The Franciscan friars have given the Diocese of Gary and the City of Gary something rare: a ministry rooted in presence, humility, and solidarity with the poor. Their impact has been pastoral, social, cultural, and deeply spiritual.
The friars created a compassionate presence in a city that has known suffering. They stepped into Gary not as visitors but as brothers who chose to live among the people. Their residence at Holy Angels Cathedral placed them at the spiritual center of the city, where they became a visible sign of hope and stability. Bishop McClory himself noted that they brought a “heart for Gary and a dedication that has been a tremendous blessing” to the Diocese of Gary.
The Franciscans worked to revitalize sacramental life in multiple parishes. Their ministry extended across four parishes that reflect the cultural and economic diversity of Gary that strengthens parish life of these parishes: Holy Angels Cathedral, Ss. Monica and Luke, St. Joseph the Worker / San José Obrero and St. Mary of the Lake.
In each parish, the friars revitalized worship, offered bilingual ministry, and built bridges across racial and cultural lines. They became spiritual fathers to communities that often felt forgotten.
They also shared a preferential love for the poor. True to the Franciscan charism, they placed a consistent commitment to the poor at the center of their mission. The parishes operated food pantries for low-income families, weekly community meals serving more than 100 people and outreach ministries that accompany the lonely, the homeless, and the struggling. These works made the Church’s compassion tangible in neighborhoods marked by economic hardship.
Gary became a place where young men discerning religious life could experience authentic Franciscan fraternity. Discernment weekends brought men from across the country to pray, serve, and walk with the friars in the city. This not only enriched the local Church but also placed Gary on the map as a center of Franciscan missionary energy.
In collaboration with the Diocese, the friars worked closely with diocesan leadership. They offered stability during times of transition and helped shape pastoral planning for the city. Even as their province restructured and prepared to leave the Gary Mission in July 2026, they remained committed to a smooth handoff and continued ministry in nearby communities.
Their years in Gary have been a gift – one that has shaped the diocese, strengthened the city’s Catholic identity, and touched countless lives.
The theme I will carry into my new role at the Cathedral is continuity of mission rooted in unity, mercy, and hope, expressed in a way that speaks directly to the lived reality of the Gary parishes. This moment is not simply a pastoral reassignment – it is a spiritual turning point for communities that have known both hardship and deep faith.
We want a Church that stays close to the people – present in their joys, their struggles, and their daily lives. A community where every person is known, welcomed, and accompanied with compassion.
My ministry has always emphasized walking with families, immigrants, the elderly, the poor, and the young. Continuing this spirit at the Cathedral tells the city that the Church is not stepping back – it is stepping closer.
Gary’s Catholic life is beautifully diverse. My bilingual ministry and inclusive leadership naturally support a theme of one family in Christ, even as I shepherd multiple parishes with different histories. The Franciscan friars modeled compassion and simplicity. Continuing that tone – rooted in the Gospel, the sacraments, and joyful service – keeps the heart of the Gary Mission alive.
My appointment itself is a sign of renewal. The message I carry can be simple and powerful: “God has not forgotten Gary. The Church is alive here.” Pastors come and go, but Christ’s mission remains. The friars’ departure and my arrival are not endings – they are chapters in the same story of God’s work in the city.
Change can create anxiety, but it also opens hearts. This is a moment for the faithful to pray more intentionally, support their parish communities, and renew their commitment to the sacraments. Collaboration among lay leaders, volunteers, and ministries is essential for effective oversight of multiple parishes and the Cathedral. This builds a stronger and more resilient Church.
The Cathedral is the mother church of the diocese. My new role places me at the spiritual center of the Diocese of Gary. The faithful should remember that the Cathedral is not just a building – it is a symbol of unity, mission, and hope for every parish.
Effective July 1, 2026, Father Jayababu Nuthulapati is appointed rector of Holy Angels Cathedral in Gary and, in solidum, moderator of Holy Angels Cathedral, St. Joseph the Worker, and St. Mary of the Lake in Gary.
