St Luke's Church, Delhi

St. Luke’s Church in Defence Colony was established by Archbishop Angelo Innocent Fernandes, Archbishop of Delhi, in the year 1978. St. Luke Church is a Roman Catholic church in Delhi and is also one of the most revered Christian shrines in the city. The church is named after the patron saint Luke - the only non-jew who gave his significant contribution to the New Testament.

Festivals like Christmas and Easter are celebrated at the church with great devotion and attract a large gathering of people from all regions. Besides, the church is also thronged with devotees, mainly the church’s members, on Sundays. Not just this, the church also observes Sunday school for children to impart to them about Christianity along with moral values. However, the teachers are fathers, parents, nuns, and volunteers from the church itself. Moreover, the church hosts masses in English, Hindi, and Malayalam language.

History of St. Luke’s Church

St. Luke’s Church in Defence Colony was established by Archbishop Angelo Innocent Fernandes, Archbishop of Delhi, in the year 1978. St. Luke Church is a Roman Catholic church in Delhi and is also one of the most revered Christian shrines in the city. The church is named after the patron saint Luke - the only non-jew who gave his significant contribution to the New Testament. If we talk about the history of this place, the church has a unique story associated with its establishment in Defence Colony.

The reason behind the name of this particular colony is that during the time of its establishment, the plots here were only be allocated to defense people from all three wings - Air Force, Navy, and Army. Besides, the plot where the church stands today was earlier allotted to an Army major who died because of a heart attack. The plot was later acquired by another person who also suffered a heart attack and died. As a result of this, the land was rejected by the people as a curse because of the deaths of the previous two owners.

This was the time when Fr. Charles and Fr. Pascal Rodrigues was looking for some property in Defence Colony to build a church. They came to know about this vacant place and the church decided to acquire the property. Because it was a residential region, the place was used earlier as a residential house with the name St. Luke’s residence.

Religious Significance and Worship

St. Luke’s Church is among the most revered Christian shrines in Delhi, especially within the Roman Catholic community. Regular Sunday Masses attract a large number of worshippers, and the church remains a hub of spiritual activities and community gatherings.

The church holds Mass services in English, Hindi, and Malayalam, making it inclusive for devotees from various linguistic backgrounds. Sunday School is also organized to educate children about Christian teachings and moral values, conducted by priests, parents, nuns, and volunteers from the church.

Celebrations and Community Events

Major Christian festivals such as Christmas and Easter are celebrated at St. Luke’s Church with grandeur and deep devotion. These events draw large congregations from different parts of Delhi and beyond, reinforcing the church’s role as a central place of faith and festivity.

Key Highlights

• Founded: 1978 by Archbishop Angelo Innocent Fernandes
• Patron Saint: St. Luke – the only non-Jew contributor to the New Testament
• Languages of Service: English, Hindi, Malayalam
• Location: Defence Colony, New Delhi
• Known For: Sunday Mass, Sunday School, Christmas & Easter celebrations

Nearby Attractions

If you are visiting St. Luke’s Church, Defence Colony, you can also explore nearby attractions such as:

• Lajpat Nagar Market – Famous for street shopping and food (2 km)
• Lotus Temple – Iconic Bahá’í House of Worship (4 km)
• Humayun’s Tomb – UNESCO World Heritage Site (5 km)
• India Gate – War memorial & picnic spot (6 km)
• Lodhi Garden – A peaceful green escape (5 km)

Quick Facts about St. Luke’s Church Delhi

St. Luke’s Church in Defence Colony, Delhi, is more than just a place of worship—it is a center of faith, community, and inclusiveness. With its fascinating history, Sunday masses in multiple languages, and festive celebrations like Christmas and Easter, the church continues to inspire devotion and unity among its visitors. For anyone exploring Delhi’s spiritual heritage, a visit to St. Luke’s Church is a must.