World regions of 2014
Statistics of US religions
The Colors of Cuddapah Building vibrant Catholic Communities in India
Introducing India One third the size of the USA Three times as many people 80% Hindu, 13% Muslim, 2% Christianity
Andhra Pradesh is not on the “Tourist route”
Caddapah: The Arizona of India
Beautiful but rugged
Ancient land/ancient ways
The Diocese: equal in size to Maryland 150 priests 350 sisters 56 parishes 475 mission stations 84 schools 2 industrial training centers 3 junior/vocational colleges 1 degree college 13 student boarding homes 12 hospitals/5 dispensaries/1 leprosarium 1 home for the aged
Three Apostolates Pastoral Apostolate Education Of Orphans Care of Physically Challenged Empowerment of Men and Women
1. Pastoral Apostolate Mission Diocese of Caddapah Parish level- 1 or 2 priests for main station plus 10 substations Animate people in faith and social and economic development
2. Education Activities Vital role in socio-economic development of people Stepping stone for success in future 2500 students: boys and girls Diocese pays 250 teachers salaries Free meals and lodging included
3. Empowerment of Men and Women Apostolate Development of India lies in development of Rural sector 40% live below poverty line Majority poor deprived of basic living conditions: safe water, housing, sanitation and healthcare Church committed to improving living standards
Main Concerns Women empowerment Child development Healthcare access for elderly Lepers, Disabled, HIV patients
Influences on Daily Life Few industries Tenant farming Subsistence level agriculture Drought conditions/limited water Dispersed population/limited transportation means limited access Political minority Caste system
The Orphanage in India
The School with 1500 in attendance
A typical Class room Setting
Lunch time
What’s for Lunch? Rice, Egg & Lintel Soup.
School for the Hearing Impaired
Happy but cannot hear
Parish life 80,000 Catholics Huge attendance Strong faith Hope for future Dignity Solidarity/identity
2. Administering the Sacraments Churches are in towns –Easily accessible –Small for crowds –Central meeting halls –Visible statements of Faith
Mission Stations Stations are small clusters of Catholic families Remote from town Dependent on public transportation
Three Key Challenges 1. Reaching the people 2.Administering the sacraments 3.Educating the children
Providing Chapels Many stations have no place to worship Thatched roof/mud huts built by locals are temporary structures Faith needs to be practiced to grow
Building Chapels in Stations
Cost/benefit of Chapels 800 to 1,000 sq. ft concrete block buildings Cost $10,000 US $8-$10/sq ft. US Provides place for mass, sacraments, meetings, faith formation Increases self- esteem of villagers, community bonds, visibility of faith
Charismatic Retreat
Christmas Celebration an out door mass
Thank you and God bless you