Koath is about 125 km away from the Provincial House in Patna and belongs to the relatively young diocese of Buxar in the state of Bihar. Most of the Christians are from the Dalit group and belong to the minority. The community was founded in 1978 with the task of running a health centre, working in pastoral care and managing the diocesan school.
The English medium Primary & Middle School, called Mount Carmel School, which is run by Sr. Samridhi Oswana Osta, has been struggling with the required number of pupils since Covid. In addition, many parents are unable to pay the necessary school fees or can only do so irregularly. 140 children from 1st to 5th grade attend the school. It is also difficult to find well-trained teachers in this beautiful but rural and remote area, as salaries are higher in public schools. Both the headmistress, Sr. Geeta Alencherry, and the pre-postulant Simran Jessica teach English at the school.
The health centre can no longer be run due to a lack of doctors. However, Sr. Rita John still looks after the patients who come and need medication. She is also a passionate gardener. There is enough space for this on the sisters’ property.
The parish consists of 17 villages, where different numbers of Catholic families live. They are regularly visited by Sr. Bibiana Lugun, taught catechism and prepared for baptism, first communion, confirmation and marriage. She has to travel almost 50 kilometres to the furthest village. I was allowed to visit a village with her. I was deeply impressed by the hospitality of the people.
