Introducing Reverend Dr. Jose Panickomveli

Friendly greetings to all in the Cascade community!

The parishioners of Sacred Heart Catholic Church joyfully welcomed Reverend Dr. Jose Panickomveli last July as their new pastor. His arrival has brought a renewed sense of excitement and devotion to our congregation. Father Jose is deeply committed to engaging with the youth, fostering community connections, and sharing the teachings of the Bible, all with the goal of building a strong spiritual bond within our parish.

Father Jose, a Catholic priest for over 30 years, hails from India and brings with him a wealth of experience and deep-rooted faith. Since his arrival, he has actively immersed himself in the Cascade community, getting to know the town and its residents. Perhaps you’ve already seen him strolling through the streets, always ready with a warm smile and friendly wave.

To help forge meaningful connections and nurture a vibrant faith community here in Cascade, Father Jose has shared the following message as an introduction:

Walking in His Footprints

We often seek the protective layers of life to enjoy its goodness. Reflecting on my journey, I feel fortunate—the Almighty has blessed my priestly life abundantly. Over the years, I have served in various roles: Pastor, Resident Priest, Vice Principal, School Manager, School Board Member, Secretary to the Priest Council, Inter-Diocesan Tribunal Member, and Director of the Liturgy Commission for my Diocese in Khandwa, India, where I was ordained in 1991.

In 2011, I felt called to leave these protective layers of security—what Saint Teresa of Calcutta described as a “call within a call.” After the episcopal ordination of the third bishop of my diocese, I shared my desire to serve in America or another Western country. Initially, my request was denied, but I remained persistent, trusting in God’s mercy.

Through perseverance and faith, doors began to open. A connection with Fr. Jolly in Montana’s Diocese of Great Falls-Billings became a pivotal moment. This fulfilled a dream I had in 2011, where I envisioned the word “Montana” followed by a waterfall. In 2017, I realized the “waterfall” represented the Great Falls-Billings Diocese.

This journey reminds me of God’s unwavering plan for us, even during struggles, sickness, and suffering. His words to Jeremiah resonate deeply:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:11-13).

I arrived in the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings on July 4, 2017. My first assignment was at Fort Belknap Reservation, where I spent four years practicing the “Apostolate of Presence” and climbing the “spiritual ladder of perfection,” as Saint John of the Cross described. Afterward, I served for two years as Administrator of St. Peter’s and St. Philip’s Church in Wibaux, followed by time in Miles City.

Now, I am honored to serve Sacred Heart Church in Cascade and St. Ann’s Church in Fort Shaw. Back home in India, my mother is still with us, though my father passed in 2015. I have two brothers, two sisters, two nieces, and a nephew. The Lord has been consistently good to me, and I believe that nothing happens without His knowledge—not even a hair can fall from my head without His will.

To bring sunshine to others and make a difference for the Lord is my motto. May He bless us all. I surrender myself to Him!