India: Indore Diocese Opens Platinum Jubilee Year Marking 75 Years of Church Mission

The Diocese of Indore, in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, officially inaugurated its Platinum Jubilee year on May 17, marking 75 years since the diocese was established in central India in 1952.

More than 500 faithful gathered at St. Francis Assisi Cathedral, popularly known as the Red Church, for the celebration that began with the recitation of the Rosary led by Bishop Thomas Mathew, followed by a solemn Eucharistic celebration.

Concelebrating the Mass were Archbishop Emeritus Leo Cornelio, SVD of Bhopal and Bishop Emeritus Chacko SVD of Indore.

In his homily, Archbishop Cornelio described the jubilee as a time for reflection on the diocese’s pastoral and social mission over the past seven decades.

“It is a time for evaluation and reflection,” he said, encouraging the faithful to consider the impact of the Church’s ministry in parishes, schools, healthcare institutions, and social outreach programs.

He also highlighted the role of Catholic institutions in education, healthcare, and community development across the region, expressing hope that these services would continue to support vulnerable communities.

The history of the Diocese of Indore dates back to March 3, 1931, when the Indore Mission was separated from territories belonging to Ajmer, Allahabad, and Nagpur and entrusted to the Society of the Divine Word.

The first missionaries, Fr. Peter Janser, SVD and Fr. Leo Krzemensky, SVD arrived in 1932 and began missionary work in the region.

In 1935, the mission was elevated to a Prefecture Apostolic, with Fr. Peter Janser appointed as the first Apostolic Prefect.

A major milestone came on May 15, 1952, when Pope Pius XII elevated the mission to the status of a diocese and appointed Bishop Francis Simons as its first bishop.

Under Bishop Simons, the diocese expanded its pastoral and institutional presence through the establishment of parishes, schools, and mission centers in different parts of the region.

Over time, the Diocese of Indore gave rise to four other dioceses and archdioceses: the Archdiocese of Bhopal in 1964, the Diocese of Ujjain in 1968, the Diocese of Khandwa in 1977, and the Diocese of Jhabua in 2002.

The diocese also witnessed the growth of indigenous religious life through the founding of the Sant Joseph Sevika Sanstha, a congregation dedicated to serving poor and marginalized communities.

Church leaders said the Platinum Jubilee year, which will continue until May 2027, will focus on prayer, reflection, and renewed pastoral engagement across the diocese.

In his concluding message, Bishop Thomas Mathew encouraged the faithful to continue strengthening the Church’s mission through service, education, and community outreach across Madhya Pradesh.