Father Arogyaiah Madanu joins his brother to serve in the Diocese of Boise
The following story appeared in the April 30 Idaho Catholic Register.
Father Arogyaiah Madanu, left, with Bishop Peter Christensen and Father Sleeva Madanu. The two brothers, natives of India, will both be serving at St. George’s Parish in Post Falls beginning in July. (ICR photo/Vero Gutiérrez)
by Emily Woodham
Staff Writer
This year the Diocese of Boise welcomes another priest from the Madanu family. Father Arogyaiah Madanu joins his brother, Father Sleeva Raju Madanu, who has been a priest with the Diocese since 2017.
The Madanu family is from southern India, which has a larger Catholic population than in the north. His Catholic ancestors date back for almost 200 years.
“I was brought up in a good Catholic family,” Father Madanu said, who is the youngest in his family of five children, with two brothers and two sisters. “I grew up with daily Mass in the morning and a family Rosary in the evening.”
Father Madanu pursued a career in engineering when he graduated from college. However, he found the job to be dissatisfying. “This was the turning point in my life. While I was doing my job, my heart was always on God. I felt Jesus was calling me.”
No longer able to ignore his true vocation, he left his career for the seminary. “My eldest brother, Father Sleeva Madanu, was my inspiration,” he said. “Once I joined the seminary, there were no doubts in my mind. My journey to the priesthood was wonderful.”
Father Madanu attended St. John’s Regional Seminary and Sacred Heart Theologate in India. He was ordained on April 18, 2008.
In India, he served as associate pastor and pastor at several parishes. For his diocese in India, he also served as diocesan youth director, charismatic coordinator and catechetical director.
His brother enjoyed his work in the Diocese of Boise so much that he invited Father Madanu to join him in his work here. Father Sleeva Madanu became acquainted with Bishop Peter Christensen while serving as a priest in the Diocese of Superior, Wisc., when Bishop Peter was bishop there. Father Sleeva encouraged his brother to find out more about Bishop Peter and the Diocese of Boise.
Meeting Bishop Peter during his visa interview for his employment in the United States, he said, was one of the best moments of his life.
Father Madanu enjoys being in Idaho. “Wherever I am appointed, I promise that I am going to spend my time and energy for the people of God in the Diocese of Boise. I sincerely thank Father Sleeva, the Diocese of Boise, Bishop Peter and Jesus, who has given me a share in His Priesthood.”
Beginning in July, Father Madanu will be serving as parochial vicar for St. George’s Parish in Post Falls, under his brother who will be pastor there. Father Madanu’s primary responsibilities will be at St. George’s chapels: St. Stanislaus in Rathdrum and St. Joseph’s in Spirit Lake.
If you enjoyed this story and would like to read more like it, please consider buying a subscription to the Idaho Catholic Register. Your $20 yearly subscription also supports the work of the Diocese of Boise Communications Department, which includes not only the newspaper, but this website, social media posts and videos. You can subscribe here, or through your parish, or send a check to 1501 S. Federal Way, Boise, ID, 83705: or call 208-350-7554 to leave a credit card payment. Thank you, and God bless you.
Comments