History of Diocese

Simdega Catholic Diocese was erected by His Holiness John Paul II by his letter dated 22 May 1993, with the territory taken from the Archdiocese of Ranchi. Most Rev. Joseph Minj, D.D was the first Bishop of Simdega, who was consecrated at St. Anne’s Cathedral Samtoli on 24th August 1993. His Motto was “ Let Christ increase” (Jn 3:30). He retired from his office on 11th February 2008 and simultaneously, Most Rev. Vincent Barwa, the then Auxiliary bishop of Ranchi was appointed by the Holy Benedict XVI, as the Bishop of Simdega. Simdega began a new life with giving message “ Believe in Jesus” ( Acts 16:31). Simdega Catholic Diocese is situated in Eastern part of India and in Southern part of state of Jharkhand, a newly created state (2000) of India. It covers the whole civil district of Simdega, with a total area of 3761.2 square kilometers. Population of Simdega in 2022 is estimated to be 791,443 inhabitants. Literate people are 343,483 out of 191,991 are male and 151,492 are female. The district has 9 blocks.
In the district the Christians are in majority. The Catholic population is around 190,325. Simdega Catholic diocese has 38 parishes and 8 mission stations. The diocesan priests are 116 and the religious priests are 40 where as the religious sisters are 277 and religious brothers are 16. The priests and religious are engaged in various forms of ministries for the development and well being of the people besides proclamation of the Good News. All the educational, health care and social services are geared towards all irrespective of caste, creed and class.