Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

The phrase "The family that prays together, stays together," coined by Venerable Father Patrick Peyton, resonates with Holy Cross Father John Britto and his nephew, Salesian Father Martin Arulmani Joseph. These two priests from India are currently serving at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Viera.

Father Britto serves as the parish pastor while his nephew is the parochial vicar. The arrangement came about through their prayers and with assistance from Bishop John Noonan. Father Britto expressed surprise at this rare occurrence, stating, “It is a great blessing and a very rare thing for a nephew and an uncle to work in the same parish.”

Father Joseph recently arrived from India and was residing in Tampa when he was invited by Bishop Noonan to assist his uncle at the parish. He described his arrival as "providential."

Both priests hail from Salem in southern India, where they were deeply influenced by their Catholic upbringing. Their families lived together, fostering a strong sense of faith through practices such as praying the rosary daily.

Father Britto's journey to priesthood began with his education under the Congregation of Holy Cross priests and culminated in his ordination in 2009. He became pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish in 2019 after serving there for several years.

The union of uncle and nephew at St. John's was unexpected but welcomed by both priests who now share daily prayers and duties within the parish community.

Father Joseph credits his grandparents' influence on his vocation, stating, “They are the pillars of my vocation.” Despite being part of different religious orders, both priests find joy in working together.

Reflecting on this experience, Father Britto said: “God’s grace is such that wherever you go you have your family... And (Father Joseph) is a very gifted priest.”