The mission property at Castair’s Town was originally known as the Paikpara Raj House. It was bought by Fr. Alex Bombera TOR in 1967 from his Christmas donations of the year. Fr. Alex renovated it. He used to say Mass there commuting from Charkapathar to Deoghar. From 1968 Fr. Abraham Kadanthott was the first resident diocesan priest there. The TOR’s moved in from October 1969 and started the St. Francis School from January 12, 1970. Fr. Aloysius Kattady TOR was the first Principal and Parish Priest. According to the Baptismal Registers the following were posted at Deoghar: Fr. Aloysius Kattady TOR (1970-72); Fr. Conrad Kunnappally TOR 1974; Fr. Thomas Panikaruparampil TOR (1976-79); Fr. Ferdinand TOR (1978); Fr. George Thennattil TOR 1980; Fr. Jose Chakkalackal TOR 1982, Fr. Mathew P.C. TOR (1981-84); Fr. Aloysius TOR (1986-87); Fr. Job Edakalathur TOR (1988-1991); Fr. Marianus Kujur TOR (1993-94); Fr. Thomas Puthukary TOR (1993-94); Fr. Mathew Kanayinkal TOR (1994-95); Fr. Vimal Kisku TOR (1996); Fr. Alphonse Ekka (1996-99); Fr. John Kochuchira TOR (1999-2000); Fr. Augustine Kolapura (2001-04); Fr. Walter Xavier TOR (2005); Fr. Thomas Chittoo TOR (2005-07); Fr. Ferdinand (2006). Total number of catholics baptized at Deoghar 146 but the mass attendance is about 200; there is a catholic cemetery at Nandan Pahar acquired in 1976-79.

Dedicated to St. Thomas Dulabitha was a substation of Belatanr. It was separated in 1982. Fr. Celestine Murmu was the first resident priest there. The new church was built by Fr. C.J. Mathew ad blessed on May 3, 1994. According to the Baptismal Registers the following were at Dulabitha: Fr. Scaria Kollerette (1983-90), Fr. C.J. Mathew (1990-93); Fr. Devasia M.A. (1993-94); Fr. Joachim Viegas (1995-99); Fr. Samuel Murmu (2000); Fr.Simon Kujur (2001); Fr. Thomas Kozhimala; Fr. Simon Murmu (2001- ). Number of Catholics 800; families 180; villages 20.
 

Fr. Westropp S.J. used to go to Dumaria from Harimohra in the early 1930’s and had a good number of Santhals baptized there. Fr. Thadeus Mudry TOR residing in Harimohra built up the place carrying cement bags on his motorcycle! Only from 1971 a priest started living there. The Dumaria Church of St. Jude was blessed on 26th October 1969. After Fr. Tad’s death in 1976 there was no resident priest there. Mass was given from Harimohra. St. Ann’s Sisters came in 1983 when Fr. Jose Kunnupuram started living there. The new presbytery was built by Fr. Mathew Kaithara who planted hundreds of seasum trees in the compound. After Kaithara comes Fr. James Koorkakala and then Fr. Alphonse F. who is parish priest now. Dumaria has 1106 Catholics in 233 families living about 40 villages. Dumaria has a pucca road from Bhaljor till the mission under the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana. Many of Dumaria Catholics are well educated and have jobs in various parts of Bihar and Jharkhand. Dumaria had some priestly and religious vocations also.

Garhi was separated from Belatanr on 3rd May 2007. Fr. Francis Murmu is the new Father- In- Charge. The Holy Cross Sisters are there already running the school and dispensary. It was Fr. Mathew Kaithara who started work there some years ago. He has planted hundreds of seasum trees in the compound.

Fr. E. DcMeulder S.J. was the pioneer at Giridih. The Australian Jesuits from Hazaribag continued the work. The big Carmel Sisters’ chapel was for long used as the parish church built by Sr. Patiricia in 1966 and blessed by Bp. Leo Tigga S.J. on October 10, 1966. A marble slab in front of the chapel names Mr. Harold G. Seer and Fr. Schill S.j. as benefactors. Giridih became part of Bhagalpur in 1970. The church of Christ the King was built by Fr. Mathew Chennatt and blessed on 1st May 1988 by Bp. Urban McGarry TOR. The priests’ residence was also built earlier by Fr. Chennatt (4th August 1990). Baptismal Register 1965 onwards. The parish priests were Fr. Jacob Kollamparampil; Fr. Scaria Kollerette; Fr. Jerome Barboza; Fr. Manuel Mulavelil; Fr. George Thymoo; Fr. Thomas Vetticad; Fr. Joseph Vetticad. Fr. Chacko Kumpalamchira was parish priest for some years 1996-2004) after whom Fr. Gregory Kuttickal took charge as parish priest in 2004. There are four congregations of Sisters at Giridih viz. CSST (Carmel), M.C. Sisters, JMJ Sisters (Bajoria Hospital) and Holy Cross Sisters (College girls’ hostel). Giridih has a mixed congregation of Ranchi adivasis, Bettiah people, south Indians and Santhals. The church is full on Sundays and Feast Days. Total number of Catholics 1116, number of families 200; BCC active (12 units).

Godda has a true copy of a document dated 21st August 1889 transferring certain landed property from the diocese of Allahabad to the Archdiocese of Calcutta. But it was abandoned except for the present mission property that the Patna Jesuits occupied in 1930. The old priests’ house was built by Fr. Ernst S.J. in 1940. Fr. A. Petit S.J. was the first resident priest who baptized the first Santhal Christian on 26-10-1930. The present church was built by Fr. Thomas Kozhimala and blessed on December 1, 1982. The new presbytery built by Fr. Varghese Azhaketh and blessed on 03-04-1996. There is a pucca village chapel at Daldali where Mass is celebrated every Sunday (11 k.m. from Godda) Church blessed in 1989. Number of Catholics 1785, catholic families 300, villages 75, Distance from Bhagalpur 65 k.m.

Among the TOR Fathers who were parish priest at Godda mention must made of Fr. Robert TOR, and Fr. Aquinas TOR, Fr. Simon Engler TOR, Fr. George Thymoottil was the first diocesan priest to be posted there; followed by Fr. Thomas Kozhimala. Then Fr. Varghese Azhaketh (1988-98); Fr. James Valiapura took over in 1998; Fr. James is the Diocesan Animator of Krus Vir for many years.

Gokhla is the Mother House of the Franciscan TOR’s and has witnessed many historic events like Jubilees, transfer of powers and burials. It has the community cemeteries of the TOR’s and the CTC’s. FR. Gibbons S.J. bought the biggest zamindari land for the mission in the early 1930’s and built a sundial there to recon the time o day because few people could afford watches in those days. (Unfortunately the sundial is no more there as it was demolished to grow ‘jondra’ (corn) there by a thoughtless pastor). The first baptism recorded at Gokhla is dated 26th January 1930 by Fr. Jim Creane S.J. The church dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi was built by the Patna Jesuits and renovated by Fr. Benvenute TOR and again modified recently by Fr. Job Edakulathoor TOR. The Baptismal Registers show the following names: Fr. A.S. Petit S.J. 1930; Fr. F. Stoy S.J. 1930; Fr. Brennen S.J. (1937-38); Fr. R. Bohn S.J. (1938-39); Fr. Gabriel Stephen TOR (1940-41); Fr. Aquinas Lieb TOR (1941-42); (1954-55); Fr. Frank TOR (1943); Fr. Boniface (1945-47); Fr. P. Boland TOR (1946-47); Fr. Mark 1949; Fr. Simon Engler TOR (1950); Fr. Thadeus Mudry TOR; Fr. Marianus TOR; Fr. Alex Bombera TOR; Fr. Anthony Xalxo TOR; Fr. Dionis Kiro TOR, Fr. Joseph Hansdak TOR; Fr. Martin Broadhead TOR; Fr. Alex; (1954-1962); Fr. Stanislaus Muru TOR 91965-68); Fr. Conrad Kunnappally TOR (1969-70); (1985-89); Fr. Michael Edamanapadavil TOR (1970-72); Fr. A. Xalxo TOR (1973); Fr. Benvenute Elavuthumkal TOR (1976-79); Fr. Augustine Neerampuzha TOR (1980; 1983); Fr. Aloysius TOR (1984); Fr. Anthony Ramanattu TOR (1984); Fr. Anthony Kudupadam (1986); Fr. Marion TOR 1989; 1994; Fr. Philip Paruvanany TOR (1994-95); Fr. Gabriel Baskey TOR (1997-98); Fr. Marion (1998-2002); Fr. Job Edakalathoor TOR (2002-07). Catholic population 4000; families 500; There is a TB Center run by the Fathers but taken care of by the CTC Sisters. Gokhla celebrated the Platinum Jubilee of St. Stanislaus Boys’ School and St. Michael’s Girls’ School on 10th November 2004 when the Minister General Fr. Ilija Zivkovic TOR and Archbishop Benedict Osta S.J. of Patna; Thomas Kozhimala, Bishop of Bhagalpur; and Julius Marandi, Bishop of Dumka concelebrated Mass with about 50 priests and witnessed by the former Mother General of the Sacred Heart Sisters (Patna) and Provincial Superior of Presentation Sisters of Madras who were pioneers at Gokhla. Gokhla has produced a number of priests and religious vocations.

Fr. Kilian S.J. was the first resident priest at Harimohra. Baptism recorded from March 4, 1930. The church was built by Fr. Anthony Xalxo TOR and blessed on 6th May 1969. The new presbytery was built by Fr. Michael Kallamplackal and blessed on 29-03-1993. Fr. James Alumkal made further additions to priests’ house. After the Patna Jesuits, Fr. Boniface Bonk TOR was parish priest at Harimohra. Fr. Thadeus Mudry TOR was also there going to Dumaria for Sunday Mass. Fr. Gregory Kuttickal built the boys hostel. Fr. Mathew Chennatt was there and then Fr. Michael Kallamplackal. Fr. James Alumkal was parish priest for a long time. Then the present parish priest Fr. Paul Kundorpallil. During the Bihar famine 1968-69, Fr. Jacob Nampiaparampil TOR built the mud road from the river bed as far as the Salaiya village employing hundreds of people for a few months thus saving them from starvation. For many years there was no bridge across the river. But there is a narrow bridge across the river under the D.M.’s quota. During the summer months there is a scarcity of water in the campus i.e. both the convent schools, hostels ad the Father’s compound. For bathing and washing clothes children go to the river bed and dig holes till they find water under the sand-pretty primitive. That is how the villagers survive. The Nirmala Girls’ High school was the first school to be recognized by the government scale. Children also get stipends. The convent of the CTC has the largest community in Bhagalpur i.e. twelve members in all. The catholic population is 2420 in 50 vilages. Catholic families number 100. Harimohra is a Pilgrimage place to honour the Holy Cross which is celebrated on a mountain top south of Harimohra. There were lots of vocations from Harimohra.

Started from 10-03-2002. No. of baptisms 13 only. The Principal of St. Joseph’s School acts as the parish priest who sometimes goes to help Jamtara (of Patna diocese) nearby. Fr. E. O. Chacko 2002-2005, Fr. Rayapan S. (2005 –) . On Sundays some of the government officers attend Mass. The number fluctuates during holidays

The property was bought in 1999. Fr. Mathew Chennatt was appointed Father-in-Charge on February 26, 2000. Number of baptisms so far is 146. The church was blessed by Fr. Varghese Azhaketh, Administrator on October 24, 2005. There are 2 sub-stations Karwathari, on the Deoghar-Giridih Road, 15 k.m. from Jasidih. The TOR fathers from Deoghar used to visit Karwathari from 1981. Fr. Chennatt bought 5 acres of land there, and started a school. Sajani is 10 k.m. from Jasidih and Fr. Chennatt bought 4 decimals of land. Sajani has 18 families of which 3 are under instruction. The Clarist Sisters from St. Francis (Jr.) School and others from St. Francis Hospital attend Mass on Sundays. On week days Fr. Chennatt says Mass alternately. Fr. Joseph is the Assistant Priest at Jasidih but spends his time in Karwathari. Deoghar being the district headquarters, and Jasidih an industrial belt, there is always a floating congregation of adivasis from Ranchi and other places

Jhajha being a Railway Colony had catholics for over 50 years. But there was no resident priest there. It was taken care of from Chakai. It was Fr. Daniel T. Rice S.J. who built the church there. Fr. Thomas Vetticad was the first diocesan priest stationed at Jhajha. Baptismal Register shows the names of Fr. Daniel T. Rice S.J. (1966-70); Fr. Thomas Vetticad (1969-72); Fr. A. C. Mathew (1972-74); Fr. Joseph Cheruchilampil (1975); Fr. George Thymoottil (1982-83); Fr. Jerry Barboza (1983-88); Fr. Joachim Viegas (1988-89); Fr. John Hembrom (1997-98); Fr. A. C. Mathew (2nd time) 1998-2005; Fr. Chrisostom Besra (2006- ). There is sub-station, Gotari where Mass is celebrated now and then. Total number of Catholics (regular) only 100. Families 50; village 25. During holidays the numbers drop drastically. Fathers-in-Charge also acted as Principals of the English Medium School upto 10th Standard. Fr. Chrisostom has made a lot of modifications at the presbytery and the school. The whole place is done up with artful designs. The cemetery is used for both Catholics and Protestants.

Fr. James Alumkal, while he was at Harimohra used to visit Kaniketh, and started a school there on April 18, 2003. Fr. Alu moved out of Harimohra and settled in Kaniketh from 16.01.2005. He has a good piece of land, and Alu has planted many fruit trees in the compound that the school children take care of during the period for manual work. There are 100 catholics. Father James has contact with 35 families in 25 villages. The SMI’s arrived on April 18, 2003. (Fr. James says he will build a parish church only when he has a 100 families as his flock). In the meanwhile a room in his house is used as a Sunday Girja. If more people come, then they go to the Sister’s chapel. With a puccha road all the way from Bounsi, Kaniketh is easily reached in 10 minutes from the main road (ie Bhagalpur-Bounsi). Fr. James has built the school, boarding houses for boys and girls and the SMI convent with dispensary attached. The prospects are bright indeed!

Originally sub-station of Poreyahat, Hariari had Christians from 1930. Due to non-availability of land at Hariari a piece of land was acquired at Kathibari where the friary was built in 1973 through the efforts of Fr. Benvenute TOR. The Church was blessed on 27th April 1977. Baptism Register records the following names: Fr. John Kilian S.J. (1930); Fr. H. Westropp S.J. (1933); Fr. Francis Stoy S.J. (1933); Fr. E. A. Scott S.J. (1934); Fr. B. Ernst S.J. (1935); Fr. J. A. Creane S.J. (1938); Fr. Mark TOR (1943); Fr. Aquinas Lieb TOR (1947); (1954-55); Fr. Robert TOR (1955); (1960); Fr. Peter Busch TOR (1961-62); Fr. Dionis Kiro TOR (1966); Fr. Boniface TOR (1966); Fr. Benvenute TOR (1968-76); Fr. Boniface TOR (1977-80); Fr. A. Xalxo TOR 1981; 84; 88; Fr. Dionis TOR (1989); Fr. Gabriel Baskey (1990-91); Fr. Anthony Kudupadampil TOR (1992-99); Fr. Job Edakulathoor TOR (1999); Fr. Vimal Kisku TOR (2000); Fr. Job Edakukathoor TOR (2001-2004); Fr. Michael Edamana TOR (2005- ). Number of Catholics 3000+; families 458; villages 29;  Distance from Bhagalpur 94 k.m.

On the Bhagalpur-Jamui Road 70 k.m. from Bhagalpur is the Kharagpur Nazari Mission which was handed over to the diocese from Patna in 1984. The mission house was there from 1964. Because of the missionaries being involved in liberation of Santhals from money lenders, it was the target of a dacoity organized by the upper class Hindus in 1975. the house was looted and set on fire. Fr. Francis Mattathani was brutally beaten up. Even the CTC Sisters were harassed, but the work continued. Fr. Mathew Kaithara was the first diocesan priest to reside at Kharagpur. Fr. Chacko E.O. built a temple like Church, the first of its kind in the diocese and blessed by the Archbishop of Patna Rt. Rev. Benedict Osta, S.J. on 21-12-1996. Parish Priests of Kharagpur mentioned in the records: Fr. Francis Mittathani (1970-80); Fr. J. A. Grollig S.J. (1980-82); Fr. Mathew A.C. (1981-86); Fr. Jose P.K. (1987-89); Fr. E.O. Chacko (1992-97); Fr. Joseph C. (1998-2000); Fr. Thomas Vetticad (2000- ). Number of Catholics 220; Number o Families 44; Villages 6.

A sub-station of Maheshmunda was separated at the end of 1988. Fr. Simon Murmu was the first resident priest who lived on a room adjacent to the first church built by Fr. Mathew A.C. in 1984; the residence was built by Fr. Simon Murmu. Fr. Stephen P.K. built the new Church which was blessed on 28th April 2005. Fr. Stephen built the school and convent; Middle School has 850 children. High School has 250 children. Fr. Stephen is there from 1998 (ten years now). Catholics number 600; 70 families. Distance from Bhagalpur 210 k.m.

Originally part of Baccha, Fr. Lucas Arulappa started work at Kusumba in 1989. Earlier Fr. Mathew Chennatt was there for a while. The church dedicated to St. Theresa of the Child Jesus built by Fr. Lucas and blessed on 06-02-1991. The parish priests listed are: Fr. Lucas Arulappa (1989-98); Fr. Joachim Jacob (2000); Fr. Gabriel Marandi (2000); Fr. Simon Murmu (2002-03); Fr. Amal Raj (2005-2007), Fr. Mukti Prakash Minj ( 2007- ). Due to the efforts of one Mr. Thakur who was M.P. and now Governor of Orissa there are good roads till Ganti; there is a small bridge across the river near the mission. The Ursuline Sisters from Ranchi started their convent in Kusumba on 12-03-2005. Catholics 1101; families 203; villages 21. Distance from Bhagalpur 70 k.m.

Leela was a sub-station of Gokhla for many years. Fr. Stanislaus Murmu TOR was the first resident priest but it was at the time of Fr. Michael Edamana TOR that the church was built and blessed in 1971. Fr. Mathew Athikalam was the first diocesan priest t Leela. Fr. Creane S.J. baptized some people of Leela in 1933. The Baptism Records show Fr. Stanislaus Murmu TOR (1966-68); Fr. Dionis Kiro TOR (1972); Fr. Boniface TOR (1972); Fr. Augustine Peedikamala TOR (1976); Fr. Mathew Athikalam (1981-83); Fr. Kurien Valiakandathil (1983); Fr. Celestine Murmu (1986-97); Fr. Kurien Valiakandathil (1997-2006); Fr. James Koorkakala (2006- ). Taking care of scores of poor people affected by T.B. and Kalazar by Fr. Kurien and the SMI Sisters brought in a rich harvest of souls at Leela till the Father’s transfer to St. John’s Seminary Bhagalpur. A new bridge near Leela makes the place more accessible from late 2006. Number of Catholics 4000, families 900; villages 29. Distance from Bhagalpur 72 k.m.

Fr. Delvaux S.J. is reported to have started Mahehmunda in 1943. In 1946 he was transferred to Chipadhohar in Palamau. Fr. E. DcMulder S.J. went to Maheshmunda in 1953 and built up the place. Maheshmunda became part of Bhagalpur in 1970. Fr. Jacob Kollamparampil was the first diocesan priest to reside at Maheshmunda. Baptismal Records show the following names: Fr. Socnen S.J. (1933); Fr. J. Horo S.J. (1933-34); Fr. G. Benne S.J. (1937); Fr. B. Soubolle S.J. (1941); Fr. E. De Meulder S.J. (1943-55); Fr. H. Bolding S.J. (1956); Fr. G. Sullivan (1958); Fr. P. Schill S.J. (1962); Fr. Z. Forester S.J. (1963); Fr. Hans Henricks S.J. (1965); Fr. P. Schill S.J. (1965); Fr. Jacob Kollamparampil 01.06.1970; Fr. J. Mulloor (1971); Fr. Chacko Kumpalamchira (1972); Fr. P. Kundorpally (1974-78); Fr. Mathew Chennatt (1979); Fr. A. C. Mathew (1980-83); Fr. Joseph Vetticad (1984); Fr. Thomas Vetticad (1985-86); Fr. Michael Kallamplackal (1988); Fr. Peter Goveas (1988); Fr. Gregory Kuttickal (1998-2005); Fr. Clement Besra (2005- ). Total number of Catholics 2500; families 460; villages 38.  Distance from Bhagalpur 200 k.m. It may be noted that the life statues of the Nativity, of the Resurrection of Christ etc. erected by Fr. DeMeulder S.J. can still be seen in the Maheshmunda compound. The church of St. Pius X was constructed by the Australian Jesuits.