Marshal Dahar Adoration Convent, Ghattiduba

 

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor, He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of Lord's favour.

Ghattiduba is the abode of Santal tribes. They are the major tribes in Mayurbhanj district in Balasore diocese. It is an interior village which is about 75 kilometres from the district headquarters, Baripada and surrounded by hill and forests.

The unofficial beginning of Marshal Dahar Convent was on 20 December 1987. Marshal Dahar is a Santal name and the meaning of these words is 'the Way of light.' Rev Fr.Chacko Pannathara C.M was the first missionary priest who started this mission centre in one of the interior villages of Mayurbhanj district. He had a desire to open a centre where the word of God was not sown by anyone and wherein no one has stepped to preach the word of God. While he was in charge of the boys' hostel at Baghmara, one of the mission stations in the area, he used to go to visit the interior villages like Thalabandh, Sorishopal, which are close to Ghattiduba and the families of the hostel boys. People were very happy to receive him and they wanted to know more about him and his life. The frequent visits of father and his dealings with the children attracted the people and they were eager and interested to join with the father and children to sing and dance. They were very inquisitive to know about God as they saw the children praying before and after meals. Gradually he was able to form a community like the first Christian community where people gathered together and shared their feelings about God, prayed, sang songs and praised the Lord.