Jyotiniketan and Krist Raja, Masuri, Dasna

  1. Assumption Church Piplera, established by the diocese in the year 1931, was entrusted to Capuchins in 1976 as they took charge of Rampur. Br. Augustine Nattunilam was appointed parish priest in 1976.
  2. Krist Raja Hindi Medium School was started by Br. Augustine Nattunilam in the year 1978-79. He was assisted by Holy Cross Sisters of Menzingen, who also rendered health services which later developed into a full-fledged hospital at Masuri. Right from the beginning there was great cooperation between the Capuchins and the Holy Cross Sisters in running of the school.
  3. In November, 1987, the foundation stone for Jyotiniketan Minor Seminary at Masuri was laid by Br. General Minister during his visitation. Jyotiniketan was instituted with the prime intention of coaching the students to Capuchin life in North India. Jyotiniketan was consecrated by Bishop Patrick Nair of Meerut Diocese on October 04, 1989. Br. Alexander was the first rector at Jyotiniketan . A new wing for the care of senior and sickly friars was constructed in 2020.
  4. Krist Raja Hostel was planned for promoting boys for priestly and religious vocation. In 1995, the construction of the hostel began under the supervision of Br. Simon Kottoor and later on by Br. John Prakash. It was blessed by Bp. Patrick Nair on October 04, 1996. Since 2017, the boarding is closed down.
  5. On 21 December 2020, Krist Raja Church was blessed and dedicated as the new parish church. With this the Assumption Parish ceased to exist.

TESTAMENT OF ST. FRANCIS

The friars must be very careful not to accept churches or poor dwellings for themselves, or anything else built for them, unless they are in harmony with the poverty which we have promised in the Rule; and they should occupy these places only as strangers and pilgrims