Fr. Nutan Sylvester Minj, IMS, Celebrates his 25th Anniversary of Priestly Ordination at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church on March 27th at 10:30 am Holy Mass with a reception following in the Parish Activity Center.
He was born on December 9, 1964, to Zacharias and Patricia Minj in Simdega, Jharkhand, India. Simdega, Ranchi, Jharkhand is located in the Central East, close to Kolkata, India.
The area was under British rule for many years until India gained its independence from Britain in 1947. His forefathers were converted to Christianity 130 years ago by Belgium Jesuit Missionary priests. Fr. Nutan felt the call to become a priest in early childhood and that calling became much stronger during his senior year of high school. He was inspired by Jesuit priests who lived as missionaries in his parish. Family prayer and support gave him the necessary motivation to move forward and to become a missionary priest.
His family includes 6 brothers and 2 sisters, all married except his younger sister. His younger brother is a Jesuit priest. He has 6 nephews and 4 nieces; 2 grandnephews and 4 grandnieces. His mom passed away in 1998 and dad in 2000.
After 12 years of Religious formation, he was ordained a priest on May 3, 1997 with the theme: “Go to the whole world and preach the good news,” and “ Save the souls of many.”
Fr. Nutan’s first priestly assignment was in India working in different capacities as an Associate Pastor; Pastor; Associate Director; and Director in Minor Seminary. During this time he also received his Masters Degree in Counseling and Spirituality. This allowed him to teach and become a spiritual director in Major Seminary.
He arrived to the diocese of Baton Rouge on August 22, 2010 and has been assigned to different parishes during his time here. His first was at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Prairieville with Fr. Eric Gyan.
The second was the cluster parishes of Grosse Tete, Maringouin and Livonia with Fr. Sanjay, IMS; the third at St. George Catholic Church with Fr. Mike Schatzle; and currently at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church with Fr. Cleo Milano.
Though he is celebrating 25 years of priesthood of Jesus Christ this year, Fr. Nutan still feels healthy, energetic, and joyful thanks and praise to God for His mercies and graces.
He is grateful for all the priests and people of Baton Rouge where he has served; for their constant love, care, prayer, support and encouragement.
All are welcome to celebrate Fr. Nutan’s Silver Jubilee at 10:30 am Holy Mass on Sunday, March 27th with a reception following in the Parish Activity Center. Fr. Nutan loves all of you and asks God’s blessing on you all!