Catholic Diocese of Udaipur

History

Over a century of dedicated service in Southern Rajasthan, weaving together the timeless message of the Gospel with the rich cultural fabric of Mewar and Vagad.

CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF UDAIPUR

A Community Rooted in Faith & Service

Discover the people, communities and institutions that make up the Diocese of Udaipur.

52,886

SQ KM

DIOCESAN AREA

8

DISTRICTS

27,957

CATHOLICS

36

PARISHES

62

DIOCESAN PRIESTS

24

RELIGIOUS PRIESTS

233

RELIGIOUS SISTERS

16

MAJOR SEMINARIANS

Most Rev.

Devprasad Ganawa, SVD

BISHOP OF UDAIPUR

"That You May Have Fullness of Life"

OUR BISHOP

Most Rev. Devprasad Ganawa, SVD

BISHOP OF UDAIPUR

Most Rev. Devprasad Ganawa, SVD, has served as Bishop of Udaipur since his installation on 18 February 2013. Ordained a priest on 27 October 1982, he has served in parish ministry, priestly formation and pastoral leadership during his years of service to the Church

ORDINATION

27 OCT 1982

INSTALLED AS BISHOP

18 FEBRUARY 2013

Chronological Journey

Diocesan Historical Timeline

1890s

Pioneer Missionaries in Rajputana & Mewar

French Capuchin missionaries arrived in the Rajputana Agency, establishing early healthcare posts and schools in Ajmer, Jaipur, and Southern Rajasthan.

1913

Erection of the Diocese of Ajmer

The Holy See created the Diocese of Ajmer, under which Udaipur and the Vagad regions were nurtured as mission stations.

1953 - 1958

Establishment of Cathedral & St. Paul's Udaipur

St. Paul’s School was founded in 1953, followed by the blessing of Our Lady of Fatima Cathedral in 1958 in Udaipur city.

December 3, 1984

Canonical Erection of Diocese of Udaipur

Pope John Paul II formally erected the Diocese of Udaipur on the Feast of St. Francis Xavier, carving it out from Ajmer Diocese. Most Rev. Joseph Pathalil was consecrated as the 1st Bishop.

1987

Founding of CDSU, CDESU & Sampurna Vikas Samiti

Establishment of Udaipur Diocesan Social Service Society to combat drought, empower tribal women, and restore watershed basins.

May 2012

Consecration of Bishop Devprasad Ganawa, SVD

Most Rev. Devprasad John Ganawa SVD was installed as the 2nd Bishop of Udaipur, championing youth formation, catechism, and inter-faith dialogue.

April 2022

April 14, 2022: Most Rev. Joseph Pathalil, Bishop Emeritus and Founding

Shepherd of the Diocese of Udaipur, passed away peacefully at the age of 85, remembered forever for his radiant faith and fatherly love.

Present Day

A Vibrant Community of Faith & Service

Spanning 8 districts with 36 parishes, 36 schools, and healthcare centers serving all citizens without distinction of caste or creed.

ROOTED IN SOUTHERN RAJASTHAN

Our Land, Our People

The Diocese of Udaipur serves a geographically and culturally distinctive region of Southern Rajasthan, shaped by the hills and forests of the Aravalli landscape and enriched by the traditions of its diverse communities.

A significant part of the diocesan territory lies within the Mewar–Vagad region, where Bhil communities form an important part of the social and cultural fabric. Hindi, Mewari, Bhili and Vagdi are among the principal languages spoken across the region.

ROOTED IN SOUTHERN RAJASTHAN

Faith Expressed Through Service

Through pastoral care, education, social development, healthcare, formation and dialogue, the Diocese seeks to serve communities and contribute to their integral development.

Pastoral Care

Supporting parish communities through pastoral care, faith formation, liturgy and Christian life.

Education

Providing educational opportunities and fostering the holistic development of students through diocesan educational institutions.

Social Development

Serving poor, marginalized and indigenous communities through charitable and development initiatives.

Healthcare & Well-being

Supporting communities through healthcare, counselling and services that respond to physical and psychological well-being.

Formation

Accompanying young people discerning vocations to priesthood and religious life.

Dialogue & Peace

Promoting interreligious dialogue, mutual understanding and harmonious relationships among people of different faith traditions.