Archdiocese of Cuttack–Bhubaneswar Announces Appointment of New Auxiliary Bishop

Archdiocese of Cuttack–Bhubaneswar Announces Appointment of New Auxiliary Bishop

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has appointed Rev. Fr. Rabindra Kumar Ranasingh (53) of the Archdiocese of Cuttack–Bhubaneswar as the Auxiliary Bishop of Cuttack–Bhubaneswar in Odisha and Titular Bishop of Tuburbo Maggiore. Until this appointment, Fr. Ranasingh has been serving as the Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Church, Jatni, and Dean of Cuttack Deanery.
Early Life and Priestly Formation
Fr. Rabindra Kumar Ranasingh was born on 9 July 1972 in Kasabasa village, Kandhamal district of Odisha to Mr. Janas Ranasingh and Mrs. Helena Ranasingh. He was ordained a priest on 18 April 2001 at Holy Rosary Church, Daringbadi.
He began his ecclesiastical formation with Philosophy at the Papal Seminary, Pune (1992–1995), followed by Theology at Khristo Jyoti Mohavidyalaya, Sason (1997–2000). He later completed a Master of Arts from Bhanja Bihar University, Berhampur (2004–2006).
His academic specialization in Canon Law includes a Licentiate from St. Peter’s Pontifical Institute, Bangalore (2007–2010) and a Doctorate from the Pontifical Urbaniana University, Rome (2013–2016).
Pastoral and Academic Ministries
Since his priestly ordination, Fr. Ranasingh has served the Church in multiple pastoral, administrative, and academic responsibilities:
• 2001–2004: Assistant Parish Priest, St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Balliguda
• 2004–2007: Bursar and Teacher, St. Paul’s Minor Seminary, Balliguda
• 2010–2012: Diocesan Director of Youth; Judge, Diocesan Tribunal; Teacher, St. Paul’s Minor Seminary
• 2012–2013: Rector, St. Paul’s Minor Seminary; Diocesan Vocation Promoter; Judge, Diocesan Tribunal
• 2017–2018: Spiritual Director and Professor, Khristo Jyoti Mahavidyalaya, Sason; Judge, Marriage Tribunal
• 2018–2025: Director, Khristo Jyoti Institute of Theology, Sason
Throughout his ministry, Fr. Ranasingh has been recognized for his deep commitment to priestly formation, theological excellence, youth animation, and pastoral leadership.
A New Chapter in Service
With his appointment as Auxiliary Bishop of Cuttack–Bhubaneswar, the Archdiocese anticipates his continued contribution to pastoral care, theological education, and diocesan administration. His experience in Canon Law and formation ministry is expected to play a vital role in strengthening the mission of the Church in Odisha.
The Episcopal Ordination of the Auxiliary Bishop–Elect will be held on Saturday, 17 January 2025, at St. John’s School Ground, Daringbadi.
The Principal Consecrator will be Most Rev. John Barwa, SVD, Archbishop of Cuttack–Bhubaneswar. The Co-Consecrators will be Most Rev. Sarat Chandra Nayak and Most Rev. Kishore Kumar Kujur.
The Archdiocese of Cuttack–Bhubaneswar cordially invites all clergy, religious, and faithful to join in this solemn and grace-filled celebration of the Episcopal Ordination of the new Auxiliary Bishop. Many Bishops from various dioceses across India are expected to be present to witness and share in this historic moment of blessing for the Church in Odisha.