Nalgonda: The Franciscan family celebrated with joy and gratitude the priestly ordination of Br. Gali Bal Reddy OFM on 3 August 2026 at Lurdhu Matha Devalayam, Nemillagudem, Nalgonda District, Telangana. The celebration marked a significant milestone in Br. Gali Bal Reddy’s journey of vocation and consecrated service as he was ordained to the Sacred Order of the Priesthood.
The ordination took place through the laying on of hands and the Prayer of Ordination by Most Rev. Karanam Dhaman Kumar, Bishop of Nalgonda. The solemn celebration brought together Franciscan friars, clergy, religious, family members, friends and well-wishers, who gathered to accompany the newly ordained priest with prayer and thanksgiving.
The occasion was also marked by the presence and fraternal accompaniment of Br. Xavier Durairaj OFM, Minister Provincial, representing the leadership of the Province of St. Thomas the Apostle, India. His presence added a special significance to the celebration as the Franciscan family gathered to rejoice in the gift of a new priest for the service of the Church and the Order.
The ordination was celebrated under the inspiring words of Christ: “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit” (John 15:16). These words beautifully expressed the mystery of vocation and the call to priestly service. Br. Gali Bal Reddy’s priestly ministry is a continued response to Christ’s invitation to serve His people with generosity, humility and faithfulness.
The celebration also highlighted the beauty of the Franciscan vocation to serve the Church in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi. As a Franciscan priest, Br. Gali Bal Reddy is called to bring the Gospel to God’s people through a life marked by fraternity, simplicity, humility and compassionate service.
The Franciscan presence at the celebration was particularly significant, with friars coming together from different communities to accompany their brother on this important day. Their presence expressed the fraternity and communion that remain at the heart of Franciscan life.
The celebrations continued on 4 August 2026 with Br. Gali Bal Reddy’s Holy Mass of Thanksgiving, celebrated at Lurdhu Matha Devalayam, Nemillagudem, where family members, friars, clergy and well-wishers once again gathered to give thanks to God for the gift of his vocation and priestly ministry.
The two-day celebration became an occasion of deep joy and thanksgiving for the Gali Bal Reddy family and the entire Franciscan fraternity. It also reminded the community that every vocation is ultimately a gift from God and a call to offer oneself generously in the service of Christ and His Church.
As Br. Gali Bal Reddy begins his priestly ministry, the Franciscan family extends its heartfelt congratulations and assures him of its prayers. May the Lord who has called him continue to strengthen and guide him, and may his ministry bear abundant fruit in the service of God’s people.
May he remain faithful to the call he has received and joyfully proclaim the Gospel in the spirit of St. Francis.
