In the heart of the region of Haryana in northern India, Father Anil Walder embarks on his humble yet profound mission to the remote village of Dharuhera. His motorbike, a simple and ordinary means of commuting in India, carries him through the narrow lanes, or “galis,” of this evolving industrial town.
What was once a quiet village whose name translates to “a piece of level land” is now home to a growing workforce, many of whom are Catholics hailing from distant states such as Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. These workers, seeking better livelihoods, are daily-wage employees in Dharuhera’s expanding industrial hub.
Father Walder, the parish priest of Mata Mariam Catholic Church, tirelessly visits these faithful few, providing them with spiritual nourishment, catechetical instruction and sacramental care. He is also the servant leader of the Oratory of St. Joseph Vaz, a missionary initiative envisioned by Archbishop Anil J.T. Couto of the Archdiocese of Delhi.
Situated in the civil district of Rewari, about 70 miles from Delhi, Dharuhera has witnessed a significant transformation in recent decades. No longer a remote village, it has a thriving industrial base, with several companies setting up businesses that provide employment to unskilled laborers. Among these workers are about 25 Catholic families, many from tribal communities, whose connection to their faith remains strong despite their challenging circumstances.
The Catholic mission in Dharuhera dates back to 1988, when the late Archbishop Angelo Fernandes of Delhi granted permission for two missionary priests, Father John Bosco and Father. Balaswamy, to purchase land in the area. These priests, originally from Tamil Nadu, were sent to northern India to gain mission experience and establish a Catholic presence in Dharuhera. The land they acquired would eventually become home to Mata Mariam Catholic Church.
Leaders of the archdiocese had grand plans for the land. They envisioned a Catholic school that would serve as a beacon of faith and education in the region, as well as a Catholic ashram where people from all walks of life could find peace in the Eucharistic presence of Christ. Though the idea of the school was eventually set aside, the desire for the ashram persisted.
It wasn’t until 2014 that this dream began to take shape. The arrival of Hermit Aniyan, fondly known as “Babaji Sahodaran Aniyan,” breathed new life into the mission. His presence brought hundreds of people, many of whom belonged to other faith traditions, to listen to the Word of God and experience the healing touch of Christ’s redeeming love. Under his guidance, a simple house was transformed into an Adoration chapel, where the Blessed Sacrament was venerated for 72 hours in continuous prayer and solitude.
As the spiritual needs of the community grew, it became increasingly clear that Dharuhera was to become a center of Catholic apostolate, rooted in the Ashram tradition. In 2015, a temporary hall was built to accommodate Sunday worship and “Kripa Satsang,” a Catholic charismatic prayer service. This humble hall, which absorbed the existing Adoration chapel, serves as a gathering place for both Catholics and non-Christians alike.
Most of the Catholics who reside in the area are daily wage laborers. About 100 regular worshipers attend Sunday services, and many non-Christians also participate in the prayers and spiritual gatherings. The thirst for the Word of God is evident and the priests at Mata Mariam Catholic Church work tirelessly to meet the spiritual needs of this growing community.
Despite the challenges, the mission in Dharuhera has been sustained by the support of the Archdiocese of Delhi and the generous assistance of the Diocese of Columbus. This support has helped provide the basic necessities for the priests who serve in the area, but much more is needed to continue building and expanding the mission according to God’s will.
We humbly ask for your prayers and support as we strive to reach the unreached with the love of Jesus Christ. May the mission in Dharuhera continue to grow, bringing hope, healing and salvation to those who hunger for the redeeming love of the Lord.