Motorbike for Indian Priest

Father Maria Raju Etcherla ministers to the faithful in the parish of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus in Rajam, India. The parish includes 11 remote outstations that are difficult to reach. ACN has helped Father Maria purchase a motorbike to more easily reach these outstations.

By ACN Staff

Blessing of Father Maria’s motorbike. (Credit: Aid to the Church in Need)

Father Maria Raju Etcherla was ordained just three years ago. He is now in charge of the parish of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus in Rajam, in the north of the state of Andhra Pradesh in central eastern India, and is responsible for ministering to its 11 outstations, some of which are a considerable distance from the parish centre. Every day he travels to one of these villages.

Father Maria Raju Etcherla on his motorbike. (Credit: Aid to the Church in Need)

The people of the region are poor, but strong in faith. They long to have a priest to lead them in prayer and guide them in their spiritual lives. And this young priest has many plans, above all for the youth apostolate, which is very dear to his heart, since these young people are often left to themselves with their problems. “Many of them have only film stars as their role models” Father Maria says.

They need youth groups, prayer meetings, women‘s groups... All these and many more are the kind of things this young priest would like to introduce.

Until recently, however, his work was difficult, since he had no vehicle. Although he was occasionally able to borrow one, he otherwise had to make to with the public transport system, which involved him in a great deal of wasted time and effort. So, with the support of his bishop, he finally plucked up courage to knock on our door and ask our help to purchase a motorbike.

Thanks to your kind help, we did not have to disappoint Father Maria Raju Etcherla, but were able to help him with a contribution of €1000. Now he writes:

“I am so happy and grateful. I have received the money and have purchased a moped for my pastoral work. I‘m delighted with it and thank you for your generosity. I assure all your benefactors of my prayers. Please pray for me also for my work as a priest!”