Reverend Father Bala Yeruva (Pastor)

Reverend Father Bala Yeruva

• Diocese of Guntur

• Date of birth:  19th September 1968

• Ordination:   5th April 1995

Family: The life story of Fr. Bala Yeruva, the beloved Parish Priest of Immaculate Conception Church in Ravipadu, is a testament to his unwavering faith, humility, and dedication in serving God and his flock entrusted to his care.

Born on September 19, 1968, in the serenity village of Patibandla, Fr. Bala Yeruva was the youngest of eight children born to Chinnappa Reddy and Amruthamma. Growing up in a faith filled devout family, Fr. Bala was instilled with values of love, compassion, and a strong sense of community from a tender age.

The journey of Fr. Bala in service to the Lord began by entering the minor seminary in Guntur, later at St. John's Regional Major Seminary in Hyderabad. He embarked on a path of spirituality and academic excellence, immersing himself in theological studies and preparing to dedicate his life to the priesthood. After 12 years of formation, he was ordained on 5th April, 1995 by the Most Reverend Gali Bali.

Experience as a Priest: His early years as a priest were noteworthy by his genuine compassion and eagerness to serve the Lord. Fr. Bala commenced his priestly ministry as an assistant priest in Immaculate Conception Church in Ravipadu, where he first began to touch the lives of the faithful through his sermons, guidance, and acts of kindness. His devotion to Blessed Virgin Mary became a cornerstone of his spiritual life. He often led and participated in the charismatic prayers, fostering a deep relationship with God among the faithful he serves.

Throughout his 29 years of journey as a priest, Fr. Bala held various pastoral assignments with an open heart, namely from Ravipadu to Pastoral Center in Numbur, and thereafter Phirangipuram, Vegendal, Bapatla, Nagaram, Thubadu, Emani, Siripuram and at present Ravipadu parish. Fr. Bala carried the light of faith and hope to different corners of the Andhra region. His dedication to his pastoral duties was surpassed only by his humility and down to earth nature, making him easily approachable and beloved by all.

Presently, Fr. Bala stands as the Parish Priest of Immaculate Conception Church in Ravipadu, the very place where his priestly journey began. His leadership is marked by simplicity, profound faith, and an unshakable trust and ardent lover of his faithful. He continues to be a pillar of strength and support for the people as he serves tirelessly attending to their spiritual and psychological needs.

Fr. Bala Yeruva's life is a living example of what it means to be a true disciple of Jesus, someone who walks with humility, serves with love, and prays with unwavering devotion. His life inspires us to take up our own journeys with faith and compassion, reminding us that through our service to others, we find our greatest fulfillment and draw closer to the divine.

Siblings: Fr. Bala's siblings also found their own paths of service within the church. His sisters namely Reverend Sr. Paulis, St. Ann’s congregation, Phirangipuram, Reverend Sr. Marina, and Reverend Sr. Bala Sundari, congregation of J.M.J embraced religious life, while his brother Reverend Fr. Joji Reddy, though no longer with us, also answered the call to priesthood.

May the blessings of the Almighty radiate through his smile, helpful through his hands and shrine through his heart to the flock of Immaculate Conception Church, Ravipadu.