ABSTRACT
The first decade of the Xaverians in Satkhira was characterised by an excessive mobility of personnel, economic difficulties and the unsteadiness of the Rishi Christians. Before returning to Calcutta in January 1954 for good, Fr. Koster patiently introduced Fr. Chiofi to his new mission and the many problems to be faced: failure of crops for three consecutive years, friction between India and Pakistan, increase of rice prices beyond proportion and people with ‘no trade, no work, no income’. Many Hindus were still leaving the country and some Rishi were contemplating the same move ‘being reduced to extreme destitution.’ 335 This was particularly felt in Baradal where the Christians were forced to sell their houses to local Muslims, 336 and to revert to living as robbers and cattle poisoners (SAT. 6: 95/98).
