St Francis Church

St. Mary’s Church came into existence in April 1923 as a gift from the well known John family of Agra, in memory of Mrs. Mary John. They also donated the adjoining compound with a large bungalow in it for the maintenance of the Church and the chaplain. The foundation stone of this Church was laid in April 1920 and on its completion, was blessed by Archbishop Raphael Bernachioni on April 5th, 1923. The Church was dedicated to Mary, Mother of Good Council. Thus, The church came to fulfill the long felt need of the residents of the locality as they found the cathedral and St. Patrick's parish too far from there spiritual needs. In 1968, at the request of the H.A.L. employees, the dedication was changed by Archbishop Dominic Athaide to Mary Mother of Good Health, after the Shrine of Our Lady of Velankani in Tamil Nadu.

The religious of Jesus & Mary, seeing the need of the Catholics, established St. Anthony’s school in the vicinity of the Church. The compound adjoining the Church was handed over to the Missionaries of Charity by the Archbishop in 1961. In 1964 Shishu Bhavan, a home for the abandoned, crippled and differently abled children was opened. Prem Dan, a home for the aged and dying destitutes was opened in 1980. t