The diocese of Ajmer comprises of twelve districts namely Ajmer, Jodhpur, Kota, Barmer, Bundi, Jalore, Jhalwar, Pali, Sirohi, Tonk, Jaisalmer and Baran in the State of Rajasthan.
In July 1890 the Holy See detached a very large portion of the Archdiocese of Agra to make a new unit, the Rajasthan Mission, entrusting it to the Capuchin Fathers of the Paris Province who were to work under the supervision of the Archbishop.
In March 1892, the new mission became the Prefecture Apostolic of Rajputana, and in 1913, the then Prefect Rt. Rev. Fortunatus Henry Caumont, OFM. Cap. was appointed the first Bishop of Ajmer. On March 11, 1935 parts of the Dioceses which were in the present state of Madhya Pradesh, were detached to become part of the newly erected Prefecture Apostolic of Indore.
The Diocese was handed over to the Diocesan clergy on May 9, 1949. By the decree of the Holy See dated June 21, 1951. Bandikui with its sub-station Alwar was transferred for geographical and administrative reasons from Agra Archdiocese to Ajmer Diocese. However the Agra Archdiocese retained the jurisdiction over the districts of Bharatpur and Dholpur.
By another decree of the Holy See dated May 13, 1955 the name of the diocese was changed to Ajmer-Jaipur. By decree of the Sacred Congregation for Evangelisation of People (Prot.no.1332/81 dated March 11th 1981) the civil district of Mandasaur was transferred from the jurisdiction of the diocese of Ajmer-Jaipur to that of the Diocese of Indore.
On December 29, 1984 the Holy Father Pope John Paul II, with a decree, divided the Diocese of Ajmer-Jaipur, forming a new diocese named the Catholic Diocese of Udaipur consisting of the districts of Bhilwara, Chittaurgarh, Udaipur, Dungarpur, Banswara and Thandla tehsil. The Holy Father through the same decree appointed Rt. Rev. Joseph Pathalil as it’s first Bishop.
Through a mutual agreement between the diocesan bishop and the Superior General of the Little Flower Congregation, Cochin dated April 25, 1986 the districts of Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Churu, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jhunjhunu, Karoli and Sikar were entrusted to the Little Flower Congregation to carry out the work of Evangelisation, pastoral ministry and development on a permanent basis.
On July 20, 2005, the Holy Father Benedict XVI, with a decree bifurcated the Diocese of Ajmer-Jaipur forming a new Diocese – The Catholic Diocese of Jaipur consisting of the District of Jaipur, Alwar, Bikaner, Churu, Dausa, Sikar and Sri Ganganagar and appointed Most Rev. Oswald Lewis as the bishop of the New Diocese, while the name of the mother Diocese was changed to the Diocese of Ajmer.
HOSPITALS : (17)
AJMER :
St.Francis Hospital, Beawar Road, Ajmer. Rajasthan.305001.
Ph.0145-2423925, 2422925. Beds:150
Holy Family Hospital, Mayo Link Road, Bhatta,Ajmer.Rajasthan.305008.
Ph.0145-2661940, 2660112. Beds: 25
St.Joseph’s Welfare & Maternity Home, Parbatpura. Makhupura P.O, Ajmer. Rajasthan. 305002
Ph : 0145-2695352. Beds : 6
St.Theresa’s Maternity Home, Ladpura, via Gagwana, Ajmer. Rajasthan. 305023.
Ph : 0145-2787547. Beds: 5
Shanti Sadan Maternity Home, Gagwana. Ajmer. Rajasthan. 305023.
Ph : 0145-2787291. Beds: 8
St.Michael’s Welfare Centre, Kesarpura, Saradhna P.O.,Dist. Ajmer. Rajasthan. 305206.
Ph.0145782269. Beds:5
Nirmal Kalyan Kendra Maternity Home, Kanakheri .Srinagar P.O., Ajmer. Rajasthan. 305025.
Ph : 0145-2786203. Beds: 6.
Prem Sadan Social Welfare Centre, Hathikhera Village,Off Foy Sagar Road, Ajmer. Rajasthan. 305001.
Ph : 0145-2431565. Beds: 10.
St.Clare Dispensary & Maternity Home, Bhawanikhera,via. Nasirabad, Ajmer. Rajasthan. 305401.
Ph : 01491-288213. Beds: 5.
St.Maria Goretti Maternity Home, Narbadkhera, Beawar P.O., Ajmer Dt. Rajasthan. 305905.
Ph : 01462- 287306. Beds:5.
KOTA :
Abdul Waheed Memorial Hospital, Gordhanpura- Kotri, Kota. Rajasthan. 324001.
Ph.07442364527. Beds:10
Abdul Waheed Memorial Hospital, Kaithoon, Kota Dt. Rajasthan. 325001.
Ph.0744-2844266. Beds:10
Kota Stone Mariam Hospital, Ramganj Mandi, Dist. Kota .Rajasthan. 326519.
Ph:07459-220190, 220090. Beds: 50
St.Joseph’s Maternity Home, Satelkheri, Ramganjmandi P.O.,Dt. Kota Rajasthan 326519.
Ph.0745 223209 Beds: 4
Salawad Hospital, Mikhelpura, via Ramganj Mandi, Dt. Kota Rajasthan. 326530.
Ph.07459 – 234102 Beds: 20
MT. ABU :
Holy Family Maternity Hospital, Mt. Abu. 307501
Ph : 02974-238483. Beds: 05
DISPENSARIES :
Christ Raja Ashram, Madar.
Martin De Porres, Mirshali, Ajmer.
Missionaries of Charity, Alwar.
Missionaries of Charity, Jodhpur.
Missionaries of Charity, Kota.
Sophia School, Mt. Abu.
St.Mary’s Convent, Ajmer.
St.Mary’s School, Mt. Abu.
P.S.A. Convent, Sirohi.
Destitute Sisters’ Convent, Jaisalmer.
HOME FOR THE DISABLED, AGED & DESTITUTES:
AJMER :
St.Michael’s Welfare Centre, Kesarpura, Saradhna P.O., Ajmer. Rajasthan. 305205.
Ph :0145-782269. Inmates: 03.
Asha Bhawan, Home for disabled children, Near Kusumia School, Madar, Ajmer. 305024
Ph.0145 2671348
JODHPUR :
Missionaries of Charity, 62, Sardarpura Club Scheme, Jodhpur. Rajasthan. 342001.
Ph :0291-640177. Inmates: 15.
KOTA :
Missionaries of Charity, Mala Road, Kota, Rajasthan. 324001.
Ph : 0744-440083. Inmates: 64.
Bishop’s Message
SHEPHERD’S VOICE: APRIL 2017
Crown with Cross:-The humanity rejoices at the resurrection of the Lord, on Easter Sunday. It is the greatest feast of the Christian world, the Christian Church because this feast gives new hope to the suffering humanity that struggle everyday in this world as a pilgrim moving towards its destiny.
Father in heaven, the Creator of this world and mankind, the omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent had pity on his own people, manifested his mercy and compassion, and sent His only Son to liberate them from sin and evil, and thus, restore him back to his Creator. Jesus, His Son like his Mother Mary, too said “yes” to His will – to suffer and to die on the Cross –by saying “Father, not my but thy will be done.” But, that’s not the end of his mission. He rose again on the third day to give us new hope, a new life, a new direction to our life in this world. Thus, he brought the “Good News of salvation by a way of love and mercy. He preached the ‘Good news’, he taught the people, he touched them, relieved their pain and suffering, and thus, “He went about doing good” for everyone without any discrimination. He was entirely committed to his mission without any diversion and distraction, he was totally dedicated to his task without any selfishness and self interest, only doing His Father’s will and only for the glory of His Father who sent him, that everyone who believes in Him and His Gospel may be saved. He showed us the way, acquainted us with the truth to reach that LIFE. He received that glorious crown by means of His Cross. Resurrection on the third day, the EASTER was his crown of glory which he promised to each one of us if we follow his path, walk his way of the cross.
Jesus was condemned to death: But, why?
Jesus came to liberate the people from their sin and evil, from oppression and injustice. He brought salvation to mankind by way of love, mercy and compassion through peaceful means. Jesus was innocent, did no wrong to any one, nor did he condemn anybody except that he pointed out their sins and wrong doings, and asked them to repent and change their life style. It was unacceptable to them! That was too much for the leaders – both religious and political! Change of ways of life – oh no!! But, they were ready to condemn and kill the innocent, and they were comfortable with it! That’s the world even today!!
Who killed Jesus and why?
The people who benefited from his teaching and preaching, good works and miracles! People, who gave him a royal welcome in Jerusalem, later cried out – crucify him?? The Pharisees – Religious leaders, the high priests and the priests of the time felt insecure, thought they were losing their authority and status, control over the people and unfair means of earning money and wealth!! Jesus was a threat to them!! And so, they plotted and conspired against him to get rid of him!
Situation has not changed much even today! Good people suffer; face oppression and injustice in the hands of so called self righteous people in the society! Honesty and sincerity have to pay heavy price! All because of pride, selfishness and hypocrisy!
Jesus is mocked, denied, betrayed and killed even today more often by his own – his chosen ones as Judas did!! Sometimes openly, and the other times quietly and silently! But nothing is hidden from God who searches the depths of our hearts and probes the darkest corners of our life. The worldliness, attachments, materialism, hunger for power and immorality, thirst for authority and status, selfishness and pride, greed and gossip, love for money and possessions which bear counter witness to the world, and thus, cause passion and death of Jesus. The innocent Christ is being killed every day in the hands of his own – by denial and betrayal by the chosen ones!!
Alleluia, the Lord has risen! The Lord is victorious. He has overcome all that is evil and has given us HOPE. This is EASTER! So, there is nothing to be anxious of or worried about. Repentance and change of attitude in life are the only means to survive. We have to save Christ and his Church today in this world. Let us give up our “anti Christ” attitude, surrender to him totally, and commit ourselves to His Kingdom living his Gospel. “Put on Christ”, believe in Him and believe in His Gospel and you will be saved.
“Word of God” for me:
“Without making room for God’s Word, you’ll never be able to love all human life.” Pope Francis.
On tongue:
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, those who love it will eat its fruits.” Prov. 21:23.
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Eph. 4:29.
For “whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit.” 1 Pt. 3:10.
“A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will not escape.” Prov.: 19:5.
“Do any of you think you are religious? If you do not control your tongue your religion is worthless and you deceive yourself.” James: 1:26.
“A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.” Prov.: 15:4.
“On the day of judgement people will give account for every useless word they speak, for by your words you will be judged – to declare you either innocent or guilty.” Mt. 12:36.
God bless you all.
+Pius D’ Souza
Source and Courtesy: http://www.ajmerdiocese.org/
