Chodavaram, Vishakhapatnam: Year 2021 has been a historic year for the members of Christ the King Parish, Chodavaram as it completed the silver jubilee of the establishment of the parish. The celebration was solemnized on 25 November 2021. Most Rev. Mallavarapu Prakash, the Archbishop of Visakhapatnam, Most Rev. Bhagyaiah Chinnabathini, Bishop of Guntur, and Rev. Fr. Sabu Koottarappallil CMF, the Provincial Superior of the Claretian Province of Bangalore were the dignitaries of the day.

The solemn holy Eucharistic celebration, procession, cultural programmes, felicitation of the dignitaries and fraternal meal for the whole parish community marked the events of the day. In his homily, his eminence most Rev. Chinnabathini Bhagyaiah, applauded the Claretians for their missionary zeal and commitment that they have shown in the mission and the parish. Indeed, it was an expression of faith and witness by the parish community. The unity, sacrifice and hard work of the parishioners was appreciated by all.

Earlier Chodavaram was a mission and a substation under the Madugula parish. It was entrusted to Claretians in the year 1993, and erected as a parish in the year 1995 and was given to the Claretians on a permanent basis. At present, the parish covers five administrative blocks and a number of villages. Over the last 25 years, the mission has grown pastorally, structurally and socially, due to the various initiatives and efforts of Claretian Missionaries.

This jubilee year is occasion to remembers and thank all the pioneer missionaries as well the present for their missionary commitment and dedication. Yet, it is the parish community of the faithful who deserve the appreciation for following the path of the Lord in their personal and family lives.