Tracing the origins and storied past
Amidst the vibrant tapestry of Patna's history, Padri Ki Haveli stands as a testament to the resilience of faith and the enduring spirit. Established in 1628 AD, this sacred place has withstood the test of time, bearing witness to the ever-changing tides of history.
During its formative years, the Haveli's story was woven into the fabric of the Mughal Empire, as the Christian Viceroy of Emperor Jahangir summoned Capuchin priest Father Simon Figueredi from Kolkata to oversee the establishment of this house of worship. It was here that Father Figueredi constructed a place of prayer, sowing the seeds of a rich spiritual legacy that would endure for centuries to come.
In 1713 AD, the Capuchin monks fortified the Haveli's presence, erecting a house of worship as a beacon of faith for generations. However, the ravages of war were not far behind, and in 1763 AD, the priest's mansion and the church fell victim to the conflict between the British and the soldiers of Mir Qasim, leaving the sacred grounds in ruin.
Yet, the Haveli was resurrected through the unwavering determination of Capuchin Father Joseph of Rivetti, who, between 1772 AD and 1779 AD, oversaw the reconstruction of the priest's mansion and the church. The renowned Venetian architect, Teretto of Kolkata, lent his expertise, crafting a design that would stand the test of time, with its walls fortified by dry lime and its yellow-hued facade visible from afar.
In 1782 AD, the Haveli received a significant addition: a massive Maria bell crafted from Ashtadhatu, a gift from Bahadur Shah, the son of the Nepalese King Prithvi Narayan. This bell, aptly named Maria Ankit, has since become an iconic part of this place, calling the faithful to prayer and bearing witness to the Haveli's enduring legacy.