The Diocese of Sambalpur celebrated the concluding ceremony of the year of the Priests on 15th June 2010 at Bishop's House, Ainthapali, Sambalpur. There ware 74 priests present for this occasion.

The CDPO and the Council organised this celebration. The days long celebration began at 9 a.m. with a serious address by Fr. Mihir Upasi, Director of SWAD and Vicar General of Berhampur diocese on the theme " The joy of Priesthood: consecrated for the salvation of the world." It was a consolidated talk on the identity and mission of the priests. He highlighted the development of the identity of priesthood and how it was linked with the mission of Christ in post vatican 2 period. It was a well reflected initiation to the day.

Secondly, we had a very good sharing of our mission and understanding of priesthood in the context of our working experiences in the diocese of sambalpur. The preists from the different apostolates shared their experiences as priests working in this diocese. The sharings were very honest and personal.

In the post lunch session, bishop Lucas Kerketta, reminded the goals and visions we had set at the beginning of this millennium which we had planned to accomplish by the end of the first decade of third millennium. We had some evaluation of our goals and plans. Many priests shared their concern and we all reflected together.

Evening we had a well prepared meaningful Eucharistic celebration. During this time the priests used the stalls donated by Arch India Trust headed by Vijay and Goreti Xalxo, which they had given for all priest on this occasion. Bishop gratefully blessed them and distributed to his priests as appreciation for their service in the diocese. After the mass, the priests celebrated together with sumptuous meal and a gettogether. It was a wonderful day.