St. Francis Fraternity, Gospadu - OFM Franciscans-India

St. Anthony’s Church,
Pasurpadu Village,
Gospad Mandal,
Kurnool Dt.
Andhra Pradesh - 518 593,
Tel : 08519-252957.

Diocese	KURNOOL
Year of Foundation	2002
Juridical Status	Residence
Specific Mission	Pastoral ministry, Social work

History of St. Anthony’s Parish, Gospadu

St. Anthony’s Parish is located in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, in the Nandyal District, under the Diocese of Kurnool. The parish stands as a testament to the dedicated labor of the Mill Hill Missionaries, who first planted the seeds of faith in this region through their tireless efforts—administering baptisms, building churches, uplifting the poor, purchasing land for local families, and establishing village leadership. Until its formation as an independent parish, the present substations were part of the Koilakuntla Parish.

In 2002, the parish was entrusted to the Franciscan Friars (OFM), who continue to guide the faith formation of the people under the pastoral direction of the Local Ordinary and inspired by the vision of the St. Thomas the Apostle Province. Over the years, several friars have served as Parish Priests — Br. Prathap OFM, Br. Prasad OFM, Br. Bala Sunder OFM, Br. Bhasker OFM, Br. Varghese OFM, Br. Ranjith OFM, and Br. Showy Raju OFM — faithfully leading and nurturing the spiritual life of the community.

Likewise, many friars served as assistant pastors between 2002 and 2023, including Br. Bala Marinani OFM, Br. Joy OFM, Br. Alex OFM, Br. Balaswamy OFM, Br. Shaju Palayathil OFM, and Br. Chinnapu Reddy OFM.

Currently, Br. Madhu Sudhan Reddy OFM serves as the Parish Priest (since 2023), assisted by Br. Thomas A. OFM.

The Parish and Its Substations

St. Anthony’s Parish serves a vast region through eight substations: Gospadu, Pasurupadu, Julepalle, Jillela, Kanala, Ontevelagala, Krishnapuram, and Revanuru. Evangelization in these villages began in the 1950s and 1960s, when a few families from each village were baptized by Fr. Caskan MHM. Since then, the Catholic community has grown steadily through ongoing pastoral care and the dedicated ministry of numerous priests. Today, the parish comprises around 400 families across its eight substations.

Growth and Social Outreach

Under the committed service of the OFM Friars, the parish has not only strengthened the faith of its people but also supported their social well-being. Through education initiatives, house-construction projects, healthcare support, and the building of village chapels, the parish has uplifted countless families. Many homes were constructed for the poor, medical assistance was provided, and children received educational aid. Today, St. Anthony’s Parish is recognized and appreciated across the Diocese for its spiritual depth and vibrant mission activities—made possible through the sacrifices of missionaries, the dedication of the friars, and the generosity of benefactors.