Rayanna Pudota, a missionary priest from the Diocese of Guntur in South India. First of all, I sincerely thank Most Reverend Joseph Brennan, Bishop of Fresno, Very Reverend Salvador Gonzalez, Vicar General, and Reverend Father Miguel Campos, Pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church for giving me this opportunity to share with you a mission that is very close to my heart—my home parish of Immaculate Conception Church, Ravipadu.
In Today's Gospel reading, Jesus asks His disciples a very important question: “Who do you say that I am?” Peter responds with faith: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus entrusts him with a mission: “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church… I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of heaven.”
My brothers and sisters, today’s readings remind us that the Church is built on faith, and that each of us has a role to play in building up that Church. With this in mind, I would like to share with you the story of our brothers and sisters in Ravipadu, in the Diocese of Guntur, India. Though they live far away, they are part of the same Church—the same Body of Christ—that we belong to.
These readings remind me of the faithful people of my home parish.
Ravipadu is one of the largest parishes in our diocese, with over 3,000 Catholics. Our people are poor in material things but rich in faith. They continue to trust in God despite many hardships.
Unfortunately, our church was built more than 140 years ago and can accommodate only about 250 people. Every Sunday and feast day, hundreds of people must stand outside in the hot sun or rain because there is simply no room inside the church. Yet they continue to come because of their deep love for Jesus.
For our people, the church is much more than a building. It is where children are baptized, families gather for Mass, young people receive the sacraments, and the community finds hope in Christ.
With great sacrifice, we have begun building a new church, but we cannot complete it alone. Today, I humbly invite you to become part of this mission. Your generosity will help build a house where thousands of people can worship God with dignity for generations to come. Every gift you give is like planting a seed that will bear fruit in the lives of countless families.
Your generosity also supports the wider mission of the Diocese of Guntur, where we serve more than 529,000 Catholics and operate 61 boarding homes for nearly 2,000 poor and orphaned children, providing them with education, shelter, and hope.
Today, there will be a second collection for this mission appeal. I kindly ask you to give as generously as you can. Your gift is not just a donation—it is an act of faith and a participation in the mission of Christ.
As I always like to say with a smile: If you give one dollar, I'll dance with joy! If you give fifty dollars, I'll climb over the church! And if you give one hundred dollars, I'll fly like one of God's angels!But truly, whatever you give, give from your heart, and God will bless you abundantly.
Before I conclude, I invite you to visit www.icccravipadu.org to see pictures and videos of our church construction. There you will witness the faith, hope, and sacrifice of the people you are helping.
Thank you for your prayers, your generosity, and your support. May the Lord, who patiently nurtures every seed of faith, bless you and your families abundantly.
God bless you and thank you. Amen.
Mission Appeal
Support the New Church Construction
We use Givebutter, an all-in-one online fundraising platform that helps Catholic churches raise funds for important projects such as church construction. Through this system, we are able to securely receive donations, manage donor relationships, and organize fundraising events — all in one place.
With humility and hope, we respectfully ask for your kind consideration and financial support to help us build a church for our parish community. Your generosity would make a lasting impact on generations to come, and we would be deeply grateful for your support.
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