1. CATHEDRAL OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, AGRA
The present stately Cathedral is dedicated to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. The construction work was begun in 1846 by Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Anthony Borghi, OFM Cap, the Vicar- Apostolic of Tibet-Hindustan and was solemnly blessed by him on January 1, 1848. The architect of the Cathedral was Rev. Fr. Bonaventure, an Italian from Florence.
In 1857 the Church was extensively damaged during the First War of Independence. The magnificent High Altar which was donated by Messers John & Co. was consecrated with great solemnity by the Most Rev. Dr. Gentili, OFM Cap., in December 1899. The beauty of the Church was further enhanced by paving its floor with white and black marble slabs and replacing the six plaster altars at the side with marble ones.
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception had been renovated in 1986, in preparation for the Centenary Celebration of the establishment of the Vicariate Apostolic of Agra into a Metropolitan See by the letter of the His Holiness Pope Leo XIII 'humanae salutis auctor' dated 1st September 1886. The work began in March 1986 by Fr. Thomas K.C., the then Parish Priest and with guidance of Archbishop the Most Rev. Dr. Cecil DeSa, entire ceiling and the entire Church building and four pictures of the Stations of the Cross (9, 10, 11 & 12) in the Church were painted, which were totally damaged. The Church had a gorgeous new look. In addition to this, a well-designed boundary wall was built around the Grotto.
The oval-shaped and well designed boundary wall built around the Akbar's Church, added a royal look, befitting to the donor and the illustrious benefactor of the Mission in the sixteenth century, Akbar the Great. The Cathedral has been renovated under the directions of Archbishop Albert D'Souza, Fr. John Ferreira and Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Joe Thykkattil in 2013. Some of the milestones in the history of the Cathedral parish are 1. St. Patrick's Jr. College (Estd. 1842), 2. St. Peter's College (Estd. 1846), St. Vincent's Girls' High School (Estd. 1912) and St. Paul's Inter College (Estd. 1959). For many years the Cathedral was under the Capuchin Fathers and they had handed it over to the Diocesan Priests. The following are the Parish Priests:
| Fr. John Pachelli Fernandes | 1969 - 1973 |
| Fr. Ivan Thotungal, OFM Cap | 1973 - 1976 |
| Fr. Joe Vadakekkara | 1976 - 1985 |
| Fr. K.C. Thomas | 1985 - 1990 |
| Fr. Joe Thykkattil | 1990 - 1999 |
| Fr. Gregory Tharayil | 1999 - 2001 |
| Fr. John D'Cunha | 2001 - 2005 |
| Fr. Raphy Manjaly | 2005 - 2007 |
| Fr. Jose Maliekal | 2007 - 2012 |
| Fr. Joe Thykkattil | 2012 - 2018 |
| Fr. Ignatius Miranda | 2018 - |
| Address | Cathedral House Wazirpura Road, Agra - 282 003 |
| Phone | 0562-2851318, 2524806 |
| E-mail | agracathedral1848@gmail.com |
| Primary Patroness | Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception |
| Secondary Patron | St. Gonsalo Garcia |
| Annual Feast Day | December 8 |
| Estd. | 1848 |
| Catholics | 1025 |
| Mass Centre | The Church of Pieta, Agra |
| Clergy | Fr. Ignatius Miranda (PP) |
| | Fr. Viniversal D’Souza (APP) |
| Religious Houses |
| Convent of Jesus & Mary (RJM) | T. 2521108, 7060113789 |
| Fatima Convent (FS) | T. 2857203 |
| Franciscan Brothers (CMSF) | M. 6295343300 |
| San Damiano Convent (FCC) | T. 2851276, 9058087007 |
| Satyaseva Sadan (SCS) | M.9410663550 |
| St. Francis Convent (CFMSS) | M. 9873316266 |
| St. Alphonsa Convent (MSA) | M. 8171007358 |
| Vianney Home | T. 0562 - 2851318 |
| Institutions: |
| ACDSSS (Diocesan Social Work) | T. 2522887 |
| Sadbhavana (Centre for Dialogue) | T. 7351174888 |
| St. Joseph's Pastoral Centre | T. 2527313 |
| St. Alphonsa Institute of Spl. Edu. | T. 2850003 |
| St. Felix Nursery School | T. 2856448 |
| St. Francis Convent School | M. 8791077004, 9639381605 |
| St. Joseph's Girls' Inter College | T. 2851850, 9411463716 |
| St. Joseph's Press (CMSF) | M. 9457777308 |
| St. Patrick's Junior College | T. 2853848, 2520107 |
| St. Patrick's Boarding (Girls) | M.8435507721 |
| St. Paul's Inter College | T. 2850443, 886988455 |
| St. Peter's College | T. 2852376 |
| St. Vincent's Girls' High School | M. 7500060895 |
| St. Vincent's Girls' Hostel | M. 9536637730 |
| UKSVK | T. 2524087 |
2. ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH,
AGRA CANTT.
The Church was built in the beginning of the 17th century. The present Church was blessed on October 10, 1848 was meant for the Irish Regiment. When the British left, Fr. Percy Quiteiro was appointed Parish Priest in 1950; followed by Fr. Aloysius OFM Cap and Fr. Edmund OFM Cap.
St. Clare's School was opened in 1957 by the Clarist nuns from Mount Mary's Bandra, Mumbai. They closed down the school in 1970. In 1971 the school was taken over by the Archdiocese of Agra and Rev. Fr. Jose Muttath was appointed as the Principal. The new school building was dedicated as a memorial to Archbishop Dominic Athaide's Episcopal Silver Jubilee. The Sisters of Canossian Daughters of Charity started to work in the school since 1988. The Air Force Station is also served from this parish. In 2016 Rev. Fr. John Ferreira renovated and painted the Church giving it a new look. The following are the Diocesan priests who served here from 1970:
| Fr. Jose Muttath | 1970 - 1986 |
| Fr. Sebastian Pantaladi | 1986 - 1992 |
| Fr. Antony C. J. | 1992 - 1994 |
| Fr. John Ferriera | 1994 - 1995 |
| Fr. George Paul | 1995 - 1997 |
| Fr. Bhaskar Jesuraj | 1997 - 1999 |
| Fr. Simon Tuscano | 1999 - 2005 |
| Fr. Joe Vadakkekara | 2005 - 2010 |
| Msgr. K. C. Thomas | 2010 - 2014 |
| Fr. John Ferreira | 2014 - 2019 |
| Fr. Gregory Tharayil | 2019 - |
| Address | St. Patrick's Church 118, Prithviraj Road Agra Cantt. - 282 001 |
| Phone | 0562-2225266 |
| E-mail | stpatrickagc@gmail.com |
| Patron | St. Patrick |
| Annual Feast day | March 17 |
| Estd | 1848 |
| Catholics | 446 |
| Clergy | Fr. Gregory Tharayil (PP) |
| | Fr. Bhaskar Jesuraj |
| | Fr. Shajun (APP) |
| Religious House |
| Canossian Convent (FDCC) | T. 2970362 |
| Institutions |
|
St. Clare's Sr. Sec. School | T. 2227721, 2227747 |
| St. Patrick's Social Work Centre | M. 7900972253 |
3. ST. MARY'S CHURCH,
PRATAPPURA, AGRA
St. Mary's Church came into existence in April 1923 as a gift from the well-known John family of Agra, in memory of
Mrs. Mary John. They also donated the adjoining compound with a large bungalow in it for the maintenance of the Church and the chaplain.
The foundation stone of this Church was laid on April 5, 1920 and on its completion, was blessed by Archbishop Raphael Bernacchioni on April 5, 1923 and was dedicated to Mary, Mother of Good Counsel. Thus, the Church came to fulfill the long-felt need of the residents of the locality as they found the Cathedral and St. Patrick's Parish too far for their spiritual needs. In 1968, at the request of the H.A.L. employees, the dedication was changed by Archbishop Dominic Athaide to Mary Mother of Good Health, after the Shrine of Our Lady of Velankani in Tamil Nadu.
The Religious Sisters of Jesus & Mary, seeing the need of the Catholics, established St. Anthony's School in 1845. The compound adjoining the Church was handed over to the Missionaries of Charity by the Archbishop in 1961. In 1964 Shishu Bhavan, a home for the abandoned, crippled and differently abled children was opened. Prem Dan, a home for the aged and dying destitutes was opened in 1980.
St. Lawrence of Brindisi (Minor Seminary) was shifted from the Cathedral Campus and relocated on 26 February, 1991. Till 1984 Capuchin Fathers served in this parish and later it was handed over to Pilar Fathers. Now it is under Diocesan Fathers since 2000. In 1995, ASMI Sisters started a Hospital and in 2005 PSOL Sisters started Divya Prabha (A Home for Children at Risk). The following are the Priests who served the parish:
| Fr. Hugh, OFM Cap | |
| Fr. John Pachelli Fernandes | |
| Fr. Lawrence Colaco, OFM Cap | |
| Fr. Percy Quiteiro, OFM Cap | |
| Fr. Jose Maliekal | 1984 - 1986 |
| Fr. John D'Cunha | 1986 - 1987 |
| Fr. Joe Vadakkekara | 1987 - 1989 |
| Fr. Blaise Gonsalves | 1989 - 1992 |
| Fr. Mathew Kumblumoottil | 1992 - 1993 |
| Fr. Shivaji Henriques, SFX | 1993 - 1996 |
| Fr. Eusebio Gomes, SFX | 1996 - 2000 |
| Fr. Henry D'Souza, SFX | 2000 - 2001 |
| Fr. Raphy Vallachira | 2001 - 2003 |
| Fr. Philip Correia | 2003 - 2010 |
| Fr. Eugene Moon Lazarus | 2010 - 2016 |
| Fr. Stephen Kolandaiswamy | 2016 - |
| Address | St. Mary's Church 8 Ajmer Road, Pratappura Agra - 282 001 |
| Phone | 2463505 |
| E-mail | stmarysagra1923@gmail.com |
| Patroness | Our Lady of Good Health |
| Annual feast day | September 8 |
| Estd | 1923 |
| Catholics | 970 |
| Clergy | Fr. Stephen Kolandaiswamy (PP) |
| | Fr. Prakash Rodrigues (APP) |
| Religious Houses: |
| Convent of Jesus & Mary (RJM) | T. 2267278 |
| Fatima Bhawan (ASMI) | T. 2466550, 9411085189 |
| Missionaries of Charity (MC) | T. 2269722, 6888935 |
| Poor Sisters of Our Lady (PSOL) | M. 9410251470 |
| Institutions: |
| Fatima Hospital | T. 6537235, 9412159807 |
| St. Anthony's Junior College | T. 2463335 |
| St. Lawrence Minor Seminary | T. 2460331 |
4. ST. THOMAS CHURCH, SIKANDRA, AGRA
St. Thomas Parish was carved from Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and came into existence on July 3, 2010, on the feast of St. Thomas, the Apostle of India, in the Chapel of CFMSS - St. Francis Convent, Sikandra, UPSIDC area. One acre land was purchased on lease from ADA by Fr. K.C. Thomas for the Primary school. Fr. Joe Vadakekkara, the first residential Priest was appointed in 2010 and he stayed in a rented house in Ansal Courtyard, Shastripuram. Meanwhile, the construction for a school building was undertaken. Archbishop Albert D'Souza inaugurated and blessed the building on April 11, 2014 and named it St. Thomas School. For the extension of the school the Education Society has bought 3.5 acres of land at Jaupura for presbytery and recently 8.2 acres at Sunari for the school. The foundation stone was laid on May 15, 2019 and the same was blessed and inagurated (St. Thomas Niwas) on November 23, 2019. The following are the Parish Priests:
| Fr. Joe Vadakkekara | 2010 - 2015 |
| Fr. Arun Lasrado | 2015 - 2016 |
| Fr. Joseph Rodrigues | 2016 - 2018 |
| Fr. Arun Lasrado | 2018 - 2019 |
| Fr. Dennis D'Souza | 2019 - |
| Address | St. Thomas Church C/o St. Thomas School Shastripuram P.O. Sikandra, Agra - 282 007 |
| Mobile | 9457374221 |
| E-mail | stthomasagra@gmail.com |
| Patron | St. Thomas, the Apostle |
| Annual Feast Day | July 3 |
| Estd | 2010 |
| Catholics | 216 |
| Mass Centres | Sikandra, Nanpur, Jaupura |
| Runkata, Ansal Town |
| Clergy | Fr. Dennis D'Souza (PP) |
| | Fr. Roy Dolphus |
| Religious Houses |
| Assisi Convent (FCC) | M. 7055140042 |
| Capuchin Ashram (OFM Cap) | T. 2600645 |
| Daughters of the Cross (FC) | M. 9149232774 |
| Nirmala Convent (UMI) | M. 9686587220 |
| Mount Carmel Ashram (OCD) | M. 8968780531 |
| Our Lady of Graces Convent (FSLG) | M. 7417272541 |
| St. Francis Convent (CFMSS) | T. 3249536, 8979209127 |
| St. Mary's Convent (FSMA) | M. 9897199400 |
| Institutions |
| Assisi Convent School | M. 7302872215 |
| Nirmala Convent School | M. 9686587220 |
| St. Conrad's Inter College | T. 2605101, 2601365 |
| St. Francis Sr. Sec. School | T. 3251551 |
| St. Thomas School | T. 6459577 |
| Stella Maris School | M. 7302215107 |
5. ST. JUDE'S CHURCH, KAULAKHA, AGRA
In the year 1991-92, the Fathers of the Society of Pilar were invited by late Archbishop the Most Rev. Dr. Cecil DeSa to reside at St. Mary's Church, Pratappura, Agra, with a view to establishing a new Parish at Rajpur Chungi, Agra. However, owing to some reasons, this plan did not materialize.
Rev. Fr. Joe Vadakkekara, the then Parish Priest of
St. Patrick's Church, Agra, purchased a plot of land between Rajpur Chungi and Deori Road at Kaulakha Village in 2008.
Later on Fr. Paul Thannickal, the then Principal of
St. Clare's Senior Secondary School, purchased another plot of land adjacent to the main plot, on which the present Pre-Primary School, namely St. Clare's School Unit II, Nirmalalaya Convent and the Church of St. Jude are built. Rev. Fr. Philip Correia got the Pre-Primary block, the Convent and the Church built. The School was blessed and inaugurated on April 9, 2014, and the Nirmalalaya Convent on June 24, 2014 by the Most Rev. Dr. Albert D'Souza, the Archbishop of Agra. St. Jude's Church was blessed on November 1, 2015. Inauguration and blessing of the presbytery was on August 16, 2019. The following Priests served the Parish:
| Fr. Philip Correia | 2015 - 2017 |
| Fr. Shiju Pallipadan | 2017 – 2021 |
| Fr. Raphy Vallachira | 2021 – |
| Address | C/o St. Clare's School, Unit II Deori Road, Kaulakha Agra - 282 001 |
| Mobile | 8755984402 |
| Patron | St. Jude |
| Annual Feast Day | October 28 |
| Estd | 2014 |
| Catholics | 322 |
| Clergy | Fr. Raphy Vallachira (PP) |
| | Fr. Shiju Pallipadan |
| Religious Houses |
| Holy Family Convent (CHF) | M. 9412250312 |
| Nirmalalaya (SHM) | M. 8859613945 |
| Institutions |
| St. Clare's School, Unit II | M. 7248661781 |
| St. Mary's Convent School | M. 9457656054 |
6. LOURDU MATA MISSION, ACHALPUR
On his way to Etah from Bastar, Fr. Joe Vadakekkara happened to stop in a village called Achalpur. Talking to the people, he came to know that there were CNI Christians without any shepherd. He opened a non-formal school in a shed belonging to Mr. Mahipal who was a Christian. Sunday Mass was offered for the eight Christian families regularly. FCC Sisters and their Novices from Etah visited the place and catechised the families to Catholicism and were given First Communion and Confirmation on Easter Sunday in 1999, by Fr. Joe Vadakekkara himself. Mr. Mahipal and family promised to donate about 250 sq. yards of land for the Mission. RCDA built a prayer hall-cum-classroom, a room for the priest and on the first floor a convent. FCC Sisters began to stay there from the year 2000. Their main apostolate is socio-pastoral work. This mission was looked after from Etah.
Fr. Mathew (Joby) Kanjirathinkal bought five kacha bigha (one acre) land from Mr. Devender Kumar and family in 2014. The Foundation Stone of St. Mary's School was laid on February 11, 2015. The Foundation for the Presbytery was laid on December 17, 2018. St. Mary's School was built in the year 2018. Fr. Francis D'Souza is the first priest in-charge from 2019.
| Address | Lourdu Mata Mission Miraichi, Achalpur Etah Dt. 207 125 |
| Patroness | Our Lady of Lourdes |
| Annual Feast Day | Feb. 11 |
| Estd | 2000 |
| Catholics | 59 |
| Clergy | Fr. Francis D'Souza (Priest-in-charge) |
| Religious House |
| Lourdu Mata Convent, FCC | M. 7599044618 |
| Institution |
| St. Mary's School | M. 9410833682 |
7. ST. MOTHER TERESA SEVA NIKETAN, ADUKI
The Pioneer of this new mission at Aduki was formally inaugurated on August 1, 2020 when Fr. Mathew Kumblumoottil took charge on August 1, 2020 as the Priest in-charge of St. Mother Teresa Seva Niketan the presbytery and the convent of the Franciscan Sisters of Mary Immaculate (FSM).
The process of obtaining the present plot of land (approx. 4 acres) commenced in 2011 when the first plot was registered on September 26, 2011 and the remaining four plots were added to it by 2013. This property was under the care of
St. Dominic Sr. Sec. School, Mathura Cantt. and its respective authorities till July 2020. Rev. Fr. Elias Correia, the then Principal of the School acquired the land.
In early February, 2020 the construction of the presbytery and the convent began. Unfortunately owing to the Covid-19 pandemic and the related hazards, the work got stalled till the end of June 2020.
The vision for this mission is to launch into some social out-reach programmes like women empowerment, adult education, skill development and programmes to improve self-reliance. Situated just a kilometer and half away from the National Highway 2, Aduki falls behind the Mathura Refinery Nagar. The prospects of the mission under the patronage of St. Mother Teresa is great.
| Address | St. Mother Teresa Seva Niketan Behind Refinery Nagar Mauja Aduki Adooki P.O. Mathura - 281 006, U.P. |
| Phone | 9837001846/9810881846 |
| E-mail | frmathewkumblumoottil4@gmail.com |
| Patroness | St. Mother Teresa of Kolkata |
| Annual Feast Day | September 5 |
| Estd. | January 2021 |
| Catholics | Nil |
| Clergy | Fr. Saroj Nayak (Priest-in-charge) |
| | Fr. Mathew Kumbloomottil |
| Religious Houses |
| Franciscan Servants of Mary (FSM) |
| Mother Teresa Seva Niketan |
8. FATIMA MISSION, AJAY NAGAR
The mission station was started in 1958. Rev. Frs. Gyan Prakash and Virendra of IMS were the pioneer missionaries. In 1968 Fr. Virendra IMS bought the land. In 1970 Fr. Prasad Pinto, OFM Cap built the priest house. In 1972 the IMS Fathers of Varanasi Province handed over the mission to the Archdiocese of Agra. Mr. Chandra Pal of Jaith was appointed as the Catechist who used to teach the village children in the shade of a tree. In 1975 the present school was constructed under the guidance of late Rev. Fr. Johnson Chiriyankandath. In 2001 the former Archbishop of Agra, the Most Rev.
Dr. Oswald Gracias, invited the Sisters of the Bombay Province of the Daughters of the Cross to work in the Parish and the School of this Mission. On July 3, 2003 the Mission was inaugurated by the then Vicar General, Rev. Fr. K. C. Thomas in the presence of many Fathers and the Provincial Rev. Sr. Angel Rodrigues and Sisters. Later, the Mission was looked after by Rev. Fr. Gregory Tharayil. The foundation stone for the new Church and convent at Ajaynagar was laid on August 15, 2010. The Fatima Church was blessed on May 13, 2011 and Navodaya Sadan Convent was blessed on July 24, 2011 by the Most Rev. Dr. Albert D'Souza.
The Religious Sisters of Satya Seva arrived and opened a convent in Gohanpur on September 18, 2000. The foundation for St. Joseph's School was laid on March 19, 2010 and blessed on March 19, 2012 by the Archbishop. The Priest in-charge was Fr. Thomas Mathew (Sunil). The foundation stone of the present convent and the presbytery was laid on April 6, 2018 and blessed on May 1, 2019 by the Most Rev. Dr. Albert D'Souza.
The Mission was served from Sacred Heart Parish, Mathura. The first residential Priest appointed to look after the spiritual needs of the people at Ajaynagar and Gohanpur was Rev.
Fr. Shiju Pallipadan. After the blessing and inauguration of the presbytery at Gohanpur in 2019, Priest started residing over there. The following are the priests in-charge:
| Fr. Jipson Palatty | 2004 - 2005 |
| Fr. Shiju Pallipadan | 2005 - 2010 |
| Fr. Thomas Mathew (Sunil) | 2010 - 2013 |
| Fr. Stany V. Rodrigues | 2013 - 2017 |
| Fr. Cyril Moras | 2017 – |
| Fr. Vineesh Joseph (In-charge) | 2020 - |
| Address | Fatima Mission Ajay Nagar, Mahavan (P.O.) Mathura (Dt.) 281 001 |
| Phone | 0565-2901288 |
| E-mail | fatimachajaynagar@gmail.com |
| Patroness | Our Lady of Fatima |
| Annual Feast Day | October 13 |
| Estd | 1966 |
| Catholics | 122 |
| Mass Centres | St. Joseph's Church, Gohanpur |
| Clergy | Fr. Vineesh Joseph |
| Religious Houses |
| Navodaya Sadan (FC) | T. 2901306 |
| St. Joseph's Convent (SCS) | M. 9012487811 |
| Institutions |
| Fatima Vidhyalaya, Ajaynagar | M. 9927003339 |
| St. Joseph's School, Gohanpur | T. 05661-272543 |
| St. Anthony's School, Nagla Chandu | |
9. ASHA NIKETAN, ALAMPUR HAUZ
Rev. Fr. Kuruvilla Kokkatt started this mission on 1st July 2001. A school for the differently-abled children was opened on 28th August 2001. It was meant for the the children who are not always cared for by the society. The Holy Family Sisters of Mary Matha Province, Agra, have been helping the mission to run the institution. From 2015, it is turned into a residential centre. In addition to this, this mission is actively involved in socio-medical activities. The following are the priests in-charge:
| Fr. Mathew Madathilparambil | 2004 - 2005 |
| Fr. Kuruvilla Kokkat | 2005 - 2009 |
| Fr. Sebastian Kuttikkattil | 2009 - 2010 |
| Fr. Francis Maniparampil | 2010 - 2013 |
| Fr. Thomas Kulathinkal | 2013 - 2017 |
| Fr. Roshan Ovelil | 2017 - |
| Address | Asha Niketan Alampur Hauz, Sarangpur P.O. Etawah Dt. 206 002, U.P. |
| Phone | 05688-262180 |
| Patron | Holy Family |
| Annual Feast Day | Feast of Holy Family |
| Estd. | 2001 |
| Catholics | 10 |
| Clergy | Fr. Roshan Ovelil |
| Religious House |
| Holy Family Convent (CHF) | M. 9412183367 |
| Institutions |
| Asha Niketan | |
| Marian Tailoring Centre | |
10. ST. FIDELIS CHURCH, ALIGARH
It was on August 2, 1961, the then Archbishop
Dr. Dominic Athaide appointed Fr. Edmund OFM Cap to initiate the first Mission Station of the Archdiocese of Agra. He started the mission in Aligarh, residing in a rented room in Abdullah Lodge and offering Sunday Mass in the spacious residence of the then Aligarh Station Master,
Mr. Cabral, a Catholic from Allahabad. Meanwhile the Archbishop invited the FSMA Sisters of Mhow (M.P.), to open a convent and an English medium School in Aligarh. The Sisters camped in Chhatri Wali Kothi on rent, and later shifted to Khalil Manzil. The school was in another building in the premises of Abdullah Lodge on Marris Road, till it was in permanent location in 1967. The second Priest in-charge of the Mission, also the first Diocesan Priest was
Fr. Thomas Paramundayil (1964-1967). His ingenuity, wisdom and farsightedness gave a permanent campus to the Mission. With the arrival of Sisters of the Missionaries of Charity, the Mission became more lively. After staying in a rented house for a couple of years, the Sisters moved to their own house in Jamalpur in 1983. The Mission was blessed with its Church in 1986 by Fr. Jose Akkara, the then Priest in-charge. The founding of St. Fidelis School in 1992 by Fr. K. K. Thomas, brought enhancement to the Mission. From 1993, the Holy Family Congregation has been rendering their services. Later in 2001, Fr. Sebastian Pantaladi shifted the Classes from sixth upward to the new site in Tala Nagari. Fr. Dennis D'Souza upgraded the School to Senior Secondary. On July 1, 2005, the Fatima Sisters arrived in Aligarh and started to help in the field of education. The unique, alternative ministry, catering to the needs of street children, Savio Navjeevan Bal Bhavan was established on 31st August 2005 by Fr. Jose Akkara. In July 2010, the congested shelter in Ekta Nagar was moved to a spacious house in Tala Nagari.
The Inter-religious dialogue, a unique endeavour to bring the people of different faiths together, was very dear to the pioneer Archbishop of Agra, the Most Rev. Dr. Dominic Athaide. He started this movement in Aligarh in the year 1974 itself. The Foundation Stone for 'Sadbhavana' - a Centre for Inter-religious Dialogue - was blessed by Archbishop Michael Fitzgerald, the President of the Pontifical Council for Inter Religious Dialogue, Rome, in 2004 in the presene of Archbishop Oswald Gracias and Msgr. Felix Machado, the Secretary of the Pontifical Council. The same was established in 2012, is now headed by Fr. Varghese Kunnath. The Centre continues to be at Tala Nagari, Aligarh. For the Silver Jubilee Block, the foundation stone was laid on April 6, 2016 and blessed and inaugurated on July 3, 2017. The foundation stone for the St. Fidelis' Niwas was laid on October 7, 2016 and was blessed on December 1, 2017. The foundation stone for Kroot Bhawan was laid on September 4, 2016 and inaugurated on August 20, 2017. The following are the Parish Priests:
| Fr. Edmund, OFM Cap | 1961 - 1964 |
| Fr. Thomas Paramundayil | 1964 - 1968 |
| Fr. Hugh, OFM Cap | 1968 - 1970 |
| Fr. Peter Celestine, OFM Cap | 1970 - 1974 |
| Fr. James, OFM Cap | 1974 - 1975 |
| Fr. John Lewis, OFM Cap | 1975 - 1976 |
| Fr. Jose Maliekal | 1976 - 1977 |
| Fr. Sebastian Pantaladi | 1977 - 1981 |
| Fr. Jose Akkara | 1981 - 1987 |
| Fr. Thomas K.K. | 1987 - 1995 |
| Fr. Sebastian Pantaladi | 1995 - 2001 |
| Fr. Dennis D'Souza | 2001 - 2003 |
| Fr. Johnson Chiriyankandath | 2003 - 2008 |
| Fr. Bhaskar Jesuraj | 2008 - 2009 |
| Fr. Alwyn Pinto | 2009 - 2013 |
| Fr. Gregory Tharayil | 2013 - 2019 |
| Fr. John D'Cunha | 2019 - 2020 |
| Fr. John Roshan Pereira | 2020 - |
| Address | St. Fidelis Church, Ramghat Road Aligarh - 202 001, U.P. |
| Phone | 0571-2740468 |
| E-mail | stfidelisch@gmail.com |
| Patron | St. Fidelis |
| Annual Feast Day | April 24 |
| Estd | 1961 |
| Catholics | 292 |
| Mass Centres | Narora, Jamalpur |
| Clergy | Fr. John Roshan Pereira (PP) |
| | Fr. Charles Toppo (APP) |
| | Fr. Elias Correia |
| | Fr. Jose Akkara |
| Religious Houses |
| Holy Family Convent (CHF) | T. 2740807 |
| Kroot Bhavan (FS) | M. 9412122259 |
| Prem Niwas (MC) | T. 2721683 |
| Our Lady of Fatima Convent (FSMA) | T. 2740122/9456976976 |
| Institutions: |
| Our Lady of Fatima Sr. Sec. School | T. 2740828/2970980 |
| Our Lady of Fatima School (H.M.) | M. 7830410535 |
| Sadbhavana Pre-School | T. 2780462 |
| Savio Navjeevan Bal Bhavan | T. 2780093 |
| St. Fidelis Sr. Sec. School | T. 2740854, 2780092 |
11. ST. MICHAEL'S MISSION, ANUPNAGAR
Since 1975 Franciscan Missionary Brothers had been working in this village. Bro. Hubert was instumental in acquiring the land. Rev. Fr. J. Prasad Pinto, OFM Cap, built a Church with the help of donors in 1978. In 1992, Mr. Albert from Meerut was appointed Catechist to teach children in the shade of a tree. In 1995 the school was constructed by the Franciscan Missionary Brothers and the Sisters of the Franciscan Clarist Congregation started their missionary work. In 1998, a convent and a health centre named Jyothi Bhavan were also established. In July 2004 the Franciscan Missionary Brothers handed over the school and the mission to the Archdiocese. Fr. Amrit Raj, OP, was resident priest serving the mission. Under the guidance of Rev. Fr. Sebastian Kollithanam, the foundation stone for the new Church was laid on March 21, 2009 and under the guidance of Rev.
Fr. Peter Pakhe it was blessed and inaugurated on October 2, 2011 by the Archbishop Most Rev. Albert D'Souza. In the place where the old Church was existed, the extension and expansion for the new school building was planned. It was blessed and inaugurated on September 13, 2018 by the Archbishop. The following are the parish priests:
| Fr. Amrit Raj O.P. | 2000 - 2002 |
| Fr. Varghese Kunnath | 2002 - 2003 |
| Fr. Rogimon Thomas | 2003 - 2004 |
| Fr. Sebastian Kollithanam | 2004 - 2009 |
| Fr. Peter Parkhe | 2009 - 2015 |
| Fr. Shiju Pallipadan | 2015 - 2017 |
| Fr. Roshan D'Silva | 2017 - |
| Address | St. Michael's Mission, Uspar P.O. Anupnagar, Mathura 281 002 |
| Phone | 0565-2960303 |
| E-mail | stmichaelanupnagar@gmail.com |
| Annual Feast Day | September 29 |
| Patron | St. Michael |
| Estd | 1975 |
| Catholics | 461 |
| Clergy | Fr. Roshan D'Silva (PP) |
| Religious House |
| Jyoti Bhavan (FCC) | M. 9675800366 |
| Institution |
| St. Michael's School | M. 9720259093 |
12. ST. FRANCIS MISSION, AURAIYA
St. Francis Mission and St. Francis Academy at Auraiya were founded by Fr. Raju Koipally. He purchased the land for a new Mission at Auraiya and got work started in 2006. St. Francis is a fast growing mission with a Senior Sec. School and an active Christian community. The following are the parish priests:
| Fr. Raju Francis Koippally | 2006 - 2014 |
| Fr. Mathew Kottayil | 2014 - 2017 |
| Fr. Francis Maniparampil | 2017 - |
| Address | St. Francis Academy Anepur, Kharka (P.O.) Auraiya Dt. 206 122 |
| Phone | 05683-647306, 647307 |
| E-mail | stfrancisacademy@gmail.com |
| Patron | St. Francis of Assisi |
| Annual Feast Day | October 4 |
| Estd. | 2006 |
| Catholics | 70 |
| Clergy | Fr. Francis Maniparambil |
| | Fr. Jimmy Paiyampally |
| Religious House |
| Sacred Heart Convent (S.H.) | M. 9045711339 |
| Institution |
| St. Francis Academy | M. 9358199681 |
13. ROSARY MISSION, BASTAR
In 1992, Fr. Joe Vadakekara, the priest-in-charge of Etah Mission, came across a Chapel of American Presbyterian Christians in Bastar without any shepherd. He further started non-formal schools in Bastar, Mohan Nagla, Dharampur and Achalpur villages in Budi Ganga Tarai area of Etah District. In 1993 a school building-cum-prayer hall - St. Joseph's Convent School - was constructed with the help of benefactors. Four local trained Catechists - Mr. Dharamdas, Mr. Vijender, Mr. Hamir Singh and Mr. Jacob Prasad, catechized the community of 26 Christian families. These families were received into Catholic faith in 1995 by Fr. Joe Vadakkekara. From 1995 onwards ACDSS extended its helping hand to expand the social work to many more villages. In due course of time the place was developed, owing to the constant visits and catechesis by the Masih Vidyapeeth seminarians and FCC Sisters. In 2003 a house was bought and the Archbishop Dr. Oswald Gracias inaugurated the place and administered the Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation to 85 parishioners of the place. The Mission Station was named Rosary Mission as the day of blessing and Confirmation was held on October 7, the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. The first residential Priest in-charge was Fr. Joseph Rodrigues appointed in the year 2006. The Sisters of CFMSS opened a convent in 2010. The following are the parish priests:
| Fr. Joseph Rodrigues | 2004 - 2010 |
| Fr. Jipson Palatty | 2010 - 2013 |
| Fr. Suresh Kumar D'Souza | 2013 - 2018 |
| Fr. Siju Pindikanayil (Joseph) | 2018 - |
| Address | Our Lady of Rosary Church Rosary Sadan, Via Ganjdundwara Bastar P.O. 207 242 Kanshiram Nagar (Dt.) |
| E-mail | ourladyofrosarychurchbastar@gmail.com |
| Patroness | Our Lady of Rosary |
| Annual Feast Day | October 7 |
| Estd | 2002 |
| Catholics | 99 |
| Mass Centre | Ganjdundwara |
| Clergy | Fr. Siju Pindikanayil (Joseph) (PP) |
| Religious House |
| Mother Seraphina Dham (CFMSS) | M. 8755737134 |
| Institution |
| St. Joseph's Convent School | M. 7505916298 |
14. ST. PETER'S CHURCH, BHARATPUR
This Mission station was started on February 22, 1970.
Fr. George Thykkattil and Jose Maliekal were the pioneer missionaries. In 1970 St. Peter's School was opened at Ranjit Nagar in a rented building. Fr. Alexander, OFM Cap, Rector of St. Lawrence Seminary, Agra, was taking care of Bharatpur till 1976. The school was shifted thrice and finally to its present location. Fr. Thomas Paramundayil purchased 12 bighas of land and owing to his tireless efforts the school building came up. In 1977 a Religious House was opened by Mother Anasthasia, the then Superior General of the Congregation of the Holy Family. The following are the Parish Priests:
| Fr. Alexander, OFM Cap | 1976 - 1976 |
| Fr. Thomas Paramundayil | 1976 - 2003 |
| Fr. K. C. Thomas | 2003 - 2010 |
| Fr. Philip Correia | 2010 - 2012 |
| Fr. Xavier Arimboor | 2012 - 2013 |
| Fr. Roy Dolphus | 2013 - 2014 |
| Fr. Saji Palamattom (Jacob) | 2014 - 2015 |
| Fr. Joseph Rodrigues | 2015 - 2016 |
| Fr. Elias Correia | 2016 - 2018 |
| Fr. Joe Thykkattil | 2018 - 2019 |
| Fr. Elias Correia | 2019 - 2021 |
| Fr. Mathew Thundiyil | 2021 - |
| Address | St. Peter's Church Police Lines, Bharatpur - 321 001 Rajasthan |
| Phone | 05644-223443 |
| E-mail | stpetersbpr@gmail.com |
| Patron | St. Peter |
| Annual Feast Day | February 22 |
| Estd | 1970 |
| Catholics | 82 |
| Clergy | Fr. Mathew Thundiyil (PP) |
| Fr. Tony D’Almeida (APP) |
| Religious House |
| Holy Family Convent | T. 231933 |
| Institution |
| St. Peter's Sr. Secondary School | T. 222700 |
15. ST. PETER'S MISSION, BHIMNAGAR
In 1959 around 18 families of the villages Ochatta and Bhitela (Near Raya in Mathura District) came to Bhimnagar and settled there. Fr. Ishwari Prasad IMS was the pioneer missionary who lived with them in a hut. In 1965 a house was built by Fr. Dilasa IMS and Fr. Virender IMS, which is now known as St. Peter's Church, Bhimnagar. In 1971,
Fr. Jose Maliekal was appointed as Priest In-charge. From July 1972 to 1980, Brother Ruban, Fr. John Joseph and others of the Capuchin Ashram rendered their services. From 1980, priests from the Cathedral Campus took charge of this mission, including Fr. Joe Vadakkekara, Fr. Varghese Kunnath, Fr. John Ferreira and others. Religious Sisters from San Damiano Convent, Missionaries of Charity, Fatima Hospital, etc. accompanied the Priest to the Mission. Fr. Jose Maliekal served the mission from 1984 to 1987. Later, the mission was taken care of by the priests in the Minor Seminary.
From 1995, Frs. Varghese Kunnath, Raphy Vallachira, Alwyn Pinto and Vinoy Pulivelil rendered their service to this mission.
The Church was reconstructed under the guidance of
Fr. Alwyn Pinto then Priest in-charge and was blessed by the Most Rev. Dr. Albert D'Souza, on June 28, 2009. From July 1, 2013, Fr. Jose Maliekal was appointed as the first resident Priest in-charge. Santvana Community joined the Parish Community on August 10, 2013 but later they discontinued. The following are the Priests in-charge:
| Fr. Ishwari Prasad, IMS | 1959 - 1965 |
| Fr. Dilasa, IMS/Fr. Virender, IMS | 1965 - 1971 |
| Fr. Jose Maliekal | 1971 - 1972 |
| Br. Ruben, OFM Cap Fr. John Joseph, OFM Cap | |
| Fr. John Lewis, OFM Cap Fr. Michael, OFM Cap | 1972 - 1978 |
| Fr. Joe Vadakekara | 1979 - 1984 |
| Fr. Jose Maliekal | 1984 - 1987 |
| Fr. George Paul, Fr. John Ferreira | |
| Fathers from St. Peter's College | 1987 - 1991 |
| Fr. Xavier Arimboor | 1991 - 1992 |
| Fr. Mathew Kumblumoottil | 1992 - 1993 |
| Fr. Raphy Vallachira | 1993 - 1996 |
| Fr. Alwyn Pinto | 1996 - 1998 |
| Fr. RaphyVallachira | 1998 - 2001 |
| Fr. Varghese Kunnath | 2001 - 2002 |
| Fr. Alwyn Pinto | 2002 - 2009 |
| Fr. Vinoy Pulivelil | 2009 - 2013 |
| Fr. Jose Maliekal | 2013 - |
| Address | St. Peter's Mission Bhimnagar, Farah P.O. Mathura Dt. 282 003 |
| Patron | St. Peter |
| Annual feast day | June 29 |
| Estd | 1959 |
| Catholics | 124 |
| Clergy | Fr. Jose Maliekal (PP) |
| (Co-pastor Fr. Shibu Kuriakose) |
16. ST. VINCENT DE PAUL MISSION, BILSI
Bilsi is a non-descript substation in the civil district of Budaun, Uttar Pradesh. The history of Catholic missionary activities can be traced back as early as 1993 when the undaunting pioneer missionary Fr. Thomas Emprayil, V.C., began his mission in Budaun.
Fr. Thomas discovered that there existed a few Christian families in Bilsi and a small plot of land measuring about 800 sq. yards belonging to some local Church, which was encroached and occupied by a certain Jatav family. In the meantime, Fr. Thomas also came across a Christian Cemetery measuring almost an acre of land. He lost no time in claiming possession of the land and putting the record straight.
Fr. Thomas succeeded in erecting a compound wall around it and planting a cross on the plot. In the meantime in 1993, Fr. Thomas fell ill and had to leave the place for treatment. On his return, he found to his dismay, that one certain E.M. Lal, the self styled pastor of the "Free Will Church", forcefully occupied and took possession of the Cemetery land.
Fr. Thomas was not interested in confrontation and prolonged litigation. He began to look for a fresh plot of land elsewhere. In 1994, Fr. Thomas purchased a plot of land measuring 4.25 bigha with the help of the benefactors.
In October 1995, the foundation stone was blessed and laid by Fr. Paul Velamparambil, V.C., and the building was inaugurated and blessed by Archbishop Cecil DeSa in the presence of the Provincial, Fr. Mathew Vaniakizhakel and many other priests and religious. The literacy programme was launched in 1996. In 2002 during the rainy season, the school building came down.
In February 2002, Fr. Benny Elemplakatt took charge of the mission, Fr. Benny repaired the house and re-built the School. By 2009 the compound wall was completed. In 2018, Fr. Benny was appointed resident priest in Bilsi and further, he brought about the much needed renovation and repair. In 2020,
Fr. Benny was transferred to Tezpur, Assam, and Fr. Roy Pulakudi V.C. replaced him. Fr. Thomas Emprayil has also taken up residence in Bilsi with effect from 2020.
The mission work in Bilsi continues undaunted with many ups and downs. The following are the Parish Priests:
| Fr. Benny Elemplakattu, VC | 2019 - 2020 |
| Fr. Roy Pulakudichirakandathil, VC | 2020 - |
| Address | Vincentian Residence Ambiapur, Bilsi - 243 633 Budaun Dt., U. P. |
| E-mail | roypmvc@rediffmail.com |
| Patron | St. Vincent de Paul |
| Annual Feast | September 27 |
| Established | 2018 |
| Catholics | NIL |
| Clergy | Fr. Roy Pulakudichirakandathil, VC |
| | Fr. Thomas Emprayil, VC |
| Religious House |
| Vincentian Residence | M. 9458480919 |
| Institution |
| De Paul Sampark School | M. |
17. ST. VINCENT DE PAUL MISSION, BISAULI
After repeated requests from the people of Bisauli area, 29 bigas of land was purchased in 2010. Again another 12 bigas, adjacent to the plot, were purchased in 2014. CMC Sisters of Mananthavady Province, Kerala, showed willingness to come and collaborate in the education and evangelization ministry. They reached the mission on 17 February 2015 and established their convent in a rented building. A school was also started simultaneously. Both the convent and the school were formally inaugurated and blessed by the Most Rev. Albert D'Souza. Fr. Sebastian Poonolly was appointed resident priest to look after the missionary activities. The school started functioning from 6 April 2015 with a strength of 58 children.
| Address | C/o De Paul School Bilsi Road, Bisauli - 243 720 Budaun Dt. |
| Mobile | 8650070888 |
| E-mail | depaulbudaun@gmail.com |
| Patron | St. Vincent De Paul |
| Annual Feast Day | September 27 |
| Estd | 2015 |
| Catholics | 6 |
| Clergy | Fr. Ajin Paul, VC |
| Religious Houses |
| Vincentian Ashram (VC) | M. 9039606784 |
| Carmel Villa Convent (CMC) | M. 9456624833 |
| Institution |
| De Paul School | M. 8650070888 |
18. CHRIST THE REDEEMER CATHOLIC CHURCH BUDAUN
On March 24, 1991, Archbishop the Most Rev. Cecil DeSa officially invited the Vincentian Fathers to the Archdiocese and on November 10, 1991 a contract was signed between the VC and the Archdiocese. On February 2, 1992, Fr. Joseph Edattu, then the Provincial Superior, inaugurated the Vincentian Mission in a rented building at Budaun. Fr. Varghese Naikomparambil was the first Vincentian Priest at Budaun. In 1993, Fr. Thomas Emprayil took charge of the Mission and continued to work from a rented building till 2000. As the need of the mission was to promote literacy, a project was planned to open as many literacy centres as possible especially in interior villages with minimum investment. Neither was land bought nor buildings constructed, but literacy missions with the U.P. Board syllabus came up in spaces provided by Panchayat or villagers. Within a few years, 35 such Centers were functioning. In 2006, Fr. Benny Elemplakattu took charge of the literacy programme and continues to this day. Today, there is one School up to Class X and three Schools up to Class VIII with a total strength of 1795 students with a nominal fee of Rs. 10/- to Rs. 50/-. In 1997 De Paul School was opened in the city itself. The FCC Sisters extended their services in the mission.
In the city of Budaun there was a British-built Church unused and neglected. From 1992 onwards Fr. Varghese and Fr. Thomas tried to get it for the Catholic community. Success came in 1999. A house was built in the one acre Church compound and the Fathers had the privilege of living in their 'own' house after eight years in rented buildings. The Church was renovated beautifully and re-consecrated as the Church of Christ the Redeemer by Archbishop Oswald Gracias. The Parish of Budaun consists of eight Catholic families. The following are the parish priests:
| Fr. Varghese Naikomparambil, VC | 1993 - 1993 |
| Fr. Thomas Emprayil, VC | 1993 - 2006 |
| Fr. Benny Elemplakattu, VC | 2006 - 2015 |
| Fr. George Vempilly, VC | 2015 - 2018 |
| Fr. Anoop Valakkamattam, VC | 2018 - 2020 |
| Fr. Birender Kujur, VC | 2020 - |
| Address | Catholic Church, Police Lines Budaun - 243 601 |
| Phone | 05832-224472 |
| E-mail | depaulbudaun@gmail.com |
| Patron | Christ the Redeemer |
| Annual Feast Day | Corpus Christi |
| Estd | 1992 |
| Catholics | 48 |
| Clergy | Fr. Birender Kujur, VC (PP) |
| | Fr. Sibi Kurian, VC |
| | Fr. Thomas Emprayil, VC |
| | Fr. John Paul, VC |
| | Fr. Roy Pulakundichirakandathil, VC |
| Religious Houses |
| Catholic Church | M. 9058215300 |
| Vincentian Ashram (VC) | M. 9759214888 |
| Assisi Convent (FCC) | T. 223119 |
| Institutions |
| De Paul Sr. Sec. School, Budaun | M. 9457654472 |
| De Paul Sampark School, Bilsi | M. 8006806926 |
| De Paul Sampark School, J.Ghadia | M. 9759214888 |
| De Paul Sampark School, Kukhri | M. 9528735107 |
| De Paul Sampark School, Kundanpur | M. 8650021255 |
19. ST. GONSALO GARCIA MISSION, BULANDSHAHR
The Catholic mission in Bulandshahr was established by the charismatic missionary Rev. Bro. Hubert CMSF in 1960. Fr. Edmund, OFM Cap was the first priest in-charge of the Bulandshahr mission.
Nirmala Convent and Nirmala Convent School belonging to the Congregation of the Franciscan Missionaries of the Most Blessed Sacrament were opened in Bulandshahr in 1962 in a rented house near the Collectorate. The school was shifted to a new building in 1965 which was further extended in 1977. In 1986 a new Priest house was built by the Archdiocese of Agra in a plot owned by the Sisters in Aadarsh Nagar. From 1961 the following priests rendered their services to the mission in Bulandshahr: Capuchin Frs. Edmund, Clement, Jaiswald, Timothy, Mathew, Peter Celestine, John Joseph, Ivan T., P. A. Joseph, John Lewis. St. Mary's Convent and School at Gulaothi was opened in the year 2016 by FSLG Sisters. Rev. Fr. Ignatius Miranda was instrumental in buying 9.5 acres of land at Utraval (Bulandshahar). The foundation stone for the presbytery at Bulandshahr was laid on October 26, 2019 and blessed on November 12, 2020 by Most Rev. Albert D'Souza. The following are the Diocesan priests:
| Fr. C. J. Antony | 1988 - 1992 |
| Fr. Jose Maliekal | 1992 - 1995 |
| Fr. Simon Tuscano | 1995 - 1999 |
| Fr. Johnson Chiriyankandath | 1999 - 2003 |
| Fr. Varghese Kunnath | 2003 - 2007 |
| Fr. Thomas Paramundayil | 2007 - 2010 |
| Fr. Joseph Rodrigues | 2010 - 2011 |
| Fr. Arun Lasrado | 2011 - 2012 |
| Fr. Ignatius Miranda | 2012 - 2018 |
| Fr. Praveen D'Costa | 2018 |
| Address | St. Gonsalo Garcia Church Gonsalo Nivas, 828/15 Adarsh Nagar, Bypass Road Opp. Old R.T.O. Bulandshahr - 203 001 |
| Phone | 05732-234895 |
| Patron | St. Gonsalo Garcia |
| Annual Feast day | February 6 |
| Estd | 1960 |
| Catholics | 66 |
| Clergy | Fr. Praveen D'Costa (PP) |
| | Fr. Cyril Prakash Moras |
| Religious Houses |
| Nirmala Convent (CFMSS) | M. 9458272801 |
| St. Mary's Convent (FSLG) | M. 7011463731 |
| Institutions |
| Nirmala Convent School | T. 243208 |
| St. Mary's Convent School | M. 7017428392 |
20. ST. XAVIER'S MISSION, CHAKARNAGAR
Chakarnagar is a Tehsil of Etawah district in the Chambal belt bordering M.P. The place is very important from the religious and touristic point of view because of its place in the story of Mahabharat and because of the particular landscape it has. It was felt that our apostolic work should be introduced in areas such as these. Consequently, the Mission purchased a plot of land for a school and thus
St. Xavier's school was inaugurated on 3 July 2018 by the Most Rev. Albert D'Souza, Archbishop of Agra. The progress of the Mission is the result of the hard work and meticulous planning of Rev. Fr. Binoy Parackal. Through our educational apostolate, thousands of children in the remote villages of the Tehsil are provided with quality education. The SJSM Sisters of Sanjo Province, Angamaly, are actively involved in the endeavours of the mission. The villagers in their social and economic upliftment are helped by the Mission. The Social Work Centre of the Mission is under construction.
| Address | St. Xavier's Mission, Ganiawar Chakarnagar - 206 125 Etawah, U.P. |
| Phone | 7534051759 |
| E-mail | noyparackal@gmail.com |
| Patron | St. Francis Xavier |
| Annual Feast Day | December 3 |
| Established | 2018 |
| Catholics | 20 |
| Clergy | Fr. Binoy Parackal |
| Religious House |
| Sanjos Bhavan (SJSM) | M. 8193967523 |
| Institutions |
| St. Xavier's School | M. 6399345149 |
| St. Mother Teresa Community Development Centre |
21. ST. PAUL'S MISSION, CHHIBRAMAU
St. Paul's Mission, Chhibramau, started on 3rd July 1984 by Fr. Kuruvilla Kokkatt and Sisters of Little Servants of Divine Providence is popularly known as Sevashram Mission. It is situated in the heart of the village Lalkapur near Chhibramau town and is mainly involved in non-formal education and social work. On the ocassion of the Silver Jubilee of the Etawah Mission, an English medium school was opened. In the early years, the Sisters used to run a home for the physically handicapped children, which was closed down when the Little Sisters left the Mission in 1989. The Sacred Heart Sisters of St. Mathew's Province, Changanacherry, now help in the running of the Mission. The following are the Parish Priests:
| Fr. Kuruvilla Kokkat | 1984 - 1996 |
| Fr. Emmanuel Mattam | 1996 - 1997 |
| Fr. Francis Maniparampil | 1997 - 2001 |
| Fr. George Chekkathadathil | 2001 - 2003 |
| Fr. Thomas Kulathinkal | 2003 - 2006 |
| Fr. Anto Kuttichira | 2006 - 2011 |
| Fr. Thomas Ezhikad | 2011 - 2014 |
| Fr. Scaria Nambiamadom | 2014 - 2020 |
| Fr. Santhosh Celestine | 2020 - |
| Address | St. Paul's School, Lalkapur, Chhibramau, Hariharpur P.O. Kannuaj Dt. 209 721. |
| Phone | 05691-310181, 296070 |
| E-mail | stpaulschb@gmail.com |
| Patron | St. Paul |
| Annual Feast Day | June 29 |
| Estd. | 1984 |
| Catholics | 50 |
| | Fr. Francis Meenatheril |
| Religious House |
| Sacred Heart Convent (SH) | M. 9984528640 |
| Institutions |
| S. H. Sevashram School (H.M) | M.9005336562 |
| St. Paul's School | M.9044684656 |
22. OUR LADY OF PILAR MISSION, DHOLPUR
In July 1970, by the order of the late Archbishop, the Most Rev. Dominic Athaide, OFM Cap, St. Peter's School was opened in Dholpur. Fr. Ivan Thotungal, OFM Cap, and later on Fr. John Joseph, OFM Cap., Fr. Thomas K.C. and
Fr. P.A. Joseph, OFM Cap were appointed. In 1976 the School was closed down owing to certain unavoidable circumstances. Since there were only a few Catholics, Fathers from St. Peter's College, Agra, continued to meet the spiritual needs of the people there.
In 1993, the Pilar Fathers were invited to the Diocese by the late Archbishop Cecil DeSa. The Superior of the Pilar Fathers sent an energetic and capable young priest
Fr. Shivaji Henriques who was appointed as the Parish Priest of St. Mary's Church, Pratappura, Agra, with the additional charge of the Dholpur Mission. Later, Fr. Eusebio Gomes bought a piece of land and built the Presbytery in 2003. The Church dedicated to Our Lady of Pilar was blessed and inaugurated by the Most Rev. Oswald Gracias on February 5, 2005. St. Xavier's School was blessed by the Most
Rev. Albert D'Souza on January 12, 2013 at Sua Ka Bhag, Dholpur. The Sisters of MSMM joined the mission in April 2013. The following are the parish priests:
| Fr. Eusebio Gomes, SFX | 2003 - 2003 |
| Fr. Paixao Gonsalves, SFX | 2003 - 2006 |
| Fr. Vincent Machado, SFX | 2006 - 2009 |
| Fr. Anthony Fernandes, SFX | 2009 - 2011 |
| Fr. Joachim Miranda, SFX | 2011 - 2013 |
| Fr. Michael Fernandes, SFX | 2013 - 2018 |
| Fr. Alfredo Rodrigues, SFX | 2018 - |
| Address | Catholic Church, Suraksha Vihar Colony, Ondela Road, Dholpur 328 001, Rajasthan |
| Mobile | 08696387334 |
| E-mail | dholpurpilar@gmail.com |
| Patroness | Our Lady of Pilar |
| Annual Feast Day | October 12 |
| Estd | 1970 |
| Mass Centre | Bardi, Basedi and Raja Khera |
| Catholics | 28 |
| Clergy | Fr. Alfredo Rodrigues, SFX |
| | Fr. Eusebio Gomes, SFX |
| Religious Houses |
| Pilar Niwas (SFX) | M. 9404504302 |
| MSMM Convent | M. 09610787955 |
| Institution |
| St. Xavier's School M. 09649183412, 09772206403 |
23. SAN JOSE MISSION, GAIL, DIBIYAPUR
The idea of having a mission in the Gas Authority of India Ltd. premises originally sprouted in the mind of Fr. Issac Kochupura, but it materialized because of the hard work and initiative of Fr. Kurian Thekkedam, the then Manager of
St. Joseph's School, NTPC. A primary school was started in 1993 in this campus. In the initial stage of this school, the CMC Sisters supported this mission and in later years, the Adoration Sisters of Jagadalpur Province have been helping the Mission.
In 2008 the mission decided to terminate its agreement with the GAIL authority and opened a school of its own - San Jose Academy - in the land adjacent to the GAIL Colony. The following are the parish priests:
| Fr. Kurien Thekkedom | 1993 - 1999 |
| Fr. Mathew Nadamukath | 1999 - 2000 |
| Fr. Francis Maniparampil | 2001 - 2007 |
| Fr. Mathew Anchil | 2007 - 2008 |
| Fr. Thomas Paikkattumattathil | 2008 - 2010 |
| Fr. Scaria Nambiamadom | 2008 - 2012 |
| Fr. George Chekkathadathil | 2012 - 2018 |
| Fr. Raju Koippally | 2018 - |
| Address | San Jose Academy GAIL, Canal Road Dibiyapur - 206 244, Auraiya Dt. |
| Phone | 9458577161 |
| Patron | St. Joseph |
| Estd. | 1993 |
| Annual Feast Day | March 19 |
| Catholics | 18 |
| Clergy | Fr. Raju Koipally |
| Religious House |
|---|
| Adoration Convent (SABS) | M: 7409499982 |
| Institution |
|---|
| San Jose Academy | M. 9756201057 |
24. ST. JOSEPH'S MISSION, NTPC, DIBIYAPUR
On 15 July 1987, when the Agra Archbishop, the Most Rev. Dr. Cecil De Sa inaugurated the St. Joseph's School in the NTPC complex Dibyapur, the tireless efforts of Fr. Isaac Kochupura were coming to fruition. It was the desire of many NTPC employees to have a missionary institution in their complex and this long cherished dream came true with the blessing and inauguration of the School. The CMC Sisters of Bhopal Province help the Mission. The following are the Parish Priests:
| Fr. Isaac Kochupurackal | 1987 - 1988 |
| Fr. Jose Viruppel | 1988 - 1989 |
| Fr. Kurien Thekkedath | 1990 - 1991 |
| Fr. Joseph Mathoor | 1991 - 1997 |
| Fr. Mathew Nadamukath | 1997 - 2000 |
| Fr. Raju Koippally | 2000 - 2006 |
| Fr. Francis Maniparampil | 2008 - 2010 |
| Fr. Scaria Nambiamadom | 2010 - 2012 |
| Fr. Raju Koippally | 2014 - 2017 |
| Fr. Thomas Kulathinkal | 2017 - 2018 |
| Msgr. James Palackal | 2018 - |
| Address | St. Joseph's Sr. Sec. School NTPC, Dibiyapur - 206 244 Auraiya Dt. |
| Phone | 05683-283459; 9359184457 |
| E-mail | stjoseph_shssntpc@yahoo.co.in |
| Patron | St. Joseph |
| Annual Feast Day | March 19 |
| Estd. | 1989 |
| Catholics | 91 |
| Clergy | Msgr. James Palackal |
| Religious House |
|---|
| St. Joseph's Convent (CMC) | M. 94118565626 |
| Institution |
|---|
| St. Joseph's Sr. Sec. School | T.285134 |
25. ST. FRANCIS XAVIER'S CHURCH, ETAH
In 1960, the F.C.C. Sisters began their first Mission House in San Damiano Convent, Agra. Since a few Catholics were already working in Kasganj as Railway employees, Brother Hubert thought of opening a station at Kasganj. He had to meet the Planning Officer at Etah in that connection, as Kasganj was in Etah District. The Planning Officer directed Brother Hubert to the then District Magistrate Mr. Moizuddin Ahmed who was longing for a Missionary School at Etah.
The Archbishop entrusted the work of opening the school to the F.C.C. Sisters. On July 19, 1962 the Sisters reached Etah and the first ever Holy Mass was celebrated in Etah by Fr. Mathew, OFM Cap in the Sisters' chapel in a rented building. After staying in a rented building for a long time, Fr. Vijayan Menezes, OFM Cap, constructed a residence for priests on the Etah-Agra Road. Archbishop the Most
Rev. Dominic Athaide blessed the Presbytery and named it 'Shanti Niwas' on May 5, 1981.
The foundation stone for a new Church was laid on May 7, 1998 by the Most Rev. Dr. Cecil De Sa. The long cherished dream of having a Church at Etah came to a reality on January 31, 1999 when the Most Rev. Dr. Vincent
M. Concessao blessed the new Church and dedicated it to
St. Francis Xavier. Fr. Joe Vadakkekara was the then priest in-charge.
Fr. Timothy, OFM Cap., Fr. Pius, OFM Cap., Fr. Peter Celestine OFM Cap., Fr. Thomas Paramundayil, Fr. Lawrence, OFM Cap., have rendered their services to this Mission. In 2004, the Most Rev. Dr. Oswald Gracias took the initiative to have a special coaching/study centre for local candidates who wished to become priests. The following are the Parish Priests:
| Fr. Vijayan Menezes, OFM Cap | 1980 - 1982 |
| Fr. Raphy Manjaly | 1983 - 1984 |
| Fr. John D'Cunha | 1984 - 1986 |
| Fr. Sebastian Pantaladi | 1986 - 1986 |
| Fr. Ignatius Miranda | 1986 - 1988 |
| Fr. Ignatius Chulliyil | 1988 - 1990 |
| Fr. Joe Vadakkekara | 1990 - 1999 |
| Fr. George Paul | 1999 - 2001 |
| Fr. K. K. Thomas | 2001 - 2002 |
| Fr. Tomy V. A. | 2002 - 2006 |
| Fr. Vinoy Pulivellil | 2006 - 2008 |
| Fr. Johnson Chiriyankandath | 2008 - 2010 |
| Fr. Joby Kanjirathinkal | 2010 - 2015 |
| Fr. Raphy Vallachira | 2015 – 2021 |
| Fr. Arul Kumar Lazar | 2021 - |
| Address | St. Francis Xavier's Church Shanti Nivas, Agra Road Etah - 207 001 |
| Phone | 05742-233790 |
| E-mail | sfxchurchetah@gmail.com |
| Patron | St. Francis Xavier |
| Annual Feast Day | December 3 |
| Estd | 1962 |
| Catholics | 128 |
| Clergy | Fr. Arul Kr. Lazar (P.P.) |
| Religious Houses |
|---|
| Assisi Convent (FCC) | T. 233410/9897929876 |
| Assisi Bhavan (FCC) | M. 8937965076 |
| Institutions |
|---|
| Assisi Convent Primary School | T. 233410/9997319640 |
| Assisi Convent Sr. Sec. School | M. 9458577907 |
| St. Mary's Bal Bhavan | M. 8938031252 |
| St. Mary's High School (H.M) | M. 7253095800 |
26. ST. MARY'S MISSION, ETAWAH
The Catholic Mission at Etawah began in 1967.
Fr. Lawrence OFM Cap. took the initiative to start the Mission. The mission was known as Church of Portuincula. Both the Capuchin and IMS Fathers have worked here till 1975. Meanwhile the SMA Sisters started St. Mary's Convent School in 1967. In 1975 the Mission was handed over to the Archdiocese of Changanacherry. Fr. Kuruvilla Kokatt and Fr. Jose Poovathinkal reached the Mission on 1st May 1975. The CMC Sisters of Changanacherry Province joined them.
The SMA Sisters handed over the school to the Archdiocese of Changanacherry. The primary school then made over is now St. Mary's Inter College. At present the CMC Sisters of Mount Carmel Province, Bhopal, assist the priests of Changanacherry in the activities of the Mission. The Parish Church is known as Christ the King Church. The following are the parish priests:
| Fr. Kuruvilla Kokkat | 1975 - 1977 |
| Fr. Varghese Kodickal | 1977 - 1986 |
| Fr. Isaac Kochupurackal | 1986 - 1994 |
| Fr. Kuruvilla Kokkkat | 1994 - 2005 |
| Fr. Thomas Ezhikad | 2005 - 2007 |
| Fr. Francis Maniparampil | 2007 - 2008 |
| Fr. Thomas Paikkattumattathil | 2008 - 2011 |
| Fr. Thomas Kulathinkal | 2011 - 2013 |
| Fr. Luke Thalayinakuzhy | 2013 - 2018 |
| Fr. George Chekkathadathil | 2018 - 2020 |
| Fr. Binson Nambiamadom | 2020 - |
| Address | St. Mary's Inter College Civil Lines, Etawah - 206 001 |
| Phone | 05688-254626, 254002 |
| E-mail | stmarysetw@gmail.com |
| Patroness | St. Mary |
| Church | Christ the King |
| Annual Feast Day | Sunday before Advent |
| Estd. | 1967 |
| Catholics | 210 |
| Mass Centre | Saifi |
| Clergy | Fr. Thomas Ezhikad |
| | Fr. Binson Nambiamadom |
| | Fr. Jobi Thalayinakuzhy |
| | Fr. Tom Arayankala |
| | Fr. Martin Nainaparampil |
| | Fr. Thomas Vellanickal |
| Religious Houses |
|---|
| Nazareth Convent (NS) | M. 9027250207 |
| St. Mary's Convent (CMC) M. 9411241655 |
| Institutions |
|---|
| Jeevan Jyoti Bhavan (Minor Seminary) |
| St. Mary's Inter College | T. 254626 |
27. ST. JOHN PAUL II MISSION, FATEHABAD
Fatehabad is a town of approximately 50,000 people and is situated 35 kms East of Agra and 18 kms west of Firozabad. The foundation stone of St. John Paul II School was laid on April 22, 2014 by the Most Rev. Albert D'Souza, Archbishop of Agra.
The School was inaugurated by Shri Ram Sakal Gurjar, Minister of State for Technical Education, U. P., and blessed by the Most Rev. Dr. Albert D'Souza on April 9, 2015. The School was constructed under the guidance of Fr. Sebastian Pantaladi, Director of Education, who is also its Manager. It started functioning from April 20, 2015. Clara Sadan Convent (FSM) was inaugurated on May 10, 2016 by the Most
Rev. Albert D'Souza. The following are the priests in-charge:
| Fr. Dominic George (Amit) | 2015 - 2019 |
| Fr. Santiago Raj | 2019 - |
| Address | St. John Paul II School Bharapur Fatehabad - 281 111 Agra Dt. |
| Phone | 9412200490 |
| E-mail | sjpsfatehabad@gmail.com |
| Patron | St. John Paul II |
| Annual Feast Day | October 22 |
| Estd. | 2015 |
| Catholics | 06 |
| Clergy | Fr. Santiago Raj |
| Religious House |
|---|
| Clara Sadan (FSM) | M. 9628375826 |
| Institution |
|---|
| St. John Paul II School | M. 9412200490 |
28. ST. ANTHONY'S MISSION, FATEHGARH
This mission was started by Fr. Kuruvilla Kokkatt and 4 Fransiscan Clarist Sisters of Changanassery Province on 29 June 1977. The Mission began in a rented building - the godown of a cold storage at Farrukhabad. In 1981 the School and the residence were shifted to the present location at Fatehgarh Cantt. In 1996 the Fransiscan Clarist Sisters left the mission after a glorious service of 20 years and the Sisters of the Missionaries of Little Flower came to help in the running of the Mission. The following are the Parish Priests:
| Fr. Kuruvilla Kokkat | 1977 - 1983 |
| Fr. Tom Kunnumpuram | 1983 - 1985 |
| Fr. Antony Kollamparampil | 1985 - 1986 |
| Fr. Thomas Ezhikad | 1986 - 1993 |
| Fr. Joseph Parapplly | 1993 - 1994 |
| Fr. Mathew Nadamukath | 1995 - 1996 |
| Fr. Joseph Moozhurchervelil | 1996 - 1997 |
| Fr. Mathew Thanniath | 1997 - 2000 |
| Fr. Thomas Ezhikad | 2000 - 2005 |
| Fr. Kurien Thekkedom | 2005 - 2006 |
| Fr. Antony Parackal | 2006 - 2012 |
| Fr. Jimmy Paimpally | 2012 - 2019 |
| Fr. Shiju Kuttikkattil | 2019 - |
| Address | St. Anthony's Sr. Sec. School Fatehgarh Cantt. 209 601 Farrukhabad Dt. |
| Phone | 05698-234678 |
| E-mail | stanthonyfth@gmail.com |
| Patron | St. Antony of Padua |
| Annual Feast Day | June 13 |
| Estd. | 1977 |
| Catholics | 98 |
| Mass Centre | Kaimganj |
| Clergy : | Fr. Shiju Kuttikattil (P.P.) |
| | Fr. Thomas Thuruthumalil (V.P.) |
| Religious House |
|---|
| St. Anthony's Convent (MLF) | M. 9452607716 |
| Institutions |
|---|
| St. Anthony's Sr. Sec. School | T. 234678 |
| St. Anthony's Junior School, Nekhpur | T. 240216 |
29. ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, FIROZABAD
In November 1985, the Archdiocese of Agra purchased a piece of land (5 acres and 20 cents) in village Dholpura, Firozabad. Fr. Paul Thannickal was the first resident Priest In-charge who established the mission. The Education ministry began on 08 August, 1988. The presbytery and the Canossa Convent were blessed on Dec. 27, 1989. The expansion of the school took place in the year 2011. The following are the parish priests who served the mission.
| Fr. Paul Thannickal | 1988 - 1995 |
| Fr. John Ferreira | 1995 - 2001 |
| Fr. Sebastian Pantaladi | 2001 - 2003 |
| Fr. Stephen Kolandaisamy | 2003 - 2008 |
| Fr. Thomas K. K. | 2008 - 2013 |
| Fr. Rogimon Thomas | 2013 - 2018 |
| Fr. Shaji Joseph | 2018 - |
| Address | St. John's Church Agra Road, Firozabad - 283 203 |
| Phone | 05612-230254 |
| E-mail | stjohnchurchfzd@gmail.com |
| Patron | St. John the Evangelist |
| Annual Feast Day | December 27 |
| Estd | 1988 |
| Catholics | 105 |
| Clergy | Fr. Shaji Antheenattu (PP) |
| Religious House |
|---|
| St. John's Convent (FDCC) | M. 8859789001 |
| Institution |
|---|
| St. John's Sr. Sec. School | T. 231678 |
30. ST. JOHN'S MISSION, UPSIDC, FIROZABAD
On 3 April 2000 the Archdiocese purchased fifteen acres of land with a view to start a Technical College or a Degree College; which could not be materialized. St. John's School Unit II was blessed and inaugurated on April 2011 at that site. Fr. Shaji Joseph was the first residential priest. On 7 June 2012, the Poor Sisters of Our Lady opened the convent and began to render their services. On 18 October 2012, a newly built convent was blessed. The presbytery was blessed on 11 May 2015 by the Most Rev. Dr. Albert D'Souza. The following are the priests in-charge:
| Fr. Shaji Joseph | 2011 - 2014 |
| Fr. Prakash D'Souza | 2014 - 2019 |
| Fr. Praveen Raj Moras | 2019 - |
| Address | St. John's School, UPSIDC Jalesar Road, Firozabad - 283 203 |
| Patron | St. John the Evangelist |
| Annual Feast Day | December 27 |
| Estd | 2011 |
| Clergy | Fr. Praveen Raj Moras |
| Religious House |
|---|
| St. Theresa's Convent (PSOL) | M. 8650529205, 8859457805 |
| Institution |
|---|
| St. John's High School, UPSIDC | M. 9219455707 |
31. ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH, GREATER NOIDA
In 1993, the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority allotted a plot of 6.36 acres to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Agra. Fr. Johnson Chiriyankandath, the then Parish Priest of Noida signed the lease deed on 22nd April 1994. The construction of the first phase of the school building began in May 1995. On 19th March 2000, the mission was inaugurated and the first phase of the school building was blessed by the Most Rev. Vincent Concessao, the then Archbishop of Agra. Fr. Mathew Kumblumoottil was the first Parish Priest.
On Saturday 8th April 2000, the then District Magistrate,
Mr. Deepak Kumar, IAS, inaugurated the first academic session of the school. The Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Graces joined in April 2000. The Pilar Fathers and the Ursuline Sisters of Mary Immaculate joined in June - July 2000 respectively. Sisters of the Little Flower of Bethany established a convent and a vocational training centre in 2005. The Congregation of the Teresian Carmelites joined the parish community in 2008 and the Pilar Sisters in 2010. Jesus and Mary Convent School was established in 2008.
The allotment process of the land for the Church was started in Greater Noida in the year 2002 by Rev. Fr. Paul Thannickal, the then Parish Priest and possession of it was given to us in 2010 when Fr. Dennis D'Souza was Parish Priest. Foundation stone was laid on Nov. 5, 2019 by the Most Rev. Dr. Albert D'Souza and the Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Vinoy Pullivelil in the presence of the priests, religious and people of God. The Church was to be inaugurated on March 19, 2020 but due to COVID-19 it was not possible. The presbytery at the Church campus was blessed and inaugurated on July 16, 2020. The Church was blessed and dedicated on November 1, 2020. The following are the Parish Priests:
| Fr. Mathew Kumblumoottil | 2000 - 2001 |
| Fr. Paul Thannickal | 2001 - 2007 |
| Fr. Dennis D'Souza | 2007 - 2013 |
| Fr. Mathew Kumblumoottil | 2013 - 2017 |
| Fr. Vinoy Pulivelil | 2017 - |
| Address | St. Joseph's Church Pocket D, Alpha I Greater Noida - 201 308 Gautam Buddh Nagar (Dt.) |
| Phone | 0120-2326113, 2326114 |
| E-mail | church@stjosephsgn.com |
| Patron | St. Joseph, the Spouse of Mary |
| Annual Feast Day | March 19 |
| Estd | 2000 |
| Catholics | 1460 |
| Mass Centre | Surajpur |
| Clergy | Fr. Vinoy Pullivelil (PP) |
| | Fr. Alwyn Pinto |
| | Fr. Rogimon Thomas |
| | Fr. Thomas K. K. |
| | Fr. Sebastian Kollithanam |
| Religious Houses |
|---|
| Bethany Convent (BS) | M. 8310484153 |
| Clare Bhavan (SFSC) | M. 9285503207 |
| Jesus & Mary Convent (MSST) | M. 8802292610 |
| Missionary Srs. of O.L. of Pilar (MSP) | M. 8390811247 |
| Nirmala Provincialate (UMI) | T. 2399069 |
| Shraddha Deep Convent (MDR-OP) | M. 6263864296 |
| Society of St. Francis Xavier (SFX) | M. 9811372252 |
| St. Francis Niwas (CMSF) | M. 9968274531 |
| St. Joseph's Convent (FSLG) | M. 9911026590 |
| Ursuline Convent (UMI) | T. 2399053 |
| Institutions |
|---|
| Bethany Convent School | T. 2321677 |
| Disha Vocational Training Centre | M. 7838180415 |
| Fr. Agnel Balbhavan | M. 9811372252 |
| Fr. Agnel School | T. 2326557, 9717958357 |
| Jesus And Mary Convent School | T. 2326288, 6498682 |
| St. Francis School | T. 9968274531 |
| St. Joseph's Sr. Sec. School | T. 2326114, 9818663851 |
| Ursuline Convent Sr. Sec. School | T. 6457539 |
| KNEUS | T. 2322019, 2322021 |
32. ST. FRANCIS CHURCH, HATHRAS
In July 1972, Fr. Jose Maliekal was entrusted with the work of opening a school, at the invitation of many leading people of Hathras, especially by the members of the Lions' Club, who contacted Fr. Columban, OFM Cap for the purpose and who did the spade work.
The school was housed in the first floor of H. H. Oil Mills for three years. Later it was shifted to Agarwal Garden. In 1980, Fr. Vijayan OFM Cap, managed to get a plot near the Popia Canal, on Aligarh-Agra Road. It is on this land the Church, School and Convent were built.
The Mission Sisters of Ajmer are working in the school.
Rev. Fr. John Ferreira started a hostel for poor children. Owing to various reasons the hostel has been closed down. For the Yesu Christ Jayanti, the foundation was laid for Jubilee Wings on February 6, 2005 and was blessed on July 9, 2006. The extension of the administrative block was blessed and inagurated on July 6, 2009. The following are the Parish Priests:
| Fr. Jose Maliekal | 1972 - 1976 |
| Fr. Sebastian Pantaladi | 1976 - 1977 |
| Fr. John Lewis, OFM Cap | 1977 - 1978 |
| Fr. Vijayan Menezes, OFM Cap | 1978 - 1982 |
| Fr. Thomas K.K. | 1982 - 1987 |
| Fr. John Ferreira | 1987 - 1994 |
| Fr. Jose Akkara | 1994 - 2000 |
| Fr. Jose Muttath | 2000 - 2003 |
| Fr. Jose Maliekal | 2003 - 2007 |
| Fr. Paul Thannickal | 2007 - 2009 |
| Fr. Mathew Thundiyil | 2009 - 2015 |
| Fr. Dr. Robert Varghese | 2015 - 2021 |
| Fr. Sunny Kottoor | 2021 - |
| Address | St. Francis Church Garhi Tamna Hathras - 204 101 |
| Phone | 05722-297885 |
| E-mail | stfrancisintercollege1972@gmail.com |
| Patron | St. Francis of Assisi |
| Annual Feast Day | October 4 |
| Estd | 1972 |
| Catholics | 100 |
| Clergy | Fr. Sunny Kottoor (PP) |
| | Fr. Xavier G. (APP) |
| Religious House |
|---|
| Sneh Bhawan (MSA) | M. 9084411697 |
| Institution: |
|---|
| St. Francis Inter College | M. 7895555596 |
33. ST. JOSEPH'S MISSION, JAHANGIRABAD
Mr. C.P. Vashishtha a philanthropist, had established a school in a temporary shade at Jahangirabad, Bulandshahar Dt. The school had classes upto Std. V with 300 students and 10 members on the staff. The CMI Missionaries were requested to take over the school. The school along with the land was bought and mission station inaugurated on March 25, 1995 with the paternal blessings of the Most Rev. Dr. Cecil DeSa. A new building for the school was completed in 2002.
Fr. Mathew Pedikkattukunnel and Brother Ambrose did the pioneering work and he was the first Director. At present it is a Sr. Sec. School affiliated to the CISCE Board, New Delhi. The following are the Parish Priests:
| Fr. Jesudas Thaliyan | 1996 - 1997 |
| Fr. Tomy Kappiarukdy | 1997 - 1999 |
| Fr. George Edathiparambil | 1999 - 2002 |
| Fr. Thomas Appanchira | 2002 - 2005 |
| Fr. Peter Vallikkavumkal | 2005 - 2008 |
| Fr. Gerald Padinjarepeedika | 2008 - 2011 |
| Fr. Jose Koottungal | 2011 - 2014 |
| Fr. Gerald Padinjarepeedika | 2014 - 2017 |
| Fr. Anil Cheyazhath | 2017 - |
| Address | St. Joseph's Mission Gayatri Nagar Jahangirabad - 202 394 Bulandshahar Dt. |
| Phone | 05734-260452 / 260497 |
| Patron | St. Joseph, the Worker |
| Annual Feast Day | May 1 |
| Estd | 1995 |
| Catholics | 69 |
| Clergy | Fr. Anil Cheyazhath, CMI (PP) |
| | Fr. Jimmy Kallupalathinkal, CMI |
| | Fr. Biju Pannachickal, CMI |
| Religious Houses |
|---|
| St. Joseph's Ashram (CMI) |
| Our Lady of Graces Convent (FSLG) | T. 261927 |
| Institution |
|---|
| St. Joseph's School | T. 260452 |
34. NISHKALANKA MATA CHURCH, JAITH
It was some time in 1943 that Brother Xavier Braganza on one of his mission tours to Sirsa, came across a man named Mangu from Jaith. Mr. Mangu used to frequent Sirsa as he had a relation in that village through marriage. He was very inquisitive about Christianity and its teachings which ultimately led him to have several rounds of dialogues with the Brothers. A few days later, a group of leaders from that village led by Mr. Mangu met the Brothers at Mathura Cantt and expressed their willingness to be instructed in the Christian doctrine. The enthusiasm of the people touched the hearts of the Brothers. In December 1945, before the Feast of the Nativity, the first batch of 317 people was received into the Church.
Fr. Gyan Prakash, IMS, located a plot of land in Jaith in 1962. Brother Hubert who was at that time in Chandu Ka Nagla, helped to purchase three acres of land for the Church. On this very land today, stands the Church, Convent, School and Hostel. During the Archbishopric the Most. Rev. Dominic Athaide, Fr. Virender built the Nishkalanka Mata Church in 1968. In the same year at the request of the Archbishop, Assisi Sisters of Mary Immaculate came to help in the village ministry. The hospital was built in 1972 with the aid of donors.
CMSF Brothers were in Jaith helping the priests in-charge. The first resident priest of Jaith was Fr. Joseph D'Souza.
Fr. Stephen K. and Fr. Mathew Kumblumoottil succeeded him respectively. CMSF Brothers were in Jaith helping
Fr. Mathew Kumbloomottil. Assisi Sisters of Mary Immaculate withdrew their Sisters from Jaith in 1983.
On July 26, 1988 Sisters of the Congregation of Jesus and Mary arrived in Jaith. Fr. Varghese started Nishkalanka Mata School on July 12, 1990. Fr. Joseph Dabre opened a boarding for poor boys in 1992. On February 3, 2000 the Most
Rev. Vincent Concessao laid the foundation stone for Nishkalanka Mata Hostel. Fr. Eugene Lazarus started the work of the hostel which was continued and completed by Fr. Andrew Correia and blessed by the Most Rev. Oswald Gracias on August 15, 2001. The foundation stone for the present Church was laid on July 17, 2014 and blessed on July 31, 2016. Five acres of land was bought by Fr. Saji Palamattom (Jacob) for the new school at a distance of 200 mts. from the existing school. The The following are the parish priests:
| Fr. Joseph D'Souza | 1978 - 1984 |
| Fr. Stephen Kolandaiswamy | 1984 - 1985 |
| Fr. Mathew Kumblumoottil | 1985 - 1987 |
| Fr. Varghese Kunnath | 1987 - 1991 |
| Fr. Joseph Dabre | 1991 - 1997 |
| Fr. Eugene Moon Lazarus | 1997 - 2000 |
| Fr. Andrew Correia | 2000 - 2007 |
| Fr. Sunny Kottoor | 2007 - 2011 |
| Fr. Joseph Rodrigues | 2011 - 2015 |
| Fr. Saji Palamattom (Jacob) | 2015 - 2020 |
| Fr. Arun Lasrado | 2020 - |
| Address | Nishkalanka Mata Mission Jaith P.O. 281 402 Mathura Dt. |
| Mobile | : 8273027999 |
| Patroness | Our Lady of Imm. Conception |
| Annual Feast Day | December 8 |
| Estd | 1968 |
| Catholics | 220 |
| Clergy | Fr. Arun Lasrado (PP) |
| Religious House |
|---|
| Convent of Jesus and Mary (RJM) | M. 8868899350 |
| Institution |
|---|
| Nishkalanka Mata High School | M. 8273027999 |
35. ST. PETER'S CHURCH, JASWANT NAGAR
On 14 Feb. 1990 Fr. Emmanuel Mattam MST started this Mission. He took forward the work initially started by
Fr. Isaac Kochupura in the Christian village of Tameri near Jaswant Nagar. On 3 Feb. 1991, Archbishop of Agra, the Most Rev. Cecil DeSa blessed the new building at Jaswant Nagar. For a few years from 1993, the Minor Seminary of Etawah Mission was at Jaswant Nagar. In 1999 St. Peter's School was established. The following are the Parish Priests:
| Fr. Joseph Parappally | 1999 - 2004 |
| Fr. Cyril Cheppila | 2004 - 2008 |
| Fr. Luke Thalayinakuzhy | 2008 - 2011 |
| Fr. Joseph Puthuveetil | 2011 - 2014 |
| Fr. Thomas Ezhikad | 2014 - 2016 |
| Fr. Anto Kuttichira | 2016 - |
| Address | St. Peter's School Kesth, Jaswant Nagar - 206 245 Etawah Dt. |
| Phone | 05688-274410, 9219428982 |
| E-mail : | stpetersjaswantnagar@gmail.com |
| Patron | St. Peter, the Apostle |
| Annual Feast Day | June 29 |
| Estd. | 1999 |
| Catholics | 43 |
| Clergy : | Fr. Anto Kuttichira |
| Religious House |
|---|
| Nazareth Convent (CNS) | M. 9045500747 |
| Institution |
|---|
| St. Peter's Sr. Sec. School | M. 9044684656 |
36. ST. MATHEW'S MISSION, KANNAUJ
When the Christu Jyothi Academy was inaugurated by Msgr. Jose Maliekal, the then Vicar General of Agra Archdiocese, a long cherished dream of the mission to have a station in the city of Fragrance materialized. Though in nascent stage St. Mathew's Mission, Kannauj, is a developing and progressing station with a very small Christian population. The following are the parish priests:
| Fr. Jimmy Paimpally | 2010 - 2012 |
| Fr. Noby Ponnattil | 2012 - 2016 |
| Fr. Santhosh Celestine | 2016 - 2020 |
| Fr. Melbin Pallikizhakethil | 2020 - |
| Address | Christujyothi Academy Sarai Shah Mohammed - 209 725 Kannauj Dt. |
| Mobile | 9336620489 |
| Patron | St. Mathew, the Evangelist |
| Annual Feast Day | September 21 |
| Estd. | 2010 |
| Catholics : | 38 |
| Clergy : | Fr. Melvin Pallikizhakethil |
| Religious House |
|---|
| St. Mathew's Convent (MLF) | M: 9794947118 |
| Institution |
|---|
| Christu Jyothi Academy |
37. ST. JOSEPH'S MISSION, KASGANJ
Kasganj was a Mass Centre being looked after from Etah. To meet the ever increasing demand by the people of Kasganj to have an English Medium School, the Archbishop of Agra, the Most Rev. Cecil De Sa, in 1994 requested the Priest-in-charge of Etah Fr. Joe Vadakekkara to explore the possibility for a school at Kasganj. Accordingly, two acres of land was bought and another five acres of mango grove was added to the existing plot in 1999. Fr. Joe Vadakekkara was also appointed as the first resident priest in July 2001. He stayed in a rented house for 18 months and built the Presbytery and the Convent. The Sisters of FSJ arrived in 2000. The school began in the presbytery and in the convent in 2001, as the new school building was being constructed. The foundation stone for St. Joseph's School Sr. Wing was laid on March 26, 2017, and inagurated on June 30, 2019. The following are the parish priests:
| Fr. Joe Vadakkekara | 1999 - 2005 |
| Fr. Simon Tuscano | 2005 - 2010 |
| Fr. Shiju Pallipadan | 2010 - 2015 |
| Fr. Peter Parkhe | 2015 – 2021 |
| Fr. Dr. Robert Varghese | 2021 - |
| Address | St. Joseph's Church Bilram Road, Kasganj - 207 123 Kanshiram Nagar (Dt.) |
| Phone | 05744-296192 |
| E-mail | stjosephksj@gmail.com |
| Patron | St. Joseph, the Spouse of Mary |
| Annual Feast Day | March 19 |
| Estd | 2000 |
| Catholics | 38 |
| Mass Centre | Nagaria |
| Clergy | Fr. Robert Varghese |
| Religious House |
|---|
| St. Joseph's Convent (FSJ) | M. 9457758817 |
| Institution |
|---|
| St. Joseph's Public School | M. 8476044692 |
. ST. FIDELIS MISSION, KHEDA KHUSH KHABAR
The latest feather added to the Aligarh Mission's cap is
St. Fidelis, Phase 3 - at Kheda Khush Khabar, an initiative of Fr. George Paul and Fr. Alwyn Pinto. Its foundation stone was blessed and laid by the Archbishop of Agra, the Most Rev. Albert D'Souza on December 9, 2013. Fr. George Paul was instrumental in the founding of the school. The School was blessed on April 7, 2015; and subsequently the Fidelis Bhawan and the Holy Spirit Convent on July 16, 2015. The following are the priests in-charge:
| Fr. Thomas (Sunil) Mathew | 2015 - 2018 |
| Fr. Suresh Kumar D'Souza | 2018 - |
| Address | St. Fidelis Mission Kheda Khush Khabar Jiroli Dor P.O. Aligarh - 202 140 |
| Mobile | 9412172600 |
| Patron | St. Fidelis |
| Annual Feast Day | April 24 |
| Estd | 2015 |
| Clergy | Fr. Suresh Kumar D'Souza |
| Religious House |
|---|
| Holy Spirit Convent (CCR) | M. 8171470116 |
| Institution |
|---|
| St. Fidelis School |
39. ST. ANTHONY'S CHURCH, KHORA
It was Rev. Fr. Mathew Kumblumoottil, the Parish Priest of St. Mary's Church, Noida, along with Rev. Fr. Gregory Tharayil, the then assistant parish priest explored all the possibilities of the pastoral care of the people settled in Khora in 1994. The faithful were regularly attending the Sunday Masses at Sector-34, Noida. Under the leadership of Mr. Mohan Paul, Rev.
Fr. Gregory Tharayil began periodic prayer meetings and gatherings at various houses in the initial stages. After a preparation for almost a year, the inauguration of the parish was done on Friday January 26, 1996 with a solemn concelebrated Eucharist celebration. From then on, Masses have been celebrated regularly at Khora by priests from St. Mary's Church.
the arrival of the TOR Fathers in 1997, the pastoral care of Khora Colony was entrusted to them. The credit of all the spade work for St. Antony's Parish, at Khora Colony, must go to Rev. Fr. Gregory Tharayil, the then assistant parish priest of St. Mary's Church, Noida.
St. Anthony's Church, Khora, was blessed by Most Rev. Dr. Vincent Concessao on August 22, 2000. This parish is entrusted to the Third Order Regular of the Franciscans. The following are the Priests in-charge:
| Fr. Marion Pulichamakkal, TOR | 2000 - 2003 |
| Fr. Adriyan Kumpalath, TOR | 2003 - 2005 |
| Fr. Jose Thottunkal, TOR | 2005 - 2009 |
| Fr. Marianus Hansdak, TOR | 2009 - 2010 |
| Fr. Adriyan Kumpalath, TOR | 2010 - 2012 |
| Fr. Antony Perunneparambil, TOR | 2012 - 2017 |
| Fr. Shinoj Kizhakkemuril, TOR | 2017 - |
| Address | St. Anthony's Church Dharam Vihar, Khora Colony Ghaziabad Dt. 201 309 |
| Phone | 0120-2534137, 6574866 |
| Patron | St. Anthony of Padua |
| Annual Feast Day | June 13 |
| Estd | 2000 |
| Catholics | 120 |
| Clergy | Fr. Shinoj Kizhakkemuril, TOR |
| Religious House |
|---|
| Sneha Dhara (SHM) | M. 09868777348 |
| Institution |
|---|
| St. Anthony's School | T. 6574866 |
40. ST. PETER'S MISSION, KIRAOLI
Kiraoli is a small town situated 10 km from Fatehpur Sikri towards Agra. Fatehpur Sikri holds great significance in the history of Christianity in North India, as Mughal Emperor Akbar the Great invited Christian missionaries to his royal court at Fatehpur Sikri. The Archdiocese felt the need to re-establish a mission in its vicinity to enhance the work of evangelization.
Considering these factors, a plot of land was purchased by RCDA through Fr. Ignatius Miranda at Gopau Village under Kiraoli Tehsil on March 2010, and it was subsequently decided to establish a Senior Secondary School. The construction of school building began in June 2013 and was blessed and inaugurated on April 15, 2014. Its location in the outskirts of Kiraoli is perfect for giving a salubrious environment to children.
The Franciscan Sisters of St. Aloysius Gonzaga (FSAG), based in Pondicherry, are actively rendering their services. The Convent was blessed on July 16, 2014. The foundation stone for the presbytery was laid on December 10, 2018, and the same was blessed by the Most Rev. Albert D'Souza on November 22, 2020. The following are the priests in-charge:
| Fr. Roy Dolphus | 2014 - 2020 |
| Fr. Stany V. Rodrigues | 2020 - |
| Address | St. Peter's School, St. Peter's Road Raibha, Kiraoli - 283 101 Agra Dt., U.P. |
| Mobile | 8535099530 |
| E-mail | peters2014kiraoli@gmail.com |
| Patron | St. Peter, the Apostle |
| Annual Feast Day | June 29 |
| Estd | 2014 |
| Catholics | 10 |
| Clergy | Fr. Stany V. Rodrigues |
| Religious House |
|---|
| St. Aloysius Nivas (FSAG) | M. 8239506581 |
| Institution |
|---|
| St. Peter's School | M. 8535099530 |
41. ST. THERESA'S CHURCH, KOSI KALAN
St. Theresa's Church, Kosikalan, had its origin in October 1987 when Fr. Varghese Kunnath, the then Priest in-charge of Nishkalanka Mata Church, Jaith, went to meet the Christian Community at Kosi at the request of Brother Philip Neri, CMSF. Having offered Sunday Masses for six months in a rented room, this new mission was approved by the then Archbishop, the Most Rev. Cecil DeSa during his pastoral visit to Kosikalan. Four and a half acres of land was bought in Barhana Village where the present Church, the School, the presbytery and the Convent are built. St. Theresa's School began in rented rooms on July 10, 1990 in the city. In October 1991, the school was shifted to the new building at Nandgaon Road. The Daughters of the Sacred Heart (DSH) arrived in the Mission in July 1991. The dedication of the Church, the Presbytery and the Convent took place on April 14, 1993. The silver jubilee memorial block was inaugurated and blessed on July 8, 2017.
Fr. Varghese Kunnath was the founder of the mission. The following are the parish priests who worked in this mission.
| Fr. Varghese Kunnath | 1987 - 1995 |
| Fr. Thomas K. K. | 1995 - 2001 |
| Fr. John Ferreira | 2001 - 2007 |
| Fr. Andrew Correia | 2007 - 2013 |
| Fr. Alwyn Pinto | 2013 - 2019 |
| Fr. Mathew Kanjirathinkal | 2019 - |
| Address | St. Theresa's Church Nandgaon Road Kosi Kalan - 281 403 Mathura Dt. |
| Mobile | 9760253977 |
| E-mail | sttheresa.kosi@gmail.com |
| Patroness | St. Theresa of Child Jesus |
| Annual Feast Day | October 1 |
| Estd | 1990 |
| Catholics | 48 |
| Clergy | Fr. Mathew Kanjirathinkal (PP) |
| | Fr. Preas Anthony (APP) |
| Religious House |
|---|
| Sacred Heart Convent (DSH) | T. 233038 |
| Institution |
|---|
| St. Theresa's School | M. 9045483706 |
42. ST. THOMAS MISSION, MAINPURI
In February 1976 Fr. Jose Poovathinkal reached Mainpuri. Later in June 1976 he was joined by four Sisters of the Adoration Congregation from Changanacherry and began the work of the Mission in a rented building. In July that year St. Thomas Convent School was inaugurated. Besides educational activities, social activities like medical camps, non-formal education were also carried on. In October 1976, Mar Antony Padiyara visited Mainpuri for the first time and during his visit the Sacrament of Baptism was administered to three locals. In December 1991, the school and the priest's residence were shifted to the present location. The following are the parish priests:
| Fr. Joseph Poovathinkal | 1976 - 2003 |
| Fr. Joseph Parappally | 2003 - 2006 |
| Fr. Mathew Anchil | 2006 - 2007 |
| Fr. Scaria Nambiamadom | 2007 - 2008 |
| Fr. Sebastian Kurinjiparampil | 2008 - 2010 |
| Fr. Thomas Kulathinkal | 2010 - 2011 |
| Fr. Anto Kuttichira | 2011 - 2013 |
| Fr. Francis Maniparampil | 2013 - 2017 |
| Fr. Raju Koippally | 2017 - 2018 |
| Fr. Noby Ponattil | 2018 - 2019 |
| Fr. Justin Thuruthel | 2019 - |
| Address | St. Thomas Mission Civil Lines, Mainpuri 205 001 |
| Mobile | 8755934575 |
| Patron | St. Thomas, the Apostle |
| Annual Feast Day | July 3 |
| Estd. | 1976 |
| Catholics | 80 |
| Clergy | Fr. Justin Thuruthel |
| | Fr. Noby Ponattil |
| Religious House |
|---|
| St. Thomas Convent (SABS) | M. 8755476812 |
| Institution |
|---|
| St. Thomas Sr. Sec. School | M. 7536040116 |
43. SACRED HEART CHURCH, MATHURA
Mathura, also known as Muttra in earlier times, is an ancient Hindu holy city, the birth place of Lord Krishna. It is situated on the banks of the river Yamuna, having many sacred temples and ashrams. Lakhs of pilgrims converge every year.
Christianity has been co-existing in Mathura, for many centuries. The first Catholic to visit Mathura was a French priest, Fr. Tavernier, in about 1650. Another French man Bernier visited Mathura in 1663. Fr. Joseph Tiffenthaler, a Jesuit Missionary from Bolzano was in Mathura in 1750 to inspect the astronomical instruments of Raja Jai Singh.
Msgr. Victor Jacquemont visited Mathura in the cold weather of 1829-30.
Catholic communities of Armenians and Goans were here even before 1800 AD. Records say that Fr. Gregory, a Carmelite priest came to Mathura and administered the Sacraments of Baptism and Matrimony to several Catholics on the September 30, 1791. He is the same priest who baptized Begum Sumroo of Sardhana, at Akbar's Church in Agra.
The Church, dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi, was demolished in January 1874, and at the same place on the 18th of the same month, on the feast of the Holy Name, the first stone bearing the title of the Sacred Heart was laid for the new and the present Church. The entire Church edifice was completed and solemnly blessed two years later on the feast of All Saints by the Most Rev. Michael Angelo Jacopi, OFM Cap, the then Archbishop of Agra on November 1, 1876. This Church constructed in Gothic style blended with oriental design and native arts along with a dome elevated in Russian look, is a model of inculturation in the architectural styles of the Church. The work was supervised by Mr. F. S. Growse the then Collector and Magistrate of Mathura.
Many leading members of the Hindu community - the Rani of Kunwar, the Seths, the Raja of Hathras, Lala Syam Sundar Das, to mention a few assisted in the construction of the Church with handsome pecuniary donations and many of them attended the solemn blessing of the Church.
In 1936 the Franciscan Brothers of Mt. Poinsur started their Missionary work in Mathura with Brothers Otto and Magnus, concentrating more on village uplift. The School that was run by the Parish Priest of the Sacred Heart Church was given over to Mother Mary of Jesus Immolated and her Companion, Sr. Beatrice, in 1956. In 1958 Archbishop Most Rev. Dr. Dominic Athaide invited the Congregation of the Carmelite Sisters of Trivandrum to look after the school for the diocese. In 1960 the IMS Fathers came to work in the Mathura Mission.
Owing to the efforts of the IMS Fathers, Capuchin Fathers, Franciscan Brothers, Diocesan Fathers and Sisters of various Congregations, many villages were strengthened with programmes of social uplift. Parishes like St. Michael - Anoopnagar, Our lady of Fatima - Ajay Nagar, St. Joseph - Gaunpur and Nishkalanka Mata - Jaith were carved out from Mathura and it serves as the Deanery Parish for these Parishes along with St. Peter's Parish, Bharatpur, and St. Peter's Parish, Bhimnagar, St. Theresa's Mission Kosi Kalan and the latest St. Mother Teresa's Mission, Aduki.
Now there are three women religious Congregations and one of men (CCR, FCC, ASC and CMSF Brothers). The following are the Diocesan Priests who have served over here:
| Fr. John D'Cunha | 1981 - 1984 |
| Fr. Joseph T. D'Souza | 1984 - 1987 |
| Fr. Dennis D'Souza | 1987 - 1994 |
| Fr. Johnson Chiriyankandath | 1994 - 1997 |
| Fr. Antony, TOR | 1997 - 2001 |
| Fr. Gregory Tharayil | 2001 - 2007 |
| Fr. Mathew Thundiyil | 2007 - 2009 |
| Fr. Joe Thykkattil | 2009 - 2012 |
| Fr. RaphyVallachira | 2012 - 2015 |
| Fr. Mathew Thundiyil | 2015 - 2017 |
| Fr. Philip Correia | 2017 - |
| Address | Sacred Heart Church Basantar Marg Mathura Cantt. 281 002 |
| Phone | 0565-2471511 |
| Email | shchurchmtr@gmail.com |
| Patron | Sacred Heart |
| Annual Feast Day | June 11 |
| Estd | 1874 |
| Catholics | 182 |
| Clergy | Fr. Philip Correia (PP) |
| | Fr. Peter Parkhe |
| Religious Houses |
|---|
| Assisi Ashram (CMSF) | M. 8802124777 |
| Sacred Heart Convent (CCR) | T. 2400630, 3295617 |
| St. Alphonsa Convent (FCC) | T. 2470830 |
| St. Maria Niwas (ASC) | M. 8433270229 |
| Institutions |
|---|
| Alpha Play School | T. 2471122 |
| Sacred Heart Convent Hr. Sec. School | T. 3205442 |
| St. Dominic's Sr. Sec. School | T. 2470286 |
| St. Francis Public School | T. 2432694 |
44. ST. MARY'S CHURCH, NOIDA
At the northern tip of the Archdiocese of Agra lies
St. Mary's Church with its borders touching the ecclesiastical territories of Delhi and Meerut. Even in the initial days of its growth and development, Noida being an industrial city, attracted thousands of people because of the many job opportunities, residential amenities and clean pollution-free environment, apart from the proximity to the capital city of Delhi.
Among the early migrants were a few Catholics who longed for the services of a priest. When Fr. Augustine Kuriappally, the then Parish Priest of Trilokpuri Parish in Delhi offered his services, the seeds of St. Mary's Parish were sown in January 1983. Even though the Priests from Delhi took care of the pastoral needs of the few Catholics, Noida remained 'no one's child' without any clear indication as to which diocese it belonged to.
The adoption process, however, was initiated in early 1984 when Fr. Johnson Chiriyankandath, the then Parish Priest of Bulandshahar, of the Archdiocese of Agra, started visiting Noida and finally took charge of the new parish from
Fr. Cyrillo Rodrigues of Trilokpuri, on August 23, 1986. Thus Noida, became part of Agra Archdiocese. The foundation stone of the present beautiful and majestic Church in Sector 34 was laid by the Most Rev. Cecil DeSa, the Archbishop of Agra on August 15, 1991 and exactly after two years, the same was dedicated to Our Lady of Assumption at a solemn ceremony on August 15, 1993. FCC Noida Province was established on July 12, 1992.
The advent of TOR Fathers in January 1997 added a new dimension to the pastoral care of the faithful. The following are the parish priests:
| Fr. Johnson Chiriyankandath | 1991 - 1994 |
| Fr. Mathew Kumblumoottil | 1994 - 1999 |
| Fr. Joe Thykkattil | 1999 - 2002 |
| Fr. Ignatius Miranda | 2002 - 2003 |
| Fr. Mathew Thundiyil | 2003 - 2005 |
| Fr. John D'Cunha | 2005 - 2010 |
| Fr. Stephen Kolandaiswamy | 2010 - 2016 |
| Fr. Joseph Dabre | 2016 - |
| Address | St. Mary's Church A-71-A, Sector 34 Noida - 201 303 G.B.Nagar (Dt.) |
| Phone | 0120-2507412 |
| E-mail | noidastmarys@gmail.com |
| Patroness | Our Lady of Assumption |
| Annual Feast Day | August 15 |
| Estd | 1986 |
| Catholics | 5020 |
| Mass Centre | Maria Sadan, T. 2522283 |
| Clergy | Fr. Joseph Dabre (PP) |
| | Fr. Suthesh (APP) |
| Fathers of the Blessed Sacrament |
| Fr. Rajan Dass |
| | Fr. Lloyd Lobo |
| Religious Houses |
|---|
| Assisi Convent (FCC), Sec.33 | T. 2505275 |
| Assisi Convent (FCC), Sec. 17 | T. 2511351 |
| Holy Family Sisters (SFM) | M. 9602785991 |
| IMS House, Sec. 19 | M. 9971504317 |
| San Damiano Provincialate (FCC) | T. 2504708 |
| Shanti Niwas (TOR), Sec. 11 | T. 2534137 |
| Institutions |
|---|
| Assisi Convent Primary School | T. 2511351 |
| Assisi Convent Sr. Sec. School | T. 2505412, 2505477 |
| Fr. Agnel School | T. 2400068, 2400079 |
| Board of Research, Education and Development | M. 9599077827 |
45. ST. PETER'S MISSION, ROHTA, AGRA
a part of the extension of the educational services to serve the people of Agra, the Archdiocese of Agra had purchased a plot of land at Rohta.
His Grace entrusted the work of looking for a suitable land to Rev. Fr. Paul Thannickal, the then Principal of St. Peter's College, in 2014. After searching and sifting many pieces of land for three years, and taking into consideration the cost and financial conditions of the Society, it purchased the land at Rohta, with the help of Rev. Fr. Sebastian Pantaladi, the in-charge of Diocesan properties and Rev. Fr. George Paul, the Diocesan Director of Education in the year 2017.
Rev. Fr. Paul Thannickal, then the Principal of St. Peter's College, Agra, was officially made the in-charge of Rohta Mission by His Grace, in April 2019. The construction started with the laying of the foundation stone by the Most Rev.
Dr. Albert D' Souza, in the presence of Rev. Msgr. Joe Thykkattil, then the Bishop-elect of Gwalior, and other priests of Agra Archdiocese on June 20, 2019.
Owing to Covid -19 Pandemic, the construction was slowed down. The presbytery, convent and School are expected to start latest by March 2021.
| Address |
| St. Peter's Presbytery Plot No. 1361 Gadi Thakur Das Road Rohta, Gwalior Road Agra - 282 009, U.P. |
| Phone |
| 9368012300 |
| E-mail |
| spicrohta@gmail.com |
| Patron |
| St. Peter, The Apostle |
| Annual Feast Day |
| June 29 |
| Estd |
| 2020 |
| Catholics |
| Nil |
| Clergy |
| Fr. Paul Thannickal |
| Religious House |
|---|
| St. Peter's Presbytery |
| Institution |
|---|
| St. Peter's School |
46. ST. FRANCIS MISSION, SADABAD
St. Francis School, was established on July 1, 2018. It is on the NH 507 near the village of Badar, Sadabad tehsil, Hathras District. Nearly 5 acres of land was bought under the guidance of Rev. Fr. Jose Maliekal the in-charge of property and Rev. Fr. Ignatius Miranda, the Financial Administrator. The land was kept vacant for nearly seven years and the neighbours attempted to encroach the land. The then Principal, Rev.
Fr. Dr. Robert Varghese, Priest in-charge initiated the building of the boundary wall with the help of local administration and planned to build the school.
As an extension of the St. Francis Sr. Sec. School, Hathras, St. Francis School in Sadabad was opened. The school unit was inaugurated on June, 2018 by the Most Rev. Dr. Albert D'Souza, the Archbishop of Agra. The school began its functioning from July 3, 2018. The Daughters of Divine Zeal Sisters started to work from 2019. The presbytery was blessed and inaugurated on October 5, 2019.
| Address | St. Francis School Badar, Sadabad Hathras - 281 306 |
| Phone | 9119772205 |
| E-mail | sfssadabad@gmail.com |
| Patron | St. Francis of Assisi |
| Annual Feast Day | October 4 |
| Estd | 2018 |
| Catholics | 02 |
| Clergy | Fr. Joseph Rodrigues |
| Religious House |
|---|
| Divine Zeal Sadan (FDZ) | M. 9633134517 |
| Institution |
|---|
| St. Francis School | M. 9058491199 |
47. ST. DOMINIC'S MISSION, SHIKOHABAD
Shikohabad mission was started by Fr. Thomas Varikil, MST, in 1990 in a rented building. On 2nd Dec. 2005 Mar Mathew Vaniakizhakkel laid the foundation stone for the new School building in the village Booda on the Shikhohabad - Agra Highway. The school began functioning in the year 2007. The Adoration Sisters of Jagdalpur Province collaborate in the missionary activities over here. The following are the parish priests:
| Fr. George Chekkathadathil | 2005 - 2010 |
| Fr. Sebastian Kuttikkattil | 2010 - 2016 |
| Fr. Jinosh Kottayil | 2016 - 2018 |
| Fr. Thomas Ezhikad | 2018 - 2020 |
| Fr. Geo Chekkathadathil | 2020 - |
| Address | St. Dominic's Academy Booda, Agra Road Shikohabad - 205 135 Firozabad Dt. |
| Mobile | 9219412133 |
| E-mail | stdominicsacademy@gmail.com |
| Patron | St. Dominic |
| Annual Feast Day | August 8 |
| Estd. | 2007 |
| Catholics | 50 |
| Clergy | Fr. Geo Chekkathadathil |
| Religious House |
|---|
| St. Dominic's Adoration Convent (SABS) | M. 9219440910 |
| Institution: |
|---|
| St. Dominic's Academy | M. 9219412133 |
48. HOLY FAMILY CHURCH, TUNDLA
The Church of the Holy Family was built in 1856 chiefly to look after the spiritual needs of railway employees consisting of Europeans and Anglo-Indians. Until 1967 this Church was visited by a priest from Agra to conduct services on Sundays and feast days. In the course of time the work of the Church developed and extended its services to the nearby villages and hundreds were baptized. Unfortunately these people became apostates. Fr. Pius, Fr. Peter Celestine, Fr. Clement and
Fr. Francis Lobo worked in the parish up to 1970.
On June 28, 1970 Fr. K. C. Thomas was appointed resident priest. On July 3, 1972 he opened Christ the King English medium school in a rented building. Later in September 1972, Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph from Madras arrived to lend a helping hand in the Parish.
In 1978, Christ the King School was shifted from the rented building to the place purchased by the Archdiocese on the Agra-Kanpur Highway. The school was upgraded to a High School in 1985.
A new plot of land was purchased in September 2007 to relocate the primary sections. On August 15, 2008, the construction of the first phase of Christ the King Primary School commenced. In July 2009, the K.G. sections, in July 2010 Classes I to III and the rest of Primary Section in 2012 were relocated in the new campus; also the school was raised to Senior Secondary level. The following are the parish priests:
| Fr. Thomas K. C. | 1972 - 1985 |
| Fr. Blaise Gonsalves | 1985 - 1986 |
| Fr. George Paul | 1986 - 1987 |
| Fr. Paul Thannickal | 1987 - 1988 |
| Fr. Jose Akkara | 1988 - 1994 |
| Fr. Antony C. J. | 1994 - 1995 |
| Fr. Simon Lopez | 1995 - 1996 |
| Fr. Paul Thannickal | 1996 - 2001 |
| Fr. George Paul | 2001 - 2007 |
| Fr. Mathew Kumblumoottil | 2007 - 2013 |
| Fr. Andrew Correia | 2013 - 2019 |
| Fr. Jipson Palatty | 2019 - |
| Address | Holy Family Church C/o Christ the King School Gandhipuram, Tundla - 283 204 Firozabad (Dt.) |
| E-mail | holyfamilychurchtundla@gmail.com |
| Patron | Holy Family of Nazareth |
| Annual Feast Day | Feast of Holy Family |
| Estd | 1856 |
| Catholics | 160 |
| Clergy | Fr. Jipson Palatty (PP) |
| | Fr. Joseph Kr. Pasala (APP) |
| Religious Houses |
|---|
| Loretto Convent (FSJ) | T. 229277 |
| St. Francis Monastery-Aradhana (PCC) | M. 6207221319 |
| St. Francis Provincialate (FSJ) | M. 9457481567 |
| Institutions |
|---|
| Masih Vidyapeeth (Regional Philosophate) |
| Christ the King Primary School | T. 7500051591 |
| Christ the King Inter College | T.9012999972 |
| St. Dominic's Hospital | T. 228292 |