The new diocese comprises of 12 districts in Rajasthan, all until now in the Diocese of Ajmer-Jaipur: Jaipur, Karauli, Sawai Madhopur, Dausa, Alwar, Sikar, Jhunjhunu, Bikaner, Nagaur, Churu, Hanumangarh and Sri Ganganagar, covering an area of 129,060 sq. kms. with a population of about 2,58,28,271 out of which about 4,096 Catholics. Jaipur is also the Capital of the State of Rajasthan. There are currently 32 Priests and 117 Religious Sisters working in the territory of the new Diocese.
The first Bishop of Jaipur, Most Rev. Oswald Lewis, was born on July 30, 1944, ordained priest on December 30, 1972 for the Diocese of Lucknow and was appointed as the Co-adjutor Bishop Meerut on April 16, 1998. Bishop Oswald, during his long priestly ministry in Lucknow, held varied and important assignments in pastoral, educational and administrative areas. He was the Parish Priest of the Cathedral, Principal of Schools, Vicar General and Administrator of the Diocese of Lucknow. He was for over 12 years Secretary of the Association of Catholic Education Institutions in U.P. (1985-1997) at the end of which he was given the “Bharat Jyoti” Award for ‘Best Educationist’ by the Governor of U.P. |