Area 17,766 km² Schools 70 | Parishes 140 | |
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Population- Total- Catholics (as of 2012)9,446,00078,359 (0.8%) Ecclesiastical province Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Patna | ||
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.
Contents
History
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, 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. Most Rev Urban Eugene McGarry tor 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
Seminary
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.
Punaruthanam Ashram at Sahebgunj is working for the Psychiatric patients of Bhagalpur
Schools
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
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.
Information
Address: Chancery Office, Nawab Colony, P.O. Box 61, Bhagalpur-812001, Bihar, India