Jullundur Diocese restructures deaneries to strengthen mission

JALANDHAR, Punjab (Indian Catholic News) —  The Diocese of Jullundur has erected a new deanery and reorganized two others, a move the local bishop says will bring “deeper evangelization, stronger unity, and renewed missionary zeal” to Punjab’s Malwa region.

Bishop Jose Sebastian Thekkumcherikunnel of Jullundur announced a major pastoral restructuring creating a new Abohar Deanery and reorganizing the Muktsar and Firozpur deaneries.

He said the pastoral restructuring was implemented after “prayerful discernment, consultation with the clergy and faithful concerned, and having heard the Presbyteral Council.”

The bishop explained that the decision was taken “in view of the growth of parishes and stations, and of pastoral activities in the Malwa region, with the desire to foster greater pastoral coordination, collaboration, and care for the faithful.”

The newly erected Abohar Deanery will be led by Father Sijith John (Antony) as its first dean. It comprises nine parishes and stations, including St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Abohar, Holy Cross Catholic Church in Danewala, and Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Jalalabad.

The Muktsar Deanery, under incumbent dean Father John Teja, now includes ten parishes and stations. Among them are St. Thomas’ Catholic Church in Bhagsar, St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Faridkot, and Little Flower Catholic Church in Muktsar.

The Firozpur Deanery, led by Father Joseph Kanjirakattu, has been reorganized to encompass ten parishes and stations. These include St. George’s Catholic Church in Canal Colony, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Firozpur Cantt., and Divine Mercy Catholic Church in Mamdot.

Bishop Thekkumcherikunnel expressed gratitude to priests, religious, and lay faithful for their “dedication, sacrifices, and unwavering commitment to the mission of the Church.” He added: “Through your witness and service, the Gospel continues to bear fruit in our diocese.”

The bishop entrusted the initiative to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary, invoking “God’s abundant blessings upon all our communities.”

Church leaders say the June 12 restructuring reflects a broader effort to strengthen pastoral care in rapidly growing regions. By creating new deaneries and reorganizing existing ones, the diocese aims to ensure closer cooperation among priests, religious, and lay faithful, while promoting unity and missionary zeal.

Read the circular.