Roman Catholic Diocese of Bhagalpur

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Bhagalpur (Latin: Bhagalpuren(sis)) is a diocese located in the city of Bhagalpur in the Ecclesiastical province of Patna in India.

History

This was the first building where the Christian Settlement at Bhagalpur Diocese began

Christian presence from 1779 has been documented. The early Christians were mainly indigo planters, railwaymen and their dependents. They did have a few handful of natives.

During the Capuchin Period (1779-1919), Bhagalpur was at first the part of Prefecture of Tibet-Hindustan erected by the Sacred Congregation of the Evangelisation of the Peoples in 1703. It became a resident station in 1783.

The Jesuit Period (1919-1983): The Patna Jesuits started working here since 1921. Their missionary efforts were directed mainly among the Santhals.

On August 3, 1956,^[2][3] Bhagalpur was detached from the Patna Diocese and the Prefecture Apostic was established. Msgr. Urban McGarry tor, was appointed the Prefect Apostolic.

It was promoted as Diocese of Bhagalpur on January 11, 1965.^[2][3] Most Rev Urban Eugene McGarry tor^[2][3] was appointed as its first Bishop. The diocese comprised the districts of Bhagalpur, Banka, Jamui and the civil blocks of lakshmipur, Kharagpur and Tarapur of Mnger district of Bihar, Godda, Giridih, Deoghar and Sarawan of Deoghar district and Mandro block of Sahebgunj district of Jharkhand.

Leadership

• Bishops of Bhagalpur (Latin Rite)
  • Bishop Kurian (Ciriaco) Valiakandathil (January 11, 2007 – present)^[3]

Bishop Kurian Valiakandathil of Diocese of Bhagalpur

• • Bishop Thomas Kozhimala (June 14, 1996 – June 1, 2005)^[3]

Bishop Thomas Kozhimala of Diocese of Bhagalpur

• • Bishop George Victor Saupin, S.J. (November 30, 1987 – August 2, 1993)^[3]
  • Bishop Urban Eugen McGarry, T.O.R. (January 11, 1965 – November 30, 1987)^[3]
• Prefects Apostolic of Bhagalpur (Latin Rite)
  • Fr. Urban Eugen McGarry, T.O.R. (later Bishop) (1956 – January 11, 1965)

Seminary

The seminary at Sahibgunj

This seminary at Bhagalpur, Sahibgunj is the training center for the first two years of priesthood. A hostel is attached to the seminary where students live. To the right is the hostel and to the left is the semnary.

Hospitals

There are 42 hospitals run by the Diocese of Bhagalpur.

Psychiatric hospital run by the Diocese of Bhagalpur

Punaruthanam Ashram at Sahebgunj is working for the Psychiatric patients of Bhagalpur

Schools

Bishop Urban School at Sahebgunj, Bhagalpur

There are more than 70 schools run by the Diocese of Bhagalpur. The most well known are St. Joseph's School - Bhagalpur, Mount Assisi School - Bhagalpur, Mount Carmel School - Bhagalpur, St. Joseph's School - Kahalgaon, St. Teresa School - Bhagalpur, C.M.S. School - Bhagalpur, St. Paul's School Bhagalpur.

The list of Schools is given here:

Hostels

List of Boys hostels run by the Diocese of Bhagalpur

List of Girls hostels run by the Diocese of Bhagalpur

The Old Church at Sahebgunj

This is the Cemetery at Sahebgunj, Bhagalpur

Social Initiatives

The Diocese of Bhagalpur has been involved in helping people around Bhagalpur in all the districts that it operates. They provide flood relief material and are able to mobilize resources and money for the charity work during local disasters (Mainly flood)

The Diocese of Bhagalpur has attempted to bring good understanding between various religions. All schools of the Diocese cater to every religion and sect. There is special provision for the needy in most of the schools.

Dialogue Between Religious leaders

Dialogues between religious leaders are often conducted by the Diocese.

Buddhist monk hosted by Diocese of Bhagalpur

Shri Shankaracharya Hosted by the Diocese of Bhagalpur

Hindu Yoga Instructor hosted by Diocese of Bhagalpur

Information

Address: Chancery Office, Nawab Colony, P.O. Box 61, Bhagalpur-812001, Bihar, India

References

Coordinates: 25°14′59″N 86°56′54″E / 25.2496°N 86.9484°E / 25.2496; 86.9484