Fr. Joseph Nagothu: A heart full of gratitude

I give thanks to my God every time I remember you. I always pray with joy for all of you” (Philippians 1:3)

As I celebrate 25 years of my priesthood, my heart is filled with gratitude to God for His countless blessings throughout my life and ministry.

I was born into a traditional Catholic family as the second of five children. I have two sisters and two brothers. My older sister became a religious nun in the Society of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. My younger sister and both of my brothers are married, and each of them has two children. All of them continue to live and practice their Catholic faith with devotion.

Our village and region were evangelized almost 300 years ago by the Jesuit and Mill Hill missionaries.  I was born on December 3rd, the feast of St Francis Xavier, in the small Catholic village of Thurakapalem in Andhra Pradesh. Inspired by St. Francis Xavier, my parents named me Joseph Showry Raju after a saint well-loved in our region. The missionary spirit of St. Francis Xavier has always influenced my life, and it played a significant role in my decision to come to Canada in 2009.

I completed my elementary education in my village and later studied from Grade 6 to Grade 10 in a Catholic boarding school 150 km away from home. Throughout my life, from childhood until today, I have been blessed to participate daily in the Holy Mass and the evening Rosary. For this lifelong grace, I am truly grateful to God.

After Grade 10, I joined the minor seminary in 1989, and in 2000, I was ordained a priest. For the past 25 years, I have been privileged to serve God and His people in many different ministries.

For the first nine years of my priesthood, I served in India. I worked for one year as an associate pastor, followed by one year as a temporary pastor in two different parishes. In my third year as a priest, I was appointed Rector of the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Health and also served as parish priest there for seven years. These years were a time of abundant blessings. Many people returned to the shrine because of several new initiatives introduced during that period, such as the annual renewal of wedding vows for 150 to 200 couples, the outdoor enactment of the Way of the Cross on Good Fridays, and the construction of Rosary mystery stations around the shrine grounds. During my ministry in India, I was humbled to inspire four young men to pursue the priesthood.

In 2009, I came to Canada and began serving in the Diocese. Over the years, I have ministered in several parishes: St. Joseph’s (Calgary), St. Bonaventure (Calgary), St. Albert the Great (Calgary), St. Rita’s (Rockyford), St. Mary’s (Beiseker), and since 2019, at Holy Trinity parish in Blairmore.

Each parish ministry has shaped me both as a priest and a person. Everywhere I have served, people have welcomed me with love, and I have always tried to give my very best, whether as an associate pastor or as a pastor. Some unforgettable memories include the 100th Anniversary of St. Rita’s parish in Rockyford, where we built outdoor Stations of the Cross and welcomed Bishop McGrattan to celebrate the anniversary Mass. Another memorable moment was walking from Rockyford to Calgary over two days to raise funds for the One Rock Youth Festival.

My favourite scripture passage comes from the beatitudes: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven” (Matthew 5:3-12). These words have guided my spiritual life and pastoral ministry from the beginning.

I thank God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, for calling me to the Priesthood. Through the years, I have come to understand His love more deeply and have found great joy in serving His people.

I also thank my family, who were my first seminary. My parents and siblings practice their faith with devotion and simplicity. Their example and prayers helped me to listen to God’s call and follow it faithfully.

The priesthood is a precious gift, both to us who are called and to the entire Church. Without the priesthood, we would not have the Eucharist, the sacrament of Reconciliation, or the blessings that accompany life’s most important moments. A priest walks with people from birth to death, often quietly and without recognition, but always as a servant of Christ. I am humbled to share in the mission of Jesus, the Eternal High Priest.

Finally, I express my heartfelt gratitude to all the people of God whom I have met in my ministry. Every parishioner, every family, and every community has touched my life in a meaningful way. As St. Paul beautifully says, “I give thanks to my God every time I remember you. I always pray with joy for all of you.”

I thank God, my family, my brother priests, and all the faithful for their support over these 25 years of priesthood.

Please continue to pray for me, as I will continue to pray for all of you.

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Written by Fr. Joseph Showry Raju Nagothu