Fortunatus Henri Caumont was a devoted French missionary who served God faithfully in Rajasthan, India. He was born on 10th December 1871 in Tours, France, and from childhood, he had a deep love for God and a strong desire to serve Him. Sadly, he lost his father at a young age, and the responsibility of supporting his family fell on him. Even in hardship, Henri remained calm, worked hard, and cared for his loved ones.
However, the call of God in his heart grew stronger, and he finally decided to give his life completely to God’s service. He received his ministerial training, was ordained in 1896, and a year later, he was sent to Rajputana Mission, India, to spread the Gospel.
When Henri arrived in Rajasthan, he was deeply moved by the spiritual and physical emptiness of the people. He believed that mothers are the first teachers of faith, and if women are taught about the true God, they can guide their children toward a life of faith.
But during that time, the purdah system in India did not allow men to speak to women freely. Henri realized that only women could reach other women. With this vision, he started a women’s religious congregation called “Prabhudasi Sisters” (Handmaids of the Lord) in Ajmer in 1906. Through this mission, many women across Rajasthan and North India heard about the love of Jesus Christ.
Henri also noticed that while boys in Rajasthan received education, girls had very few opportunities. To change this, he founded another group called the “Mission Sisters of Ajmer,” which focused on educating girls. Over time, the schools he started became some of the best and most respected educational institutions in Rajasthan.
Henri was a passionate and tireless missionary. He continued to preach and travel even when his health was weak. During one of his journeys to Jabhua, Madhya Pradesh, his strength failed. On 4th April 1930, he peacefully passed away, saying his final words:
“Jesus, I love You without reserve. Amen.”
Summary:
Vision: To bring the Gospel and education to women and children in India.
Name: Fortunatus Henri Caumont
Birth: 10 December 1871
Death (Home Calling): 4 April 1930
Place: Tours, France
Mission Field: India (Rajasthan, North India)
Founded: Prabhudasi Sisters (1906), Mission Sisters of Ajmer