History

The Archdiocese of Delhi was set up in June 4, 1959. It consists of the neighboring state of Harayana, viz Gurgaon, Faridabad, Rohtak, Rewari, Mahindergarh, Jhajjar and Sonepat, covering an area of over 15,400 sq.km. The Catholic population is about 85,000 approximately. In 1959 the Archdiocese of Delhi had only 10 churches. We now have in all 47 parishes and stations and 75 diocesan priests. We have a large number of religious - 137 priest, 43 brothers and 539 sisters. They are involved in institutional services mainly in the field of education and health care. Archbishop Joseph Fernandes was the first Indian Archbishop of Delhi. Archbishop Angelo Fernandes succeeded him in 1967 and retired in 1990 and Bp Alan Basil de Lastic took over as the new Archbishop on January 27, 1991. After the tragic death of Archbishop Alan de Lastic, Archbishop Vincent M. Concessao was appointed Archbishop of Delhi and installed on November 19, 2000.

Chetanalaya, the social service wing of the archdiocese extends its services to the most deserving poor and marginalized. It organizes educational and vocation training programmes not only in Delhi but also in the districts of Haryana.

The two lay apostolates that have in recent times been making headway are the Charismatic Movement and Small Christian Communities. While the Charismatic Movement focuses on personal renewal, the Small Christian Communities lead Christians from reflection on God's word to reflection on reality and what needs to be done to transform it keeping in mind the plan of God.

Abp VINCENT M. CONCESSAO
Born : Sep. 28,1936
Priestly Ordn.: Dec. 04, 1961
Episcopal Ordn.: Apr. 01, 1995

 
Aux. Bp FRANCO MULAKKAL
Born : Mar. 25,1964
Priestly Ordn.: Apr. 21, 1990
Appointed Aux. Bp of Delhi : Jan. 17, 2009

Address: 
Archbishop's House
1, Ashok Place
New Delhi - 110 001.
 
Tel: (011) 23 34 34 57, 23 36 20 58        
Fax: (011) 23 74 65 75
E-mail: archbish@vsnl.com, archbish@ndf.net.in
 
Area: 15,400 sq. kms
Total population: 19,500,000
Catholics: 85,000 (Approx.)
Languages spoken: Hindi, English, Malayalam, Tamil and Konkani
Revenue districts: 7 and the Capital Territory of Delhi
 
Statistics
Diocesan Clergy: 75
Religious Priests: 137
Religious Brothers: 43
Religious Women: 539
No. of Parishes: 46
Houses of Women Religious: 57
Houses of Men Religious: 21
 
Formation Houses
Major Seminaries: 02
Minor Seminary: 01
Others: 21
 
No. of Educational Institutions
P. G. Depts. / Colleges: 01
Colleges: 01
Technical Institutions: 02
Sr. Secondary Schools (10+2): 26
High Schools (10th std.): 13
Primary Schools: 12
Hospitals: 02
Dispensaries: 05