Holy Rosary Church, Khurda

Vision

To grow as a participatory community of vibrant Christian families, nourishing ourselves on the Word of God and the Sacraments, and proclaiming and propagating gospel values and creation of a just society of Human person living with respect and dignity free from any type of oppression and exploitation.

Mission

To renew the Christian family, to make the parish a fully participatory community, to make the parish a self reliant community and to build up human communities based on Gospel values through various apostolate such as Education, health service, family visit and prayer and social service (Tailoring and Jeevika Project).

Khruda mission was founded in the year 1896 during the terrible famine and cholera epidemic. As a result of poverty and sickness many families migrated to cities leaving behind the children. In this prevailing situation under the heroic leadership of Capuchin priest, Rev. Fr. Symporian, Khurda mission came into existence. Fransiscan Sisters of St. Mary of Angel came to the help of Fr. Symporian. It is said that during that time St. Ann’s boarding Mhow was turned into orphanage as it took the orphans of the famine and cholera epidemic. In the year 1899 English Government offered 500-600 acres of land to mission for the rehabilitation of the orphans. Fr. Symporian built many houses for the people. He also built the church in the year 1903 which still stands and catches the attention of all those who come to pay a visit to our Lord Jesus Christ.

In the year 1903-1904 there was a terrible famine and cholera epidemic. As a consequence the number of orphan children had gone up to six hundred. Some were taken to Thandla and were settled there. The rest of them were settled at Khurda and in the course of time inter-marriage took place among them. On the day of their marriage the newly wedded couple would get a piece of land, one pair of oxen, one bullock cart and some other necessary items. It was hoped and believed that this Christian community would grow and would attract the people of surrounding localities in Christian faith.

In the year 1933, Rev. Fr. Hermann SVD took over the mission responsibility from Capuchin priest. They started a school but due to the lack of interest of the people it was closed down soon. Fr. Hermann tried his level best to spread the Good News in the neighboring villages but somehow did not succeed. Therefore, missionaries were called back from Khurda and for some times they were left alone like sheep without a shepherd. At the same time they were taken care of by the Parish priest of Mhow. In the year 1943 FSMA Sisters handed over their task to the SSpS Sisters because of their inability to continue due to the lack of personnel. Once again in the year 1956 Rev. Felix Echermann SVD made an attempt to come to Khurda and started an SVD Novitiate. In the year 1986 at the invitation of the SVDs, FSMA Mhow Sisters returned to Khruda mission and continued to work until today.

Khurda Mission Today:

There are five priests, one Brother, one regent and eight Sisters working at Khurda Mission. There are three priests and one Brother working at Ashram, two priests and one regent taking care of the Church and the school. Sisters are taking care of the Dispensary, social work, school and also the church activities. There is a good unity among the missionaries.

Activities of Khurda Mission:

Holy Rosary Church, Khurda is a centre for socio spiritual and pastoral apostolate with carries out various socio-pastoral activities for eh overall benefit of the people. JEEVIKA is a communed based approach for sustainable livelihood, through formation of CBO’s like Farmers’ club and BPL SHG’s sustainable agriculture practices, good governance strengthening Micro Credits and Networking linkage with G.O and NGO funded by Caritas India Spain. There are 110 families in the parish who are divided into six SSC Groups (Small Christina Community) like Parish Council Members, St. Joseph Group, Mahila Sangh, YCS, CYM and BYS. All these groups are functioning very well for the smooth running of the church.

Education: we are committed to give quality education to our students, special care and concern has been given to the poor and marginalized, dropout students. Free education has been given to the Fourth child and orphans so that those who do not have the opportunity of going to the school can also get good education.

Health Service:

St. Arnold’s Health Centre started in 1992 in view of promoting health and give awareness to the people on hygiene, home remedies, and nutrition. There is a need for a holistic approach and community based programmes in our health service.

Miles Stones:

1896       Khurda Mission was founded under the heroic leadership of Capuchin priest Fr. Symporian.
1899       English Government offered 500-600 acres of land to mission for rehabilitation of the orphans.
1903       Church was built
1903       Terrible famine and cholera epidemic.
1932       SVD Missionaries took over the mission
1943       FSMA Sisters handed over their task to the SSpS Sisters because of their inability to continue due to the lack of personnel.
1956       Rev. Felix Echermann SVD made an attempt to come to Khurda and started an SVD Novitiate.
1986       At the invitation of the SVDs, FSMA Mhow Sisters returned to Khruda mission and continued to work until today.
2005       Centenary Year of the Parish. The Church building of Khurda was completed one hundred years ago on December 7, 2004.