Assisi House in Harasmara is a vibrant Capuchin fraternity serving the faithful of the Rourkela Diocese.  In 1926, fourteen tribal Christian families settled in the forest area of Harasmara, laying the foundations of the present Christian community. Jesuit missionaries from their centre at Gaibira in Odisha regularly visited these families and, in 1927, built a small village chapel to cater to their spiritual needs.​

         The name “Harasmara” is linked to a local legend about a man named Harshajan who was killed and completely devoured by a lion. In memory of this good man, the place came to be known as “Haras-Mara,” meaning “Haras is killed.”​

         Harasmara was originally part of Sikajor St Joseph Parish, which was administered by the Capuchins. On January 1, 1992, it was bifurcated and established as an independent parish, Br Yesudas Kalicheran, OFM Cap. was appointed as its first parish priest.​

         At the time of its erection as a parish, Harasmara had over 500 Christian families spread across 15 villages. Today, the parish comprises 16 mission stations, making it an active centre of pastoral and missionary outreach.​

         A beautiful and spacious new church, dedicated to St Francis of Assisi, was blessed on March 17, 1996, by Rt Rev Alphonse Bilung, SVD, the then Bishop of Rourkela. This church stands as a visible sign of faith and a spiritual home for the Catholic community of Harasmara and other mission stations of the parish.​

         The friars of Assisi House, coordinate the spiritual ministry of the parish, including sacraments, catechesis, village visits, and the animation of basic Christian communities. Their presence embodies the Franciscan spirit of simplicity, closeness to the poor, and joyful proclamation of the Gospel.​

         When the friars came, there was a government-aided local Oriya-medium school, but it lacked proper infrastructure. The friars initially lived in a thatched house while working to construct the necessary buildings for the school, and later for the church and their residence.​

         Seeing the plight and needs of poor children in the area, the friars began hostel facilities to provide them with opportunities for education and holistic growth. Today, the friars at Assisi House are actively involved in administering the school and hostel, integrating education with human and spiritual formation for the young.​