The Religious of the Assumption in India has further expanded to north India, on the state of Jharkhand, Piriaponch, in an interior village of Simdega District. We responded to the invitation of the late Rt. Rev. Bishop Joseph Minj, the then Bishop of Simdega diocese. The first supporting community is in the same diocese, it is started in 2012 in Simdega Pandripani, and there we have our own CBSE School.
The Simdega diocese established in 1993, is a Roman Catholic diocese centred in Simdega Jharkhand, it serves about 215,000 Catholics roughly 33% of the local population. The present Bishop is Rt Rev.Vincent Barwa, under the metropolitan authority of the Archdiocese of Ranchi. The Christian community in Simdega is mainly Roman catholic, with some Lutheran and Protestant groups. There are many tribes, the Munda, Oraon, Kharia, Santal and other tribal groups, they worship nature spirits and ancestors, known collectively as “Sarna”. Their Major tribal celebrations include Sarhul (New Year) Sohrai (harvest festival) and Jaware (seed- sowing rite).
The mission in Piriaponch is centred on empowering tribal and rural communities by promoting sustainable livelihoods, social inclusion, education and community leadership. This initiative primarily supported by Jeevan Jyothi Social Centre established by the Religious of the Assumption and RC Middle School Piriaponch, an Aided School of the diocese, and Assumption Montessori School. It aims to improve the quality of life for marginalized families and give quality education in this remote region.
It is known as a place where learning goes hand in hand with character formation. It’s not just text books and exams; the school focuses on shaping students into responsible, confident and compassionate individuals. Beyond academics, the school gives importance to co-curriculum activities, cultural programmes, celebrations and sports. The tribal children of this area get a very good chance to make their foundation very strong.
The young tribal girls are being formed in the hostel; they come from very poor villages. They are also taught concerns of ecology and to take care of our mother earth. Apart from their academic studies. Our hostel is more than just a place to stay. It is a second home for many young girls, who came from different places with big dreams in their hearts. Tucked in a calm and caring environment, the hostel offers safety, hygenene, mental health, discipline, faith formation and a supportive atmosphere that helps the girls to focus on their studies and personal growth. This hostel also becomes a space where talents blossom. Cultural activities, prayers, celebrations and group events help to build unity and joy.
At its core, the mission focuses on Socio-economic empowerment: helping tribal women and families develop skills for income generation through activities like horticulture, livestock rearing and beekeeping.
Motivating women and youth to participate actively in community governance and decision making.
Encouraging organic farming and access to sustainable resources to reduce poverty and increase self reliance.
Parish activities play a vital role in building living faith. Through liturgical celebrations, catechism classes, youth ministries, community gatherings, we the Assumption Sisters try to foster a sense of belonging while helping individuals discover their gifts and respond to the needs of the wider community.
Our community is very close to the Local Church, Daily Eucharist, Sacramental Preparation-First Holy Communion and Confirmation, Marriage preparation, Distribution of Holy communion, Parish council, Liturgical preparation, Animation of Women and Youth, Visiting the sick, going to families for the funeral Mass and burial, are the main involvements of our community.
Together, faith formation and parish life create a supportive environment where belief is not only taught but practiced, celebrated and shared strengthening both faith and the unity of the Church.
Ultimately, this mission strives to foster social justice, dignity, quality education, faith formation and long term well being for tribal population, promoting equitable growth and supporting communities to achieve self-sustainability in Piriaponch and surrounding villages.
Thanks
Sr. Preeti R.A
Piriaponch
Jharkhand, India