Our diocese welcomed a third international priest from India — Father Kunal Baliar Singh.
Raised in Odisha, India, in the Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar, Father Kunal’s call to the priesthood originated early in life.
“Playing Mass with friends as a child sparked an early interest in the priesthood. But during my teens, I felt restless and driven to support my mother and raise my three siblings because my father passed away when I was 7.
“Then in 10th grade, I experienced a deeper purpose beyond material success. I asked my mother to join the seminary. She selflessly granted me the freedom to pursue this path.
“As I reflect on my life’s journey, I recognize God’s guiding hand directing me toward the priesthood from the earliest moments of my life,” Father Kunal shares.
His Catholic upbringing profoundly shaped his faith journey, which included inspiring homilies from an array of clerics, personal prayers, models of holy priests who authentically lived their vocational calling and a personal reflection that revealed God’s gentle call to Holy Orders.
“I entered the Indian seminary, embarking on a transformative 12-year journey. I deepened my faith, discerned God's call and developed ministry skills throughout this experience,” he explains.
Father Kunal’s discernment process came to fruition with priestly ordination on May 6, 2019, when Bishop Sarat Chandra Nayak ordained him for ministerial service to the faithful in the Society of Heralds of Good News.
“I served as associate pastor, rector, correspondent and secretary in India, where priests work amidst diverse religions, cultures, languages and traditions, emphasizing evangelization and social justice,” reflects Father Kunal.
After ministering in India for five years, Father Kunal came to Cadillac, Mich. Working with Bishop Nayak, Bishop Jeffrey Walsh was able to facilitate Father Kunal’s arrival to the Diocese of Gaylord to serve the All Saints Parish Community in Cadillac.
“I never imagined coming to the United States, but I trusted in Jesus’ plan,” says Father Kunal.
“I express profound gratitude to Bishop Walsh for this opportunity and appreciate his warm welcome to the diocese. His inspiring conversations have been a source of guidance and encouragement.”
Father Kunal continues: “I also extend heartfelt thanks to Father Michael Janowski, my pastor, for his unwavering dedication and support. He embodies the true spirit of priesthood, serving as a shining example and mentor.”
“I am deeply impressed and grateful for the warmth of the All Saints Community parishioners, who have been a tremendous blessing in my life. Their kindness, generosity, thoughtful gestures, encouraging words and unwavering support inspire me.”
“I thoroughly enjoy spending time with them and cherish the connections we make.”
When Father Kunal is not ministering, he enjoys a variety of activities, including playing games, reading books, exercising and listening to music.
Father Kunal wants to share a message of trust in God with the faithful, stating that, “during times of difficulty, doubt, spiritual dryness or feeling caught up in worldly pleasures, I find solace in celebrating the holy Mass and in reading two of my favorite inspiring Bible verses, Psalm 23 and Matthew 6:33.” These two verses work together to show God’s ability to provide for all who trust in him, a message that Father Kunal believes is a foundation of his own faith.
“My aspiration remains simple: To deepen my relationship with God, receive his love and share it abundantly with my parishioners.”
He ends: “Reflecting on my five years of priestly ministry, I am filled with gratitude and joy knowing I have been called to serve as a Catholic priest. Celebrating the holy Mass, preaching God’s Word and sharing Jesus with others has brought me immense fulfillment.”
