Eastern Province

The Pioneers

1st November 2021 was a red-letter day in the annals of the Eastern Province. The 18th community of the Province was erected in Khagaul Parish at Manthan in the Archdiocese of Patna, Bihar. Bishop William Dsouza the Emeritus Archbishop of Patna was supportive of this new venture. The Eucharistic celebration was officiated by Fr Donald Miranda SJ Provincial Superior of Patna Province, concelebrated by Fr. Juno the superior of the community, Fr Susai Raj, the Socious to Provincial and the Parish Priest of Kahagul and priests from the Jesuit Community at Manthan. Sr Anita Moras, the Provincial Councillor and a few representatives from the parish graced the occasion.

Sr Shaila, the Provincial Superior read out the Decree of Canonical erection issued by Sr Rose Celine BS, Superior General. Thereafter Sr Gracy Natal was installed as the Superior with Sr Agnes Soren and Sr Pushpika Kullu as members. The community members were then felicitated followed by a fellowship meal.

The purpose of opening a community at Khagaul, Danapur is to collaborate in the mission (Socio-Pastoral Apostolate) with the Patna Jesuits, to reach out to the least and the lost. Jesuits have been working with the Mahadalit Communities for more than 40 years and have opted to work with Musahars (Manjhis), the lowest in the social strata. Manthan, Centre for Social Action and Research concentrates on working with the Musahars (Manjhis) mainly on education, women empowerment, human right, health and nutrition etc.

Sr Gracy Natal is the Assistant Director of the Centre at Manthan, in-charge of an education programme run in the villages for children from class I – VII, and animating the adolescent girls’ groups. Sr Agnes Soren and Sr Pushpika Kullu are assistants to Long Term Residential Program (LTRP) in Manthan.

Year of Establishment: 01.11.2021