The 900 years old order has its communities across the globe. All these communities carry the vision of St. Norbert our founder in every mission they do. The vision and the mission of this great order were brought to India through the Dutch father who came from the Abbey of Berne, Netherlands.
Inspired by the Holy sprite and willingness to reach out to far-off people 3 Dutch Norbertines boarded the ship on the invitation of Rev. Bp. Allen to work in the Madras Mission. In 1923, these three Norbertines landed at the port of Mumbai and reached Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, by rail. Their first mission was in Phirangipuram, where they established faith among the people.
In 1929, at the request of the Papacy, they moved to the central region of India to work on a new mission. The arrival of the Norbertines in central India brought about a change in the lives of the people, and faith started to flourish in their hearts. In 1932, Jabalpur was constituted as a prefecture Apostolic, and Rt. Rev. Msgr. Conrad Dubbleman O.Praem was appointed as the first Prefect Apostolic. As the number of faithful continued to increase in the region, Jabalpur was raised to the status of Diocese in 1954, and Msgr. Conrad Dubbleman O.Praem became the first bishop of the diocese.
The beginning of a new community is always like a little sapling, planted in a small place, rooted with tiny roots and bloomed with new leaves. This was the start of the Norbertine Priory at Jamtara in 1960. The first batch of novices was initiated in 1962. The Canonry of Jamtara has grown slowly and steadily, striving to establish the kingdom of God. From a small tree, it has grown into a sturdy tree that provides shelter and shade to many. The St. Norbert Priory was elevated to Canonry status on February 15, 1984, and on October 7, 2000, it was elevated to the status of St. Norbert Abbey Jamtara. We fondly remember the 50 Norbertine Dutch missionaries who came and sowed the seeds of Christ’s message on Indian soil. Their tireless work, sweat, and unfathomable commitment gave growth to the present Canonry of Jamtara.
The Norbertine fathers played a pivotal role in developing the Jabalpur diocese in various dimensions, including pastoral, educational, and social ministries. They traversed great distances, traveling on horseback and on foot, to connect with and assist the local population.
They have established over 100 schools to provide education to rural populations, thereby transforming the lives of countless young individuals. Among these institutions, notable examples include St. Thomas School established in 1948, St. Norbert convent school in 1935, St. Aloysius School and St. Norbert school in Junvani.
A significant milestone in their educational endeavors was the establishment of St. Aloysius College in 1951, the first college in central India founded by a religious order. Bishop Dubbleman’s unwavering zeal and visionary leadership were instrumental in the inception of this college, which has since become a hub for higher education in the region.”
The Norbertine order became a pioneering force in the healthcare sector of Central India through the establishment of the Katara Mission in 1960. Father J. van Schijndel, the founder, together with Mrs. Henssen de Regt and a group of dedicated doctors, embarked on a mission to enhance healthcare in the region.
In 1966, the main building of the mission was completed, followed by the establishment of a dependent dispensary in 1967 with support from the Dutch Lenten Action. In 1969, with the special assistance of Misereor, a TB ward was constructed. The Katara hospital dedicated itself to combatting TB in the Mandla and Jabalpur regions.
Today, the Katara Mission Hospital stands as a beacon of advanced medical care, equipped with cutting-edge technology, and provides healthcare services at minimal costs to all, without any form of discrimination.
Norbertine Fathers,
St. Norbert Abbey, Jamtara,
Gauraiyaghat Post, Jabalpur,
M.P – 482 021
