The Apostolic Exarchate of Satna of the Syro - Malabar Rite was erected by the Papal Bull "In More Est" dated July 29, 1968 and was entrusted to the Vincentian Congregation (Syro - Malabar). Bifurcated from the diocese of Jabalpur, it comprises six civil districts in Madhya Pradesh, namely Sidhi, Rewa, Satna, Panna, Chhatarpur and Tikamgargh. At the inception of the exarchate, there was only one station in the whole area, namely, Rewa. The Exarchate was made a suffragan ad instar to the Archdiocese of Bhopal. Msgr. Abraham D. Mattam, vc, was nominated as its Apostolic Exarch.

On February 26, 1977 by the Papal Bull "Ecclesiarum Orientalium" of Pope Paul VI, the Exarchate was raised to the status of an Eparchy. Mar Abraham D. Mattam was appointed as the first Bishop of Satna, who was consecrated bishop, on April 30, 1977. Installation and the erection of the Diocese of Satna took place on July 31, 1977. He served the diocese for the last 32 years, in his capacity both as the Exarch and the Bishop. Mar Mathew Vaniakizhakkel, vc, was appointed on January 14, 2000, consecrated and installed as Bishop of Satna on April 12, 2000.

As per census of 1991, the population of the area is about 71 lakhs, of which 17% people belong to Schedule Castes and 14% belongs to Schedule Tribes. People of this area are mainly dependent on agriculture.