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Website to mark 125 years since the founding of Calcutta archdiocese
Established by Pope Leo XIII on 1 September 1886, the archdiocese now includes seven dioceses, and is served by 224 priests, 125 brothers and 350 nuns. To mark the occasion, the archdiocese opened a hospital for the poor affected by leprosy, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS.
Kolkata (AsiaNews) – The Archdiocese of Calcutta on Tuesday launched a website to celebrate 125 years since its foundation. “In more than a century, the archdiocese has given people hope and enriched their lives in India and around the world, irrespective of religion, nationality, ethnicity or caste,” Mgr Lucas Sirkar told AsiaNews. “To mark this important occasion, events will be held throughout 2012.”
Speaking about the commemoration, coadjutor Archbishop of Calcutta Thomas D'Souza said, “We have already opened a 70-bed hospital at Midnapore, especially for the poor. It will help to treat patients suffering from leprosy, TB and HIV/AIDS. We wish to reach out to the poor and the marginalised section of the society”.
On 1 September 1886, Pope Leo XIII elevated the Vicariate Apostolic of Bengal to the rank of a metropolitan archdiocese, giving it the name of ‘Archdiocese of Calcutta'.
Today, it includes seven dioceses: Asansol, Baruipur, Bagdogra, Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Krishnagar and Raiganj. Overall, it has 57 parishes and 17 quasi parishes served by 224 priests and 10 religious orders. It also has 125 brothers and 950 religious sisters. (NC)