St. Francis de Sales Parish – Galsi

St Francis de Sales Parish, Galsi, was started in 1999 after being bifurcated from the Sacred Heart Parish, Burdwan. It is a mission centre permanently entrusted to the Missionaries of St Francis de Sales (MSFS) by the Diocese of Asansol.

The parish is situated on five acres of plain land along the state highway connecting Asansol and Kolkata. It is located about 18 km from Burdwan town, 100 km from the Bishop’s House in Asansol, and 127 km from Kolkata. The geographical area of the parish includes regions around Galsi Police Station in Burdwan District and the Patrasayer and Indus Police Station areas in Bankura District.

Fr Athnas Kerketta MSFS was appointed as the first priest in charge of the parish.

Parish Community

As of 2016, the parish has around 1,050 Catholics belonging to approximately 270 families spread across 54 tribal villages. Among these villages, Channa has the largest Catholic population with about 120 families, followed by Uro and Jellybagan.

Most of the parishioners belong to the Santal tribal community who migrated from the neighboring states of Bihar and Jharkhand in search of livelihood. They are primarily daily wage laborers and often face social and economic marginalization.

The literacy rate in the villages under the parish is only about 22.8 percent. Despite the socio-economic challenges they face, the people are known for their simplicity, peaceful nature, and strong community spirit.

Pastoral Life and Parish Organizations

The parish encourages active participation in faith life through various associations such as the Youth Group, Mahila Samiti (Women’s Association), and Majhiharam Samiti (Village Leaders’ Association).

In addition to regular catechetical instruction and sacramental life, the parish promotes vibrant Small Christian Communities (SCCs). The faith formation of the people is supported by the dedicated service of two full-time catechists and one volunteer.

Social and Educational Initiatives

The parish actively promotes education and social development. Several programs have been initiated, including formal and non-formal education, adult literacy, back-to-school initiatives for dropouts, and medical assistance.

Through fifteen group tuition centers established in different villages, many poor children receive academic support. Other initiatives include the formation and promotion of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) through the Asansol Welfare Society.

St Francis de Sales Hostel

In 2010, St Francis de Sales Hostel was established to provide accommodation for Catholic children coming from distant villages. The hostel primarily serves tribal children and has a capacity to accommodate about 50 students.

The hostel ensures that both the spiritual and educational needs of the children are taken care of. Special concessions are offered to children from the poorest families, enabling them to continue their education and personal development.