New Delhi, April 1, 2022: Bishop Fortunatus Henri Caumont, who worked in Rajputana Mission, will be declared a Servant of God, the first stage in the canonization process.
Bishop Pius Thomas D’Souza of Ajmer will on April 3 declare the French Capuchin as the Servant of God in the Immaculate Conception Cathedral of Ajmer, Rajasthan.
Emeritus Bishop Ignatius Menezes of Ajmer; Bishops Oswald Lewis of Jaipur and Chacko Thottumarickal of Indore are expected to attend the ceremonies along with priests from several dioceses.
Bishop Fortunatus came to India in 1897 and was appointed the prefect Apostolic of Rajputana Mission in 1903. He was the first superior regular of the Capuchins in India.
He founded two religious congregations for Women in Rajasthan known as Prabhudasi Sisters of Ajmer (1906) and Mission Sisters of Ajmer (1911).
He opened many mission stations and orphanages that served the people of Rajputana.
Bishop Fortunatus was born in France on December 10, 1871, as the second among eight children. His mother became a widow in 1888 when she was 37.
His mother taught him to be calm and self-controlled amid trials.
When Fortunatus wanted to become a priest, his mother supported and assured him. He was ordained a priest on December 19, 1896. A year later, he was appointed for Rajputana mission.
Sorrowful mysteries