Divine Word Centre, Hyderabad

The Divine Word Centre, popularly known as Muthangi church, is a powerful retreat centre frequently cited as having worked miracles for those seeking a job, peaceful family life, financial stability and good health. It is conveniently located on the outskirts of Hyderabad.

Fr Christuraj’s Mission

Inspired by Saint Arnold Janssen, Fr Christuraj, a young and aspiring priest, was saddened by the struggles of people and was determined to reach out to them. He fixed his eyes on Jesus his Master and, with prayer and fasting, headed towards his goal, his vision. He worked and visited various parishes and other places, where he found people everywhere in search of something. “Yes Lord, I will go!” said Fr Christuraj, and he took up the mission of healing, deliverance and reconciliation. He went around spreading the Good News of Jesus on a two-wheeler.

“Give us souls, Lord! Give us India!” was the cry in the hearts of a few more lay people who joined him over the years, their goal being that the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit should empower everyone on this earth.

Building Muthangi Church

In 1994, Fr Christuraj started his mission on a piece of land in remote Muthangi, a village 35 km from Hyderabad. It was an abandoned site, filled with thorns and stones, with a dilapidated structure that presented a sorry picture. The plot, measuring about an acre, had no takers, as it had earned an unsavoury reputation for being a hideout for thieves. For the zealous Fr Christuraj and the three young men who assisted him, this place was good enough to begin their mission.

Not looking back, only believing in the promise of the Lord, they began clearing up the land, which was infested with snakes and scorpions. With great love for the Lord, and with the help of the Blessed Virgin Mary who was always with them, they began building the broken house. Every day was a miracle, and the divine providence of God began to flow in as helping hands increased day by day.

Growth of the Centre

As a result of sacrifices and prayers, awareness of their presence was spreading. Friends and faithful began visiting the little-known Muthangi church, initially named St Mary’s Church. On 8 September 1995, an informal inauguration with a Mass was celebrated for the first time. The church was later renamed Divine Word Centre on 26 January 1996.

Fr K Sahaya Cyril Doss, a great visionary, joined in as a blessing. In his ministry of reconciliation and healing through the Calvary love of Jesus, thousands of families are being saved and many young hearts have found a meaning in life. The Lord inspired Fr Cyril to build the youth, called Divine Word Young Apostles, and spread the Good News along with them. The Lord has specially given him the anointing of leading the faithful into inner healing and repentance with the Calvary love of Jesus.