Thirty new Bicycles to support Catechists in India

The Diocese of Rayagada in India became notorious 10 years ago for the violent attacks against Christians there. It is also the fourth poorest federal state in India.

Within the territory of this diocese, which is situated in the south of the state of Odisha (formerly also known as Orrisa), there are just 50,000 Catholics among a total population of approximately 5.5 million people. Most of these Catholics come from the poorest and most socially excluded levels of society, and many live a bare subsistence existence, gathering fruits and firewood from the forests. Most are illiterate and if they are forced to borrow and fall into debt, they face exorbitant interest rates from the moneylenders, with the result that their families fall into a form of debt slavery.

The Diocese of Rayagada covers a vast area of well over 15,000 square miles, and many of the villages lie in remote corners in the forests or valleys. There are just 24 parishes, also very large in area, so that the distances to be covered are considerable.

Not surprisingly, therefore, the 30 catechists there play an important role. They visit the faithful in the villages and are frequently, so to speak, the “visible face of the Church” in places where the priests only rarely manage to get. But even for the catechists many of the villages are still very difficult to reach. Until recently, the catechists had to make these long and difficult journeys on foot.

Recently, thanks to the generosity of our benefactors, ACN has been able to help Bishop Alphinar Senapati to provide each of his catechists with a bicycle. Now they are able to reach the faithful much more quickly and easily.

You contributed $1,900 for this purpose. Our heartfelt thanks to all who helped us!

Aid to the Church in Need commits to invest your funds where they will have the greatest impact for the Church that we serve. Funds donated to Aid to the Church in Need’s projects will be used towards the greatest need in our programs to help keep the Faith alive.

Code: 317-07-29