Catholicism dates back to 1887 in Jammu and Kashmir. The Apostolic Prefecture of Kafirstan and Kashmir was erected from the Diocese of Lahore in 1887. The Prefecture, composed of Rawalpindi, Kashmir and Ladakh, was looked after by the Mill Hill Missionary. Msgr. Ignatius Brouwer MHM was appointed as the first Prefect Apostolic with Rawalpindi as his headquarters. The Apostolic prefecture of Kashmir and Jammu was created on 17 January 1952. Msgr. George Shanks MHM was appointed as the Prefect Apostolic. On 4 May 1968 the Prefecture was renamed as Apostolic Prefecture of Jammu and Kashmir. The Prefecture was entrusted to the Capuchins of St. Joseph's Province, Kerala in 1978 and Rev. Fr. Hippolytus Kunnunkal OFM Cap., was appointed as the first Indian Prefect Apostolic. Prefecture was converted into a Diocese in 1986 and Fr. Hippolytus Kunnunkal OFM Cap was appointed the first Bishop.[1]
↑"Diocese of Jammu - Srinagar | A diocese was erected on September 7, 1986, with St. Mary's Jammu Cantt, as Cathedral". www.jammusrinagardiocese.org. Retrieved 1 September 2018.
↑"Diocese of Jammu - Srinagar | A diocese was erected on September 7, 1986, with St. Mary's Jammu Cantt, as Cathedral". www.jammusrinagardiocese.org. Retrieved 1 September 2018.
