History

The Diocese of Jagdalpur covers the civil division of Bastar in Chhattisgarh state. It was a part of Vishakhapatanam diocese. On August 15, 1966 Bastar was separated from Vishakhapatanam diocese and added to the then Apostolic Prefecture of Raipur. The members of S.F.X congregation started working here.

On March 23, 1972 Bastar was separated from Raipur and a new ecclesial unit called Exarchate of Jagdalpur was erected. The exarchate was entrusted to the then St. Joseph's Province of CMI congregation and Paulinus Jeerakath CMI was appointed as the exarch by the Papal Bull "Indorum Gentes".
 
Again the Jagdalpur was raised as eparchy of Jagdalpur and Msgr. Paulinus was appointed as the eparch by the Papal Bull "Nobismetipsis" of Pope Paul VI dated February 26, 1977. The Episcopal Consecration of Msgr. Paulinus was on May 11, 1977 at Mannanam of Kerala. Bishop Paulinus was called to eternal rest on August 6, 1990.
 
Fr Kurian Macheril, cmi, was elected as the Diocesan Administrator on August 10, 1990.

Bp SIMON STOCK PALATHRA
Born : Oct. 11, 1935 
Priestly Ordn. : Dec. 01, 1964                
Episcopal Ordn. : Mar. 19, 1993

Address:
Bishop's House
Lal Bagh
Jagdalpur - 494 001
Chhattisgarh.
 
Tel: (07782) 22 82 93, 22 83 07
Fax: (07782) 22 83 07
E-mai: bishopjg@sancharnet.in
 
Area: 39176 sq. kms.  
Total population: 26,72,651
Christians: 16,695
Catholics: 5,557
Languages spoken: Hindi and many tribal dialects. 
Revenue districts: Kanker, Bastar and Dantewada.  
 
Statistics
Diocesan Clergy: 06
Religious Priests: 50
Religious Brothers: 08
Religious Women: 250
No. of Parishes: 11
Houses of Men Religious: 06
 
Formation Houses
Major Seminary: 01 
Minor Seminaries: 05
Others: 05
 
No. of Educational Institutions
Sr. Secondary Schools (10+2): 03
High Schools (10th std.): 05
Primary Schools: 17
Hospitals: 03
Beds: 50
Dispensaries: 21
Other Institutions: 06
Beneficiaries (Annual): 35