New priest is “a breath of fresh air”
(staff photo by JOHN DANIEL GARCIA)
From left, Fr. John Paul Madanu stands with Bishop Mark Joseph Seitz of the Diocese of El Paso during Mass at Saint Mary’s Parish in Marfa. Seitz offered the Eucharistic Celebration on Saturday, August 19
By ELVIRA LARA
MARFA – A long journey across the globe has brought Fr. John Paul Madanu to the city of Marfa. Hailing from Hyderabad, Telangana, India the new priest of St. Mary’s Catholic Church is enjoying his recent arrival.
“Marfa is nice!” exclaimed Fr. Madanu. “I feel comfortable in the area. The weather is nice. The people are very welcoming and hospitable. I thank God that I was sent here to this beautiful community.”
Father Madanu arrived in the U.S. only eight months ago. Born and raised in India, he followed his childhood dream by entering the seminary at age 16 and cultivating his vocation in the southern part of his home country.
“My inclination started from childhood as my parents always motivated me to participate in church activities,” said Fr. Madanu. “Also, since our home was very close to the seminary, I felt drawn by the brothers from the seminary as I watched them work, share and love the community they were in.”
Fr. John Paul Madanu
Father Madanu began his studies in the Diocese of Srikakulam, India. He completed a Bachelor’s degree at the University of Vijnana Nilayam in Eluru and a Master’s in education from Andhra University. He was ordained a priest on April 30, 2007 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in his hometown of Hyderabad.
Parishioner Cinderela Guevara is thrilled with the new priest’s arrival, calling him “a breath of fresh air” for the Marfa congregation.
She shared Fr. Madanu’s plans for the parish, including creating a youth group, hosting activities for the elderly, and building a greater sense of community. Guevara, the Presidio County judge, said the priest doesn’t want people to just go to Mass once a week and go home, he would like for them to gather on a regular basis.
Father Madanu’s work has already begun with coffee and doughuts after Mass every Sunday. He encourages parishioners to embrace the church as a second home, not just a place of worship.
The young priest comes from a long lineage of Christians, despite Catholicism not being very common in India.
“My family has practiced Catholicism maybe for four or five generations. There are two cousins from my father’s side of the family who are priests,” he said.
Masses in India are not much different than in the United State. Both countries follow the same Latin rite as established by the Vatican; the only difference is the language. Father Madanu learned to speak English in the seminary.
While in the seminary he also had the opportunity to teach grade school children. He was first an English teacher, then later a boarding director and headmaster of schools. Advocating for education is a big part of his vocation.
“I strongly believe that if only one child in the family gets an education, the whole family unit or system changes for the better. That is how impactful education can be,” said Fr. Madanu.
After ten years of serving in India, Father Madanu has made the bold move of relocating to a foreign country. He has no family in the America but is looking forward to what he will learn from exposure to other cultures.
God willing, my experiences will help me deepen and enrich my faith and in the future go back to India to help people there grow more profoundly in their faith as well,” said Fr. Madanu.
MARFA – St. Mary’s Parish would like to extend a warm welcome to every one in joining Bishop Mark Joseph Seitz of the Diocese of El Paso, who will be offering the Eucharistic Celebration at Saint Mary’s Parish on Saturday, August 19, at 5pm.