Akbar's Church

Akbar's Church
Akbar's Church, Agra
Location Kamla Nagar, Civil Lines, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282003
Country India
Denomination Roman Catholic
Website www.agraarchdiocese.com
History
Status Catholic Church
Founded 1600 (1600)
Founder(s) Society of Jesus
Architecture
Functional status Active
Administration
Archdiocese Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Agra
Diocese Diocese of Agra
Clergy
Archbishop Albert D'Souza

Akbar's Church[1] also known as Church of Akbar[2][3] is a Roman Catholic Church, built in 1600 by Jesuit Fathers, situated in Agra, India[4].

History

Jesuit priest were invited by Emperor Akbar from Goa to learn more about Christianity. So, Father Rodolfe Aquauiua, the Father Antoine de Monserrat and the Father Francois Henriques reached Agra on 18 February 1580. Akbar learnt about Christianity and gave land to Jesuit fathers to built a Church in Agra. This was the first Roman Catholic Church in Agra. After Akbar it was his son Jahangir who donated for further expansion of the Church[5]. Khwaja Martins and Mirza Sikandar Junior too contributed for the expansion. The church was demolished by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1635, after he captured Jesuit Priests and agreed to release them only if they demolish the Church. The Church was rebuilt in 1636 by the permission of Emperor Shah Jahan.

First Holy Mass was celebrated in the Church on 8 September 1636. In 1758 the church was looted by Persian Invaders under Ahmed Shah Abdali[6].

In 1769 the church was rebuilt by Father Wendel S.J. with the help of Walter Reinhardt, Commander of Agra Fort. Bishop Antonino Pezzoni, O.F.M. Cap. extended the church westward with the contribution from Jean Baptiste Filose in 1835.

Historic Events

In 1610 three Royal Princes, nephews of Emperor Jahangir, Tahmuras (Don Felipe), Baisanghar (Don Carlos) and Hoshang (Don Henrique) were baptized by Fr. Corsi, S.J. and Fr. Xavier S.J. in this Church.[7]

Begum Johana Sumroo, the Begum of Sardhana was baptized in this Church[8].

Akbar's Church was the Cathedral of Agra till 1848.

In 1842 Religious of Jesus and Mary from France were welcomed by Bishop Borghi in the same Church.

In 1843 Bishop Borghi consecrated Msgr. Carli Bishop of Almira.

In 1846 Servant of God Bishop Anastasius Hartmann was consecrated Vicar Apostolic of Patna.[9][10][11]

References

  1. ↑ Peck, Lucy (2011-04-06). Agra: The Architectural Heritage. Roli Books Private Limited. ISBN 9788174369420.
  2. ↑ "Agrarising » Historical `Akbar Church': Surviving the ravages of time". agrarising.co.in. Retrieved 2017-06-25.
  3. ↑ Speaks, History (2007-12-12). "History Speaks: CATHOLIC MUGHALS - AGRA". History Speaks. Retrieved 2017-06-25.
  4. ↑ "Akbar's Church | Agra | Tourist Attractions & Sightseeing | eventseeker". eventseeker.com. Retrieved 2017-09-29.
  5. ↑ Speaks, History (2007-12-12). "History Speaks: CATHOLIC MUGHALS - AGRA". History Speaks. Retrieved 2017-09-29.
  6. ↑ "Akbar's Church". Retrieved 2017-09-29.
  7. ↑ "What are unknown facts about Jahangir? - Quora". www.quora.com. Retrieved 2018-09-29.
  8. ↑ "Akbar's Church". Retrieved 2017-09-29.
  9. ↑ "Revisiting Jesuit Legacy at Agra: A memorable visit to "Akbar's Church" | JEASA". www.jeasa.org. Retrieved 2017-06-25.
  10. ↑ "Archdiocese of Agra". www.agraarchdiocese.com. Retrieved 2017-06-25.
  11. ↑ "The story of Akbar's church". Times of India Blog. Retrieved 2017-06-25.

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