Father Marianna was born in a village called Taduvai in the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh in South India. His parents are Balaswamy and Mariyamma Yekkerala. Father is the oldest of five children having three younger brothers and one sister.

Father’s journey to the priesthood began before he was born. His parents had been married for about five to six years and were unable to have children. They prayed to Our Lady of Lourdes and made a promise to offer their first born child to the Lord for His service. In answer to their prayers, Father Marianna was born and named after Our Lady of Lourdes. As he grew up, his parents told him of the prayers and promises they made to the Lord.

He was raised in a devout Catholic home, learning the prayers and customs of the Catholic faith. He was able to attend a Catholic elementary school, but since there was no Catholic High School in his village, Father was sent to a government high school in a neighboring village where students of different faiths (Hindus, Muslims, Christians and a few Catholics) studied together. Since there was no Catholic Church in the village where he attended high school he would go to the Baptist Church. When he went home for vacations, he would go to the Catholic Church. After graduating from high school, he was happy to return home and attend the Catholic Church and take part in many liturgical activities.

Noticing his regular attendance at Mass and different activities, his pastor asked him what his plans were for attending college. He asked him if he would be interested in attending the seminary to become a Catholic priest. Father’s parents also reminded him of their prayers and promises to the Lord for his birth and life. After prayers and preparations, Fr. Marianna and his parents met with their pastor and he went to the seminary to begin his studies for the priesthood.

After 13 long years of formation in the seminary, Father Marianna was ordained on May 3, 1999. Father said many people came into his life to help him in his formation as a priest. He served as an associate pastor for three years and as pastor for twelve years in different parishes in his diocese in India.

Fr. Marianna came to the United States in 2013. He served as chaplain for the Disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ in Prayertown before his latest assignment to St. Theresa’s in Panhandle and Sacred Heart in White Deer.

“This is a great blessing that I am here in this great country for three years (and entering my) fourth year as pastor of St. Theresa’s and Sacred Heart parishes for the Diocese of Amarillo, Texas,” Father said.

In his free time, Fr. Marianna enjoys reading and writing. He is also a gifted lyricist, composer and singer. When asked what his biggest blessing was, he gave the following answer.
“God, in His great mercy and love, formed me to be His priest,” Father said. “I am a priest. That is my biggest blessing.”