I am Rev. Maria Joseph Kumar Udagandla. Most of the people remember me by the name Fr. Kumar Udagandla. I was born June 2, 1968 and am the second child of three children for my parents Mr. Udagandla Arogyaswamy and Josphinamma. My older brother is an engineer for the railroad and was married in 1994. My younger sister is a teacher in the public school and was married in 1992. I did my primary education in my village called Josephpet (a Catholic village of approximately 55 families). After 7th grade I joined the minor seminary and continued my studies for the priestly ministry.

I am very much interested in social justice activities and worked one year as the St. Vincent de Paul Society President in my first year theology.

In 1992 when I was studying my second year theology, I opted to do my one month summer training project in Calcutta. There I worked in Gandhiji Premnivas Leprosy hospital which is maintained by the Missionaries of Charity Brothers (M.C. Brothers). My duty was to visit the Leprosy patients and distribute the medicine for the outpatients. Sometimes I also visited Sisubhavan, the house for the dying destitute.

I am a privileged and lucky person to have met Mother Theresa of Calcutta two different times. The first time was in her office located at Sisubhavan and the second time when she visited the Gandhiji Premnivas Leprosy Hospital. This picture was taken during my second visit with Mother Theresa, when she was standing under the tree waiting for her driver to come and take her home.

I still remember the inspiring words of Mother Theresa to me, "If you become a priest, I want you to be holy and service minded according to the plan of Jesus for you." I kissed her hand and left the room with much joy.

By God’s grace I was ordained a Priest August 22, 1994 for the Catholic Diocese of Nellore, India. My first year I served as the associate pastor and then was later appointed pastor for the same parish. As a priest, I always like to work for the children and the poor.

In August 2003, I came to Oklahoma to render my priestly services to the people of God for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City under the guidance of Archbishop Eusibius J. Beltran. I worked for this Diocese for four years and made good friends. I lived my Cursillo weekend in 1996 and it brought many changes in my life and opened my eyes of faith. When I returned to India in 2007 to take over as Pastor of the Rudrasamudram Parish with its 8 mission stations, I carried this new found faith with me. One day, I hope to bring the Cursillo movement to my Parish.

Working for the children and living with the very poor, helps me to be simple and humble. "Love received and love given comprise the best form of therapy" (Gordon William Allport)

The celebration of daily Eucharist, my personal prayer life, and praying the rosary always make my life at peace in this trouble world.

God Bless you.