Most Rev. AUXILIARY BISHOP
About Most Rev. Auxiliary Bishop
In a world often focused on power, status and prestige, certain leaders within the Church stand out by choosing the path of humble service. The auxiliary bishop, Most Rev. Rabindra Kumar Ranasingh of the Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar, recognized for his simplicity and humility is typically the one who has chosen to walk closely with the marginalized, embodying the spirit of a ‘Church that is poor and for the poor’. He is born on 9th July 1972 at village Kasabasa, in the civil district of Kandhamal, Odisha, India. His deep quest for knowledge propelled him to go ahead with his studies in spite of lots of huddles. The degrading socio-cultural situation of the less privileged and the loving and committed service of the missionaries, inspired him to be a priest. After deepening his understanding of God with the study of Philosophy and Theology, he got ordained as a priest on 18th April 2001. The Challenges of life never discourage him because he believes in the grace and providence of God.
His priestly life is rooted in simplicity, generosity and sincerity. He is known to avoid the trappings of power, preferring a simple lifestyle. His commitment to simplicity allows him to be accessible to all, particularly the voiceless, making him a trusted figure among the poor. His love for the youth and his zeal for the formation of the young seminarians is commendable. He tries incessantly to bring about socio-spiritual awakening among the young people.
As he lived and worked in Kandhamal among the marginalized and persecuted people, giving them hope and support, he is known for his ‘preferential option for the poor’. His ministry is characterized by a ‘deep longing to proclaim the Gospel’ through practical action rather than mere words. He often focuses on socio-cultural upliftment, working to restore the dignity of those on the fringes of society.
Seeing his deep love for the Church, wholehearted commitment for the pastoral work and zeal for the missionary activities, the Holy Father Leo XIV, appointed him as the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar. He was ordained as Auxiliary Bishop on 17th January 2026, at Daringbadi, Kandhamal, Odisha, India. Since then, he is a tirelessly hardworking shepherd, often juggling intensive pastoral care with administrative duties, representing the bishop in various regions or communities. Whether he is coordinating justice and peace activities or visiting remote communities, his work is an ‘act of love for Christ’ found in the suffering of ‘His little ones’. His moto ‘my grace is sufficient for you’ (2Cor 12: 9)is truly an inspiring one for many amidst the different hardships and Challenges in life.
As an auxiliary bishop, he plays an important role in the archdiocese to build bridges, fostering solidarity, communion, and unity. He serves as a bridge-builder, not only within the Church but also in society, advocating for the rights and upliftment of marginalized populations.
Ultimately, the said Auxiliary Bishop demonstrates that true spiritual leadership is found in the everyday acts of love and the humility of ‘washing the feet of others’. He embodies the principle that ‘when we bend down to serve, we lift up the dignity of others and become true disciples of Christ’.
