The Congregation of Holy Cross in India experienced the joy of the Easter season in a particular way through the Priestly Ordinations of two of its men: Fr. Akhsi Wari, C.S.C., and Fr. Tarshish Marak, C.S.C. Both are members of the Congregation’s Province of North East India.

The first Ordination was held on 14 April 2026 at St. Joseph’s Parish, Kabirali, in Assam. Fr. Akhsi was ordained to the priesthood by the Most Rev. Akasius Toppo, Bishop of the Diocese of Tezpur. In the same Mass, Akshi’s cousin, Fr. Sebastian Basumatary, SDB, was also ordained a priest, making a moment of shared grace for both families and congregations.

Then Fr. Tarshish’s Ordination took place on 25 April 2026 at St. Paul’s Parish, Kumarghat, in Tripura. It was the first Priestly Ordination in the history of the parish, which is administered by the Congregation. The Most Rev. Lumen Monteiro, C.S.C., Bishop of the Diocese of Agartala, presided and preached.

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In the case of both celebrations, many clergy, religious, and faithful joined the ordinandi’s families for the Ordination Masses. Present at both Ordinations was Fr. K.J. Abraham, C.S.C., Superior of the Province of North East India.

Fr. Akshi has been appointed as Vice Principal of Holy Cross School, Panisagar, Tripura, where he will begin his priestly ministry. Fr. Tarshish has been assigned as Assistant Priest at Holy Cross Parish, Mawpat, in the neighboring state of Meghalaya.

The celebration in the Province of North East India is not over; the province looks forward with hope to a third Priestly Ordination in May.