Barwadih, India. The community of Catholic Ashram Barwadih inaugurated and blessed its new residence on 05 March 2023. Fr. Sabu Koottarappallil, CMF, the Provincial Superior of Bangalore, declared it open while Most Rev. Theodore Mascarenhas, Apostolic Administrator of the diocese of Daltonganj, blessed it in the presence of a large gathering of the faithful.
The Claretians of the Province of Bangalore have been working in Barwadih mission for over 26 years. All these years the missionaries remained and worked through very humble dwelling, feeling one with the people. Though many a times need was felt for better facilities for the missionaries, priority was given to the infrastructure needed for the apostolic activities like parish church, school, hostel, dispensary, etc.
On 05 March 2023, their long cherished dream of a proper house came true. After the blessing of the new house, Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas presided the solemn Sunday Eucharist. In his felicitation, Bishop Theodore applauded and explained how the Claretians through their services in the diocese, especially at Barwadih and Barikhajuri missions, make a difference in the lives of the people. Through this community, the Claretians carry out a variety of ministries in care of the local people.
Today the community has a well-developed parish with its substations; there is a steadily growing English Medium School, besides the local language schools in the villages. The English medium school also has good hostel facilities. Over the years, the community has developed one of the best healthcare centers of the area, which provides affordable and quick services. The community engages in a host of other social activities aimed at welfare of the people.
Source: Fr. Xavier Pereira, Bangalore Provincial Secretary.
