Calcutta Archdiocese Establishes Midnapore Episcopal Vicariate to Strengthen Pastoral Outreach

Kolkata, April 4, 2026: In a significant step aimed at enhancing pastoral care and administrative efficiency, the Archdiocese of Calcutta has announced the establishment of a new Episcopal Vicariate in Midnapore. The decision, formalised through a decree issued by Archbishop Dr Elias Frank, will take effect on Easter Sunday, April 5.

The newly constituted Midnapore Episcopal Vicariate will encompass the entire Midnapore Deanery, one of the four deaneries of the archdiocese. Spread across the district of Paschim Medinipur and covering nearly 10,000 square kilometres, the region represents one of the Church’s most expansive pastoral territories.

Archbishop Elias has appointed Rev. Fr Anthony Tushar Rodrick as the first Episcopal Vicar of the vicariate. He will serve a three-year term, exercising his responsibilities in accordance with Canon Law and under the guidance of the archbishop.

Fr Rodrick currently serves as Director of Seva Kendra Calcutta, the Archdiocese’s principal social service arm. Established during the Bangladesh War of Independence by Archbishop Henry Sebastian D’Souza, the organisation continues to play a pivotal role in the Church’s social and developmental outreach.

The Midnapore Deanery, the second largest in the archdiocese after Kolkata Deanery, is home to several key institutions, including St Joseph’s Hospital and St Jude’s Training Centre, both administered by Seva Kendra Calcutta.

Church officials noted that the creation of the vicariate is expected to foster more effective pastoral governance, enabling closer coordination of ministries and a strengthened presence of the Church in the region.

By Catholic Connect Reporter

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