Help for the Training of Norbertine Novices in India 

The Norbertine, or Premonstratensian, Order was founded in France in the 12th century and has 1,600 members on six continents today. 

In 1960, the Dutch Norbertine Fathers founded what is now the Abbey of Jamtara in India, and just two years later, in 1962, accepted its first Indian novices. 

Father Arul Amalraj, the present Superior, gratefully remembers the work of those early Dutch missionaries: “Their tireless work, sweat, and immeasurable commitment laid the foundations for the growth of the Abbey of Jamtara today. A small sapling grew into a mighty tree, which now offers shelter and shade to many people.“ 

Today, 91 Norbertine brothers and priests belong to the Abbey of Jamtara. And priests from the Abbey are currently working in 22 parishes in seven states of India. They administer the sacraments, give catechetical instruction to children, young people, and adults, work in the youth and family apostolate, and organize retreat days of prayer. They accompany the people on their path of faith and help them with the various problems they encounter. At the same time, they support the poorest and the dispossessed: they provide free schooling, give vocational training, and make house visits to needy families. And there are an additional 10 Norbertine priests from Jamtara working in the United States and in Germany. 

There are plentiful vocations, but the abbey is finding it difficult to accept all the young men who would like to join them. Since the pandemic and the subsequent general crisis, their financial situation is far more precarious. At present, there are 69 young Indian men preparing for their vocation. 25 of them are already in the seminary and studying theology and philosophy. We are offering to help these 25 young men to continue their studies by providing a total of $8,935. 

Will you join us in helping them?

Code: 317-02-79