History

The history of the advent of mission activities in Khandwa region began with the coming of the Missionaries of St. Francis De Sales to Asirgarh Fort in 1866. They operated in those days from Nagpur. The first of them was Rev. Fr. Amedeys Delalex who as a military chaplain of Jabalpur, had to visit periodically the Asirgarh Fort, which was not very far from Khandwa. In 1870 Rev. Fr. J. Thevenet built a small chapel at Khandwa and in 1880 he built a Church in Gothic style, which was solemnly blessed by Dr. Meurin, Vicar Apostolic of Bombay, in the presence of Bishop Tissot of Vishakpatanam. Rev. Fr. Souchon was the first resident parish priest from 1880 to 1888. Gradually Khandwa became the headquarters of mission work. The Franciscan missionaries contributed a major share to this cause especially in places like Khandwa, Aulia, Sirpur, etc. It was in 1932 that the SVD missionaries came to India and this area was then entrusted to their care. Then onwards the Divine Word Missionaries active in both East and West Nimar were instrumental in spreading the Word of God and establishing the local church. Khandwa was part of Indore Diocese.

The Diocese of Khandwa was erected on February 3, 1977 by the Papal Bull "Apostolico Officio" of Pope Paul VI. It comprises of the four civil districts of Khandwa, Bhurhanpur, Barwani and Khargone, also called East and West Nimar districts, separated from Indore diocese. Bp Abraham Viruthakulangara was appointed the First Bishop of Khandwa. In 1997 he was Transferred and appointed as the Archbishop of Nagapur.

Bishop Arockia Sebastian Durairaj, S.V.D
Born: May 03, 1957
Priestly Ordn: May 08, 1985
Appointed Bishop of Khandwa: May 11, 2009
Episcopal Ordn : July 16, 2009

Address:
Bishop of Khandwa
Bishop's House,
Khandwa 450 001
Madhya Pradesh.  
        
Tel(0733) 22 22 935 (O), 22 23 603 (P)
Fax: (0733) 22 24 038
E-mail: khandwadiocese@gmail.com , durairajsvd@bsnl.in
Website: http://www.khandwadiocese.org/

Area: 24,000 sq. kms.
Total population: 4,241,250
Catholics: 30,436
Languages spoken: Hindi, Nimari, Bhilali, Korku
Revenue districts: Khandwa, Bhurhanpur, Khargone and Barwani 
 
Statistics
Diocesan Clergy: 43
Religious Priests: 15
Religious Brothers: 11
Religious Women: 249
Members of Secular Institute : 04
No. of Parishes: 30
No. of Parish substations: 90
Houses of Women Religious: 47
Houses of Men Religious: 06
 
Formation Houses
Minor Seminaries: 02
For Women Religious: 04
 
Educational and Health Institutions
Training Centres: 04
Students: 148            
Technical Institution: 01
Students: 50
Hr. Sec. Schools (10+2): 06
Students: 2870
High Schools (10th std.): 05
Students: 4199
Primary Schools: 19
Students: 9987
Hospitals: 03
Beds: 210
Dispensaries: 20
Beneficiaries (Annual): 65700
Boarding for Boys and Girls: 21
Beneficiaries: 2214