St Mary's Cathedral, Ranchi

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St Mary's Cathedral, Ranchi St. Mary's Cathedral is the first church of the centuries old history of this tribal town Ranchi, In the Chota Nagpur Plateau area.

Christian Missionaries serving among the people made thatched sheds on the hillock near the market and Kallada River. One of the thatched sheds used as Church during 1866 was the first Church of Ranchi established by the Roman Catholic missionaries. The Church was named after 'Mother of Good Counsel'(St. Mary) and liturgies of the Church were in Latin. Mary’s Church was built in 1909 and remodelled with concrete structure during 25 May 1927. Belgian Carmelite missionaries were the First Fathers of Punalur and of places around Punalur. During the Second World War the First Fathers had to go back, entrusting the church work to the diocesan clergy of Quilon (Kollam). Ranchi Diocese was separated from the Diocese of Quilon (Kollam) and created into a separate unit by the Bull “Verba Christ” of Pope John Paul II, issued on 21 December 1985.

February 11Our Lady of LourdesWorld Day of the SickHaving conquered Israel in 170 BC, the Syrians sought to wipe out the...
11/02/2026

February 11
Our Lady of Lourdes
World Day of the Sick

Having conquered Israel in 170 BC, the Syrians sought to wipe out the Jewish faith. In the second book of the Maccabees, we read of how the Jews were persecuted on account of their religious beliefs and hundreds died as martyrs to their religion. One of the very inspiring stories is that of the widow whose seven sons were tortured and killed right before her, because they refused to eat unclean food as it would be in disobedience to their Scriptures and a sin against God.

Stories such as that of the widow and her sons had inspired the Jews to respect ancient traditions. Sadly some religious fundamentalists began putting more stress on the unclean foods that made one impure rather than on the uncleanness of one’s heart. And it was this erroneous belief that Jesus sought to correct when He said that it was not what went into a person that made one unclean, but what came out; for it is from within one’s heart that evil intentions emerge.

Perhaps it would be good to ask ourselves if we understand the meaning of our religious rituals, and how have they led us to a deeper relationship with God.

February 11 is celebrated as World Day of the Sick. For, ever since Our Lady appeared to the 14-year-old Marie Bernadette Soubirous on this day in 1858, there have been innumerable healings and cures – both physical and spiritual – of those who have prayed at the place of the apparitions. Lourdes is living evidence of Mary’s powerful intercessory role.

Little is recorded of St Andrew in the Gospels, yet he appears at key moments. He was instrumental in introducing his br...
30/11/2025

Little is recorded of St Andrew in the Gospels, yet he appears at key moments. He was instrumental in introducing his brother Simon Peter to Jesus. He also introduced the little boy with the loaves and fishes to Jesus. When the Greeks sought Jesus, Philip sought recourse in Andrew who then took them to Jesus. According to tradition, he later preached in Greece and Turkey, ultimately dying on an X-shaped cross at Patras.

April 20Easter SundayChristians are quintessentially a people of joy. This joy stems from the earliest Christian eureka ...
20/04/2025

April 20
Easter Sunday

Christians are quintessentially a people of joy. This joy stems from the earliest Christian eureka moment, when the first disciples discovered the presence and power of the risen Lord in their lives.

Many centuries later, we are called to share in this same joy of the redemptive power of truth, goodness and love, over the dark forces of deceit, evil and indifference.

The readings of the Easter vigil liturgy progressively narrate numerous transitions God initiates in human history as part of the process of creation: from non-existence to the beauty of creation, from a lack of identity to the firm faith of Abraham, from slavery to an exodus towards freedom, from exile to restoration, and finally from death to eternal life by the sacrifice of the new Adam.

Each of these symbolizes an increase of the value of life, and is a cause of increasing joy. There will always be moments of sadness and even conditions of oppression, but a true Christian is largely animated by a joy which the world cannot easily give, and which cannot be easily taken away.

April 19Holy SaturdayThe Great Silence...As we wait in the silence, let us abandon ourselves to the heart of Jesus.
19/04/2025

April 19
Holy Saturday

The Great Silence...

As we wait in the silence, let us abandon ourselves to the heart of Jesus.

April 18Good FridayThe Good Friday service is a sombre and quiet one, echoing the sentiments one has when attending a fu...
18/04/2025

April 18
Good Friday

The Good Friday service is a sombre and quiet one, echoing the sentiments one has when attending a funeral. The re-enactment of the passion and death of Christ presents a sad contrast between the raw compassion of God and the stubbornness and violence of human beings.

The mission of Jesus was to reveal the intimate and caring face of God, so that we may experience the fullness of life as persons and as a human community. In this process, He upset a lot of the normal perspectives and practices of especially those who had leading and powerful community roles.

The will of God is to stay loving at all times. If to stay loving meant death, then Jesus was willing to pay the price for this. He stood by His values in a consistent and determined manner. This comes across powerfully in the passion narrative of St. John.

If we wish to share in the redemptive suffering of Jesus, we too will need to labour and pay the price for the wellbeing of those from whom we may receive nothing in return.

April 13Palm Sunday of the Passion of the LordHosanna is their cry. A few days later they will crucify Him.The first rea...
13/04/2025

April 13
Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord

Hosanna is their cry. A few days later they will crucify Him.

The first reading presents us with the words of the suffering servant. In obedience, Jesus allows Himself to be led to His crucifixion. His connection with His Father is complete for, on the strength of His conviction in His Father, He goes to His death. His emptying of power and authority is absolute; His acceptance of our condition is complete.

It was evident to all that Jesus was innocent. Pilate was also convinced of this. But the mob was too powerful, there was too much at stake for Pilate, there was too much for him to lose. He had surrendered his freedom. Jesus is the epitome of one who is free; no person shackled by name or fame would be able to forgive. The suffering servant is at this very moment the glorious Lord, for in obedience to the will of His Father, He saves.

Address

Near St. Xavier College, Drive Camil Bulcke Path
Ranchi
834001

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 12pm
Tuesday 9am - 12pm
Wednesday 9am - 12pm
Thursday 9am - 12pm
Friday 9am - 12pm
Saturday 9am - 12pm

Telephone

+916512351039

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