St. Anthony’s Church, Ajni, Nagpur – 440003 M.S.- 0712-2744504

Established	1932
Patron	St. Anthony
Feast	13th June
Families	650
Parish Priest	Fr. Yesu Raj, 9423635158, rajfrjesu@gmail.com
Asst. Priest	Fr. Philip Topno, 9960070770 Fr. PrafulDung DungOP
Religious House (Women)	1) Salesian Missionaries of Mary Immaculate 2) Daughters of Mary 3) Apostolic Carmel

St. Anthony's Church, Ajni is one of the oldest parishes of the Archdiocese of Nagpur. As per the available data this parish had a humble beginning in 1919. Holy Eucharist was celebrated in the G.I.P Railway (presently the Central Railway) quarters of Ajni on every Sunday since January of that year.

In March 1931 Rt. Rev. Coppel took the momentous decision to have a church built for the good of the faithful. The project of building the church was entrusted to Fr. Vincent Lucasz, then teacher at SFS School who went about the task of collecting funds and supervising the construction with great zeal. The church of St. Anthony with Bro. Harold D'Silva as its engineer was completed and blessed by Bishop Louis Gayet on December 20, 1934.

With a view to keep pace with and accomodate the increasing number of catholics, the church, the adjoining presbytery and parish hall has been rebuilt under the guidance of Rev. Fr Jerome Pinto. The restructuring began on 30th November 1997 at the hands of Most Rev. Leobard D'Souza and the new church was blessed and dedicated by Most Rev. Abraham Viruthakulangara on 15th November 1998.

The dedicated work of the former resident priests is continued by Fr. Anthony J.D'Souza and Fr. Sunit Lugun, the present incumbents. Centered on the Word of God and the Eucharist, the faith-formed, hope and spirit-filled community endeavours to fullfil its mission in the church and the world. The Parish Council members, the Animators of the Small Christian Communities and Area Collectors assist in planning and effectively carrying out the decisions for the spiritual and temporal good of the parishioners. The meticulous work of the various committees ensures a prayerful and meaningful participation of the faithful at the Sunday Liturgy and the celebration of important Feasts and devotions. Sunday Religious instruction is imparted to the students from class I to X, while special attention is given to the children to prepare them for the reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Holy Communion and Confirmation.

Regular family visits specially to the old and the sick, area-wise celebration of the Holy Eucharist, SCC Prayer Meetings are a regular feature of the parish life. This is supplemented by organising various programs for the children, the youth and various age groups/professionals of the parish. The celebration of Children's Day, Youth Day, Mother's Day, Family Day and Parish Day help in strengthening the bonds of love and unity in the parish.

It is nice to remember that St. Anthony's School took its miniature form in 1928. This was started by then Asst. Parish Priest of S.F.S. Cathedral, Rev. Fr. F.X. Collaco. He began the school in a plot of land acquired from the railways, close to the railway colony. When this school began there was no sign of human existence in this area except a small temporary shed which was known as St. Anthony's Primary School. As the years advanced the school too grew into full fledged high school along with the parish.

May our Blessed Mother and the great St. Anthony continue to protect and bless our Parish.

Our Lady Of Fatima Church, Jaitala, Nagpur - 440016 - 0712-2235177

Established	1936
Patron	Our Lady of Fatima
Feast	13th Oct.
Families	99
Parish Priest	Fr. Bastin Thomas SBD, 09404901948, fr.bastin.thomas@gmail.com
Asst. Priest	Ajay Shelke SBD, 09552512310, ajayshelkesdb@gmail.com
Religious House (Men)	SDB Fathers
Religious House (Women)	Fatima Sisters

The Jaitala mission is situated 12 km. from Nagpur city. On the north side we have the Ambazeri Lake, on the south side C.R.P.F. Camp. On the east side Dr. Babasaheb International Airport and on the west side M.I.D.C. Jaitala is surrounded by more than 600 families living in basties. Earlier these people lived as Hindus, but now most of them have embraced Buddhism, in the footsteps of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar when he converted thousands to Buddhism. In fact some of the Christians also embraced Buddhism, so that they too become eligible to receive Government benefits.

The beginning of Jaitala mission 1936: At that time there was no priest available with the knowledge of Marathi to begin the mission. However, in 1936 Bishop Louis Gayet began this mission. Initially,it began tailoring and embroidery classes for women. with the help of Sr. Odette, a Mary Immaculate nun. Along with the social work, they also began religious instruction. Slowly the numbers began to grow. Bishop Louis Gayet showed personal interest in this mission. In 1947 Fr. Francis Mojet a Fransalian Priest was appointed to look after the mission. Being a missionary Fr. Mojet studied the local habits and soon won confidence of the people. In 1948 with the help of Dasrath Meshram and Somaji Nitnaware, they managed to purchase a plot of land on top the hill. He put up a small house. In the year 1947 India received its Independence.

In 1949 the first Indian priest Fr. Bansode was appointed to this mission. At this time the Fatima church was ready. And since the priest was Marathi speaking. The local people had a greater sense of belonging to the Church. In 1952 Fr. F.X. Gaikwad extended the Primary school to secondary (Std VIII) and got necessary permissions from the Government. In 1960 Fr. Paul Gaigole was appointed at Jaitala. During his time this mission was raised to the status of a parish.

In 1972 Fr. Patrick Lemos, a diocesan priest was appointed at Jaitala. During his reign of 14 years, he changed the face of Jaitala. He extended the school to Std X. He managed to have a decent building for the school. In 1977 the Fatima Sisters were invited to work in Jaitala parish. In 1985 Fr. Pascal was appointed in Jaitala. In his simple and loving manner he managed to bring the faithful together.

In 1989 the Salesians of Don Bosco were entrusted the mission of Jaitala. The Salesians, with the charism of Don Bosco captured the hearts of the people. Through family visits and personal contact, the families were united. Fr. Francis was instrumental in putting up a new school building and a residence for the confreres.

THE PRESENT SITUATION

The Parish comprises of 70 families, spread out in a big area. In fact Our Lady of Fatima Church-Jaitala run by the Salesians is the only Marathi speaking parish, in the whole Nagpur Archdiocese. Jaitala Parish is a bed of folks with various languages, viz: Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Marathi and a speaking (which indeed is on the increase) of English too.

There is a Marathi medium, government aided school from the K.G. class, right unto Class X helping all the children of the locality to be educated. The strength of the school is 670 boys and girls. The SSC result of 2009-10 were 100%. The craze is for English education and rightly so, as every job available in Nagpur city goes to those speaking English. This year St. Joseph Vidyalaya has begun lower English medium for Std. VIII, IX and X.

In the premises of the parish, class rooms are used for the facility of the evening study classes, assisted by a Salesian. Many youth make good use of this facility and around the times of their exams .

In the parish, the animation and facilitation is done by the Parish Pastoral Council members, who are SSC leaders elected for a term of 3 years from among the people. The Parish has five zones and every week the zones are animated with the help of the SSC leaders by the weekly zone prayer meeting held from Monday to Friday evenings in every zone in the week.

Sacramental life is not very much on the rise as many could not have had proper and right religious education in their early years. The challenge the salesians face is just this: faith formation of the people of Jaitala.

VOCATIONS

Many are called but the Lord chooses just a few. So thus it has so far been with youth of Jiatala. A few (four to be precise) did choose to follow Christ`s call in the footsteps of Don Bosco but finding themselves not being strong in his Mission, those few have turned back and returned away from the vineyard of the Lord. May be the challenge is thrown to the Salesian. “Feed my people”. “Build them up”. “Give them the faith formation they require”. will the zealous salesians from among the readers opt to come to fulfill this mission? Yes basic Christian formation is to be imparted, along with academics, value-education and all round formation. Will you opt for this Mission and accept this challenge? Please do be generous: pray that the salesians presently in the mission field of Jaitala save their souls by working for Christ and making Him known.

St. Claret Church, Near Rly Gate, Nagpur Road, New Buti Bori, M.S. 441 108 Ph: 07103 262538

Established	2000
Patron	St. Claret
Feast	24th Oct.
Families	27
Parish Priest	Fr. Anthony +919527807008
Religious House (Men)	Claretian Fathers
Religious House (Women)	Claretian Sisters

Earlier this Parish was part of Holy Family Church, Padari Thana. Buti- Bori is an Industrial area and lot of people come in search of job and settle down for some time and later go away when they get better job. St. Claret Church Buti- Bori was established in the year 2000 at the invitation of the Archbishop, His grace Abraham Viruthukulangara.

In the beginning the pioneer missionaries were staying in rented house . In the year 2002 land was purchased in order to start a school and parish. Fr. Beofre started this mission as the parishioners used to go to Holy Family Church, Thana. It is around 13 km from Buti Bori.

1. Rev. Fr. Siby Ervimangalam cmf was appointed as the first Parish Priest in the year 2000.
2. Rev. Fr. Thomas Thaniyyanical succeeded Fr. Siby in the year 2002 and worked for seven years as Parish Priest.
3. Fr. Francis Kallampukat cmf and Fr. Sunny Kunampadvil worked as Asst. Parish Priest in 2010.
4. Fr. Fabianus Barwa cmf and Fr. Thomas Manakuzhyil cmf were appointed as Parish Priest and Asst. Parish Priest respectively by His grace Abraham Viruthukulangara.

At present we do not have parish church and we are making use of the school prayer hall for all the liturgical purposes. At present we have 28 families in Buti Bori

The Parish is growing day by day and people regularly participate in all the liturgical services. We are grateful to God for his blessings, providence and protection. Let's bow before God the Almighty for loving kindness and mercy. We are what we are because of HIM.

Holy Family Church, Padri Thana, Via Butibori, Nagpur – 441108, M.S. Ph: 07103261489

Established	1865
Sub-Station	Pettichua, Sindhiveri
Patron	Holy Family
Feast	Holy Family Feast
Families	110
Parish Priest	Fr. Sanish PSDP
Asst. Priest	Fr. Satish Kudilil PSDP
Religious House (Men)	1) Poor Servants of Divine Providence 2) St. Joseph the Worker
Religious House (Women)	1) Poor Servants of Divine Providence 2) Assisi Sisters of Mary Immaculate 3) Franciscan Missionaries of Christ the King 4) Sisters of the Sacred Heart

The history of Thana mission

The land of Padri Thana mission was bought on 16 may, 1865 by Rev Fr Belmond, the first missionary of Thana. He was an M.S.F.S. missionary. It was 1277 acres of land, in cash payment of Rs 1192.80 plus one Rupee as the registration fee of the sale deal which was to give the mission hereditary rights.

On 21 May 1865 Bishop Tissot of Vishakhapatnam mission and Fr. Belmond climbed the highest hill called 'Galhekery'. Later it was named "Mount Carmel" of the land bought for the Thana mission, erected, and blessed. A wooden cross, which was, replaced by a huge steel cross on 24th February 1935 by Bishop Gayat and declared that May 3rd, feast of the invention of the Holy Cross would be the feast of Thana's Calvary celebrated by pilgrimage and procession every year.

According to the Baptismal register the settlement started 1897 onwards. Due to the plague and famine thousands of people died in Nagpur area. Many children became orphans and the government of India collected these children almost 900 of them and entrusted them to M.S.F.S. missionaries. These children were brought to Thana mission, there they were settled. Fathers took care of boys and St. Joseph Sisters the girls. They grew up and were married. Some settled there itself; many of them migrated to different parts of Nagpur like Martin Nagar, Jaitala, Amravati, Jabalpur etc. M.S.F.S missionaries built Church, Hindi Medium School, Hostel for children and farm houses for people there in Thana.

P.S.D.P. missionaries came to Padri Thana in 1995. They gave first preference to the people who were spiritually very poor to bring them close to Jesus through Mother Mary. In order to have more devotion to Mother Mary, three grottos were built two in Padri Thana and one in Pettichuva.

Below the grotto of Blessed Virgin Mary built 20 Stations of the Cross of the mysteries of the Holy Rosary is built. A chapel built in the cemetery. Renovation of the 100 year old churches in Padri Thana and Pettichuva are done beautifully. People got many opportunities to go for retreat in different retreat centers like Potta, Tabor, and Faridabad. Also many good retreat preachers were brought to Thana for the people. Many awareness program classes and camps were organized for the people for the betterment of the people P.S.D.P. Missionaries started Hospital, English Medium School, home for the destitute and hostel. Considering the children's future studies, they started another hostel with all the necessary facilities in Fetri Nagpur. God has done great things in the lives of Thana people through P S D P missionaries. One of the most important things is people of Thana stopped taking alcohol which was their main business for last 70 years. Thanks be to God. According to the latest census there are 110 families in this parish. There are 5 religious, 3 fathers and 2 brothers who are working in this parish from P.S.D.P. men congregation and one Diocesan brother and priest. Besides this, 13 other religious from different women congregations FMCK, ASM I, SH & PSDP are also working in this mission.

St. Francis Xavier Church, Temple Bazar Road, Sitabuldi, Nagpur – 440012, M.S. Ph: 0712-2541556

Established	2006
Patron	St, Francis Xavier
Feast	3rd Dec.
Families	87
Parish Priest	Fr. Francis Leonard
Religious House (Women)	Apostolic Carmel

The Nagpur Catholics were first visited by the Goan priests who had built a small chapel at Sitabuldi around the year 1836 and dedicated it to St. Francis Xavier, patron of the missions. Subseqently, the Irish chaplains from Kamptee were incharge.

With Nagpur becoming a diocese in 1887, the cathedral of St. Francis de Sales became the centre of religious activities for the Catholics. The chapel at Sitabuldi was only operative during the feast day of St. Francis Xavier in November and December each year.

During the late sixties a need was felt to have a mass centre at Mount Carmel Convent, Dhantoli on the airport road, to cater to the spiritual needs of the catholic staying in west Nagpur. Fr. Joaquim Fernandes was the first priest-in-charge of the centre. He was succeeded by Fr. Joe Quadros who served the growing catholic community for 12 years. During this period of time a lot of search was made for a plot of land in and around Dhantoli on the airport road to have a parish church and priest residence. The existing chapel at Sitabuldi on the airport road, with its limited surrounding land, was earmarked by Archbishop Abraham Virthakulangara for a parish church for the Catholics of Dhantoli mass centre and the surrounding area. The parish is spread over the main town of Sitabuldi, Dhantoli, Mariam Nagar, Civil lines, Dharampeth, Gokulpeth, Bajaj Nagar, and Amravati Road.

On 11th March 2004 the bomipujan for the new parish church at Sitabuldi was performed by Archbishop Abraham in the company of a visiting bishop, priests. religious and the faithful. The old chapel was demolished and a new structure consisting of a basement, priest residence and church was blessed and inaugurated by our Archbishop Abraham Virthakulangara on 29th January 2006. Fr Jerome Pinto was first Parish Priest from 2006 to 2008. later in June 2008 Fr. Patrick Lemos was appointed as a second Parish Priest.

ACTIVITIES:

Besides Sunday services there is regular Sacred Heart devotion on every Friday .There are ten SSC groups who meet on regular basis. There are alcoholic anonymous meetings on every Monday and Thursday. St Francis Xavier feast, the patron of the parish is celebrated with novena and people from all over Nagpur take part in novena and feast. During holy week, Parish youth enact the way of the cross through the main streets of Nagpur city. The first parish directory was published in 2008 so that parishioners know each other better and pray for each other and especially remember each other on their birthdays and anniversaries. Regular bulletin of parish is circulated to the parishioners with all details of important events in the parish.

St. Francis of Assisi Church, Assisi Sadan, Opp. WCL, Umrer – 441204, M.S. 07116247665

Established	1996
Sub-Station	Pahami, Makardhokra
Patron	St. Francis of Assisi
Feast	4th Oct.
Families	30
Parish Priest	Fr. Santosh Ekka OFM, 8180829409
Religious House (Men)	Orders of Friars Minor
Religious House (Women)	Franciscan Missionaries of Christ the King

In 1964, some of the WCL employees approached Bishop Raymond to send a priest to celebrate mass for the catholic families. Accordingly Bishop sent the priests from Padri Thana.

Fr. Aaron Reddy (1964-1967), the Assistant Parish Priest at Holy Family Parish at Padrithana. Fr. Mathew Fernandes, the Principal of S.F.S. School Nagpur, Fr. Mathew Kaimaleth, the Parish Priest of Holy Family Church, Unthkhana (1967-1970) celebrated mass in one of WCL quarters.

Fr. Bonnie Mendes (1970-1973), was appointed as the First Parish Priest and began to reside there. Till then, the documents and records were maintained at Holy Family Church Padri Thana. It was in the same years that the first group of Sisters, St. Joseph of Chambery were asked to take care the administration of the school, they left within a period of two years due to the unavoidable reasons.

Fr. Joseph Thundyl (1973-1984), got an official permission to stay in one of the WCL Quaters. Under his Pastoral care, the land for the church was purchased in 1981. The fund for the construction of the Church was undertaken by Sr. Francesca, F.M.C.K, the Superior. The church construction was completed in 1983. The Church was blessed by Bishop Leobard D'Souza on 18th March 1983, under the patronage of St. Francis of Assisi. Bishop Leobard and Fr. Thundyl named it so because of the work of Sr. Francesca. The F.M.C.K. sisters came in 1975 and are continuing to take care of the school till today. The sisters are known, for their outstanding contribution here in the field of education for more than twenty five years.

This parish was handed over to the Franciscans (OFM) on 26th January 1996 by Bishop Leobard D'Souza. On the same day, Assisi Sadan was blessed and since then, this house has been functioning as a House of Formation (Postulancy). From 2010, the house is serving as the head quarters for the Franciscans for the Dependant Custody of the Mary, Mother of God Province, North Region. Now we have begun a house of an Initiation Year for the Candidates from 2011 onwards.

Ongoing Activities in the Parish:

1. Parish Youth Day
2. Mother's Day
3. Parish Feast
4. Children's Day
5. Mission Sunday
6. Christ the King Feast: At Deanery Level
7. Charismatic Retreat
8. Parish Picnic Day
9. Way of the Cross
10. SCC Prayer Service on Every Thursday

There is an emerging challenge in the parishes, as WCL mines were closed for some days. As a result, there is a frequent transfer of our parishioners, which disturbs the regular activities of the parish. However, there is a tremendous effort to bring up the parish both spiritually and physically. Finally, the future plan of the parish is to renovate the Church and to evangelize many more people into our faith from the locality, as this parish mainly depends upon the WCL employees.

Holy Family Church, Medical College Road, Untkhana, Nagpur – 440009 Ph: 0712-2744915

Established	1959
Patron	Holy Family
Feast	28th Dec.
Families	185
Parish Priest	Fr. Joseph Panackal, 8412911057
Priest Residence	Fr. Samir Baptist
Priest in-charge	Fr. Jose Panackal +918412911057
Religious House (Women)	SMMI Sisters

In the year 1890, the Civic Authorities of Nagpur the then Bishop of Nagpur, Msgr. Riccaz requested to rehabilitate the abandoned, physically handicapped, insane and lepers of Nagpur and a plot of land was made available to him. Bishop Riccaz entrusted this task to the Salesian Missionaries of Mary Immaculate, naming the centre as Poor House.

It took nearly 75 years to recognize the good work of the sisters and the mud huts were replaced with well-equipped rehabilitation centres. Meanwhile a good number of Catholic families had settled down around this institute. The spiritual care of the inmates of the Poor House and that of outside was carried out by priests from the Bishop's House or from the neighboring Parish of Ajni.

In 1959 Archbishop Eugene D'souza made Untkhana as a full-fledged Parish with the name as Holy Family Church and the Poor House Chapel was made the Parish Church with a resident priest. Fr. Joseph Ekka was the first Parish Priest. Due to the increase in the population a new, beautiful and spacious church was built and blessed during the time of Fr. P.M Thomas on 21 st June 1994. Today the growing parish has the care of 190 catholic families, 2 large convents with 34 religious sisters and 300 inmates and two hospitals; and of course, the non- catholics living within the parish territory.

Infant Jesus Church, 8th Mile, Amravati Road, Wadi, Nagpur – 440023, M.S. Ph: 07104220480

Established	1998
Patron	Infant Jesus
Feast	Feb.
Families	60
Parish Priest	Fr. John Aloysius Vianney, 9823289938
Asst. Priest	Fr. LaginChacko +919405282711
Religious House (Men)	CMI Fathers
Religious House (Women)	St. Ann's Sisters (Vijayawada)

The Church of Infant Jesus is situated at about 13 kms from Nagpur city, off Amravati Road, popularly known as 8th mile. This was a part of Jaitala Parish, till 1997. Way back in 1968, late Fr. Jacob Lewis had bought a small piece of land, admeasuring 100" x 100', to build a church later on. In 1982, initially, Holy Mass was being offered in individual Christian houses. This practice continued until various Christian Denominations in Defence Project, built a hall for their services. In 1997, Fr. Stephen Moniz constructed a church and a small presbytery with two rooms and a kitchen. The Church was blessed and inaugurated on 7th December 1997 and was dedicated to Infant Jesus. Rev. Fr. Maurice Fernandes was the first Parish priest.

In 2007, June 26th ,Fr. Felix Basil Moras took charge of the Parish, as well as, the Parish Primary School. In 2008-09, the church was extended at both ends: in front a 14 feet porch and at the rear side a 8 feet. Sacristy. In 2009-10, a multipurpose hall with two guest rooms was built on top of the presbytery.

Infant Jesus Primary school:

In order to provide educational facilities to the local children, a piece of land measuring 100' x 50' was purchased from CNI Bishop in 1997. A building was erected for this purpose. In 2002, Infant Jesus Primary School was started. Sisters of St. Ann of Luzern (Vijayawada) were invited to run the school for the Archdiocese. The school follows CBSE pattern of education. Right now, a hall is being built on top of the second floor of the school.

St.Ann's Convent: Sisters of St. Ann of Luzern (Vijayawada).were invited by the Archbishop, to run Infant Jesus School for the Archdiocese and help out in the Church activities. Though they have been there since 2002, yet they did not have their own premises. They used to reside in a rented building. The Archdiocese built a convent, on the plot bought in 2003, which was blessed and inaugurated on 7th June, 2006.

ChavaraKunj: In order to have their presence in the Archdiocese, the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI) of Mar Thomas Province, Chanda established a transit house, at Dattawadi, on 25th June 2001.

Carmel Academy Secondary School (CBSE): As Infant Jesus School, was unable to go beyond primary level, Archbishop Abrahm Viruthakulangara requested the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate of Mar Thomas Province, Chanda, to start a Higher Secondary School, close by. Accordingly, in June 2009, the Carmel Academy Secondary school was started. In the first year, classes were held in Infant Jesus School itself. In the second year, they moved out to rented premises and in the third year, they shifted to their own spacious premises, at Waddhmana, opposite to Highland Park.

Fr. Felix Basil Moras is the current Parish Priest and the Manager of Infant Jesus School, who is being assisted by Br. Sanjay Soren. SJW.