A Life of Devotion: Pappa and His Beloved Paud Church

Pappa after church, a regular scene every Sunday

To me, Pappa and Paud Church were one and the same—his life was woven into the very fabric of this little sanctuary. His unwavering passion for this church, nestled in the heart of the countryside, was unparalleled, something I have yet to see in anyone else.

My mind drifts back to those magical Christmas mornings in Paud—chilly, fog-laden, and filled with joy. Pappa would take us to the church at the break of dawn, where an old caretaker would already be preparing the sacred space, ensuring it was spotless for the Christmas morning service. The congregation was small, just three or four families, but oh, how our voices soared! We sang those beloved carols with all the strength in our lungs, our melodies echoing across the valley.

Christmas at Paud wasn’t just a service—it was an experience, a feeling, a postcard-perfect memory etched in my heart forever. The scent of fresh earth from the nearby fields, the mist rolling down from the lush green mountains, the gentle bleating of sheep grazing in the meadows—all came together to paint the most beautiful Christmas scene I could ever imagine. Even today, Christmas feels incomplete without revisiting those cherished childhood moments.

I can still see Pappa—standing at the pulpit, preaching with the same passion and enthusiasm, whether it was a congregation of five or fifty. His love for this church was unshakable, and over the years, my own bond with Paud deepened. As a child, I would eagerly accompany Pappa whenever he traveled there—not just to attend church, but to splash in the little river nearby, explore the hills, and play with my cousins, who introduced me to the adventurous world of village life.

A Man of Action and Unyielding Dedication.

One memory stands out vividly—a storm had damaged the east wall of the church, causing the top section near the rafters to collapse. No mason was willing to repair it. The sheer height of the wall intimidated even the bravest craftsmen, and there were no tall ladders or skilled laborers in the region.

But Pappa never believed in impossibilities. Together with Uncle Shashi and another helper, he devised a plan, built scaffolding, and personally worked alongside a single hired mason to repair and plaster the section. Even today, when I sit in the church, my eyes instinctively drift to that very spot, a silent reminder of Pappa’s unshakable faith, ingenuity, and relentless spirit.

Pappa on the scafollding supervising the repairs

Years later, when the circular section of the western wall needed repairs, Pappa and his team—now experienced builders—took on the task with confidence and ease. Nothing deterred him. If the church needed something, he was always the first to step up, never waiting for help but becoming the help himself.

Pappa on the scafollding along with Shashi kaka and me.

A Servant at Heart, A Leader in Spirit

When Pappa learned that the Diocese was struggling to assign a priest to Paud due to the distance and lack of resources, he did something remarkable—he took it upon himself to ensure the church never lacked spiritual guidance.

He enrolled in an extension B.Th. course at UBS, training himself as a lay preacher so he could shepherd the church in its time of need. His sermons were nothing short of extraordinary—crafted with such clarity, warmth, and wisdom that both a child and an elder could walk away deeply moved and inspired.

As the Diocese eventually began sending a priest once or twice a month, Pappa continued to preach on alternate Sundays and devoted his time to caring for the church and its members. Under his leadership, Paud Church transformed into a beautiful house of prayer, a place filled with love, reverence, and spiritual renewal.

His work did not go unnoticed. Two devoted members, Mr. Potdar and Mrs. Shirley Jadhav, were inspired to give generously—one donating new tiles for the church, the other painting the entire interior and exterior. It was a testament to the impact Pappa had on everyone around him—his love for the church was so contagious that others were moved to contribute and carry forward the mission.

 A Legacy That Lives On

Even in his final years, Pappa never grew weary of serving. This little church, which had been a part of his soul since childhood, remained his life's greatest devotion—right until the moment the Lord called him home on December 10, 2024.

He lived by the powerful words of William Carey, whom he admired deeply:“Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God.”

And that is exactly what he did.

Even now, I believe he watches over his beloved church from above, smiling, guiding, and rejoicing in the faith that continues to thrive within its walls.

Paud Church stands strong today—not just because of bricks and mortar, but because of the faith, passion, and sacrifice of one man who gave his all for it.

And for that, we will always be grateful.

Glimpses of Pappa and his work