St. Francis Xavier Church, Hunshettikoppa

St. Francis Xavier ChurchHunshettikoppa

A Brief History of the Church

In the year 2005 seeing the spiritual need Bishop William D Mello separated the St Francis Xavier Siddi Mission unit from Holy Rosary Church Yellapur and appointed Rev. Fr. Raymond Fernandes as Mission in charge with his teaching ministry at Holy Rosary High School Yellapur. In the year 2006 Bishop appointed Rev. Fr. Joachim Furtado as priest in charge of the mission. In 2007 Rev. Fr Raymond was appointed as priest in charge of the mission till May 2015 and from 2015 – 2021 Rev. Fr. Wilson Noronha looked after the spiritual needs of the people. From 2021 till date Rev. Fr Philip Roque D Souza is looking after the spiritual needs of the people.
The parish has 75 Siddi families spread in five villages – Sonarjaddi, Belkop, Domgera, Tavarkatta and Hunshettikoppa village.

Our Former Priests

No
Year
Name of the Priests
01
2006-2007
Fr. Joachim Furtado
02
2007-2015
Fr Raymond
03
2015-2021
Fr. Wilson Noronha
04
2021- Present
Fr Philip Roque D Souza
  • St. Francis Xavier Church, Hunshettikoppa
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Holy Family Church, Joida

Holy Family ChurchJoida

A Brief History of the Church

A greater portion of the Supa town of olden days lies submerged under water. Joida is the new town in Supa Taluk that has come up recently. Being an important highway from Sadashivgad to Belgaum in the olden days, as also being in the proximity of the great Vaishnavite Shrine at Ulvi, there is every reason to believe that Supa was an important town, through which many people passed by. As regards the Catholic presence, they must have been sufficient in number to warrant the Jesuits to build a college here with 2 residences in the early 18th century. But by the end of the century, Tipu’s persecution must have taken its toll and those that escaped being deported, could have migrated to the Haliyal and Khanapur areas. The few Catholics that were in pockets of Potoli, Joida, Kumbarwada may have found themselves like believers in the wilderness for any spiritual help as Joida lies mid-way between Halga and Haliyal.
It is in this situation that Fr. Ignatius Gonsalves, OCD found the people at the inception of the Diocese. He gathered them together and painstakingly built the Church dedicated to the Holy Family, which was inaugurated by our Bishop on 25.3.1980. He also built the Parochial house. As there is a sizable population of Catholics in the Kumbarwada region, the Bishop thought it wise to build a separate Chapel there, dedicated to the patronage of St. Paul. Fr. Rock Mascarenhas, Fr. Reginal Pinto, Fr. Michael Pinto served the Parish. Over the years the condition of the Presbytery as also the Church at Joida began to deteriorate and Fr. Balajoji K. undertook the renovation of the Presbytery and the Church. The Church not only looks stronger, but is a beauty to behold! Fr. Balajoji started a small boarding and a Kinder Garten to help raise the educational standard of the children. Fr. Joaquim Furtado, Fr. Prakash Rao, Fr. Lawrence D Souza, Fr. Chrysostom Rodrigues served the parish. Fr. Steven D Souza is the present Parish Priest.
The Sisters of Our Lady of Fatima known for their zealous efforts in development skills especially in the rural areas are toiling hard along with the Parish Priest in the spiritual and social upliftment of the people of Joida and surrounding villages. They run a boarding for girls and also conduct tailoring and crafts lessons for the school drop-out girls.

Our Former Priests
  • Holy Family Church Joida – 581 186
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Our Lady of Miracles Church, Haliyal

Our Lady of Miracles ChurchHaliyal

A Brief History of the Church

Established in 1884, the Church of Our Lady of Miracles was originally a sub-station under the Bidi Parish of Belgaum Diocese. The Priest’s residence is supposed to have been put up by Fr. Thomas D’Souza in 1890. It was raised to the status of a Parish Church on 3-7-1899 with Fr. priest. Alex Francis Nevis as the first Parish.
Now after about 100 years Haliyal Church is Mother Church of many newly established Churches and Mission units around. At one time there were 32 mission stations that belonged to this Parish. In many of these substations there are Siddi people, with their rich culture and customs. But their economic and social condition is very poor and the Diocese has initiated many schemes for their development in the Haliyal villages. There are about 225 Catholic families in the main parish of Our Lady of Miracles. Fr. Vincent Pereira, Fr. Jerome D Souza, Fr. Denis Mascarenha, Fr. Lawrence Fernandes, Fr. Stany Crasta, Fr. Joseph D Souza, Fr. Gnana Prakash Rao, have served the parish. Presently Fr Francis Miranda serves as the Parish Priest.

Our Former Priests

No
Year
Name of the Priests
01
1889-1892
Fr. Thomas Fransesco de soza
02
–
Fr. Antonio Paulo Polycorp Japries d s jose
03
–
Fr. Felix Feuiorteo Gonsalves, Asst
04
–
Fr. Felix Feuiorteo Gonsalves, Asst
05
–
Fr. Feliceano Vietre do
06
1892-1897
Fr. Joaquem Xavier do Piedade Saldanha
07
1897-1900
Fr. Joao Xavier Matthias
08
–
Delegates: Fr. Joao Baptista Filippe Francisco
09
–
Fr. Jose Rogauxmo
10
1900-1903
Fr. Manoel Salvador desoza
11
1903-1906
Fr. Vincent Sebestiano de mello
12
1906-1911
Fr. Joao Francisco Pinto
13
1912-1918
Fr. Jose do Nascimento Alvares
14
1918
Antonio Xavier S dovico de Braganza
15
1918-1927
Asst. Fr. Jose Fulgureio de Almeide
16
1927-1930
Fr. Jose Maria Andrade + Quadros
17
1913
Fr. Joao Emerciano Coraeo
18
1932 Jan – Nov
Fr. Jose Luciano Magus Pereira
19
1932 Dec – 1939
Fr. Antonio Bernardo Castelino
20
August 1939 – Jan 1940
Fr. Natiendade de souza
21
Feb 1940-Dec-1945
Fr. Paregreio Ludovico de de Liena
22
Jan 1946-1962
Fr. Gregorio Amarinho Gracias
23
–
Asst. Fr. Francis Farca
24
–
Asst. Fr. Apolinaris cap
25
–
Asst. Fr. Blaise cap
26
–
Asst. Fr. Max S. Dsoza
27
Aug 1962-Jan 1975
Fr. Samson Carvalho
28
1975-1976
Asst. Fr. Alex Costa
29
1977-May 1984
Fr. Vincent Pereira
30
–
Asst. Fr. Antony Rodrigues
31
–
Asst. Fr. Michael Pinto
32
–
Fr. Jerome D’souza
33
–
Fr. Anacletus Demello
34
–
Fr. Andrew Pinto
36
–
Fr. Danis Mascarenhas
37
–
Fr. Joquim Furtado
38
–
Fr. Lawrence Fernandes
39
–
Fr. Alfie D’silva
40
–
Fr. Stany Crasta
41
–
Asst. Fr. Christopher
42
–
Asst. Fr. Ireneo Dias
43
–
Asst. Fr. Antony Balgundkar
44
–
Fr. Joseph D’souza
45
–
Asst. Fr. Victor Dias
46
–
Asst. Fr. John Worth
47
–
Fr. Gnana Prakesh Rao
48
–
Asst. Fr. Benson Fernandes
49
–
Asst. Fr. Ronny Rodrigues
50
–
Asst. Fr. Dominic Quadras
51
–
Asst. Fr. Santosh Noronha
52
2021
Fr. Francis Miranda
53
–
Asst. Fr. Wilson Pinto
  • Our Lady of Miracles Church Haliyal – 581 329
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St. Anthony’s Church, Gundolli

St. Anthony's ChurchGundolli

A Brief History of the Church

Four kms, off the main Yellapur Haliyal road is the Gundolli Mission. St. Anthony’s Church veritably at the centre of the village surrounded by Christians and non-Christians. The Church bell is a familiar sound that one hears. No wonder even the non-Christians are so used to the chiming of bells that they find something amiss when they don’t chime.
There is good harmony between Christians and non-Christians The Chapel of St.Anthony at Gundolli was a sub-station of Haliyal parish Church since many years till 1989. After the inception of the Diocese, the Bishop renovated the existing Chapel and Presbytery, which were inaugurated on 25.11.1989. Fr. Joe D’Souza was appointed the first Priest-in-charge at Gundolli. Subsequently Fr. Lancy Rodrigues, Fr. Joachim Furtado, Fr Alphie D Silva, Fr. K. Balajoji, Fr. Antony Rodrigues, Fr Philip Roque D Souza, served the parish. Priests not only catered to the spiritual needs of the people, they even sought out ways and means to aid the people socially and economically. Gundolli Mission has 12 substations like Kalginkoppa, Kumbarkoppa, Gudmurgi, Sambrani, Bukinkoppa, Balshettikoppa, Kanshida, Bhagavathi, Kamtikoppa, Nilvani, Dodkoppa, and Hosur. Presently Fr. Noel Prakash Lobo is the parish priest.

Our Former Priests

No
Year
Name of the Priests
01
1989 – 1993
Fr. JOE D’ SOUZA
02
1993 – 1996
FR. LANCY RODRIGUES
03
1996 – 2000
FR. JOACHIM FURTADO
04
Assistant
FR. Pascol Rodrigues
05
2000 – 2006
FR. ALPHY D’ SILVA
06
2006 – 2013
FR. Balajoji
07
Assistant
Fr. Romeo Fernandes
08
2013 – 2015
Fr. Antony Rodrigues (Sr.)
09
2015 – 2021
Fr. Philip Roque D’souza
10
Assistant
Fr. John Worth
11
Assistant
Fr. Joachim Monteiro
12
2021 – Present
Fr. Noel Prakash Lobo
  • St. Anthony’s Church Gundolli P.O. Via Haliyal – 581 329
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St. Anthony’s Church, Gund

St. Anthony's ChurchGund

A Brief History of the Church

You mention Wild Life Sanctuary in U.K.District, and you are in the Gund Mission of St. Anthony! Situated in the heart of the forest, Gund is about 35 kms. from Dandeli. It speaks volumes of the grit and Determined spirit of the Priests who have served in the Gund Mission, that they have been successful in nurturing the faith of the people, inspite of several odds and inconveniences.
The present day Christians of Gund are said to have been people of the working class who migrated from Goa to the Gund area to work in the fields of the landlords. The Priests in those good old days came from even as far as Londa to tend the flock at Gund. From 1964, the Gund Mission came under Dandeli Parish and the Priests resident in Dandeli rendered regular services in the course of years to the people of Gund, with Eucharistic celebration almost once a week. special mention has to be made of Brother Xavier Braggs for his untiring missionary efforts to raise the faith level of the people as also initiate literacy and developmental activities. Fr. John Abel D’Souza was the first resident Priest in-charge appointed in 1991 and he was succeeded by Fr. Reginald Pinto, who made good use of his time and energy in this “wilderness parish” by translating The Catechism of the Catholic Church into Konkani Bhavarthachem Dirvem, which has brought much credit to the Diocese as one of the very few vernacular translations of the book. Fr. Reginald was ably assisted in this work at Gund by Fr. Henry D’Mello. Incidentally, Bhavarthachem Dirvem was handed over to the Pope in Rome by Fr. Nathaniel Cruz of our Diocese. Fr. Urban Santosh Fernandes, Fr. Antony Gonsalves, Fr. Cyril D Souza, Fr. William D Souza, Fr. Natvidade Rodrigues have served the parish. Presently Fr. Remend Fernandes is the Priest in-charge of the Gund Mission

Our Former Priests
  • St. Anthony’s Church: Gund Via Dandeli – 581 325
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Mary Queen of Heaven Church, Gardolli-Wada

Mary Queen of Heaven ChurchGardolli-Wada

A Brief History of the Church

The Temple of God is not made up of just bricks and mortar, but rather of the living stones! We have heard it often and we can say, that it is very true of the Wada Mission. The Chapel built in 1936 was pulled down two years ago with the plan to re-build a bigger Church. Unfortunately an unpleasant Court suit over the land has withheld any further construction on the plot where the Church stood earlier. But this has not in any way dampened the spirits of the people. As many of the people from the village have joined the Neo catechumenate way of life, the absence of the Church building is not much felt as the services are now continued with the Word of God and the Eucharist celebrated in a make shift godown.
Consisting predominantly of Siddi Christians, the Wada area lies in deep forest and the approach road till recently was just a mud pathway. But what is surprising is that in spite of their poverty, difficult circumstances and illiteracy the people managed to keep their faith alive through their prayers, songs and wise sayings. The people of Wada are looking forward to a new Church and are praying that the day may dawn soon! Like the Wada village in Haliyal Taluk, Gardolli is also a Siddi populated village known for their music, dance and spontaneity. Far away from civilization, it used to be once-a-year stop for Priests from Haliyal Parish who used to come on their Paschal blessing rounds. While the Chapel of Queen of Heaven was built recently and inaugurated by our Bishop on 25.3.1999, the Mass earlier was used to be said in the Community Hall building. There are about 80 Catholic families in this village. 
Fr. Anacletus, Fr. Andrew Pinto, Fr. Philip Roque D Souza, Fr. Joachim Furtado, have served the people as assistants to Haliyal parish but residing in the village. Fr. Bosco Ribeiro, Fr. Ireneus, Fr. Holeston D Souza, Fr Edwin D Souza have served the mission. Presently Fr. Ronald D Souza is in Priest-in-charge of Wada Gardolli mission.

Our Former Priests
  • Mary Queen of Heaven Church Gardolli Smabrani P.O. Via Haliyal – 581 32
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St. Anthony’s Church, Dandeli

St. Anthony's ChurchDandeli

A Brief History of the Church

Dandeli is a new town that has come into existence in the second half of the last century. Known from ages to be covered with thick and impenetrable forests, the first signs of people inhabiting the area occurred when the Indian Plywood Company began their factory in the now Old Dandeli area. Among the early settlers were some Catholic workers and officers who desired to have Catholic services and so was built in Old Dandeli, the first Chapel in 1941 of mud walls and thatched roof.
Seeing the fervour and enthusiasm of the people, Fr. A. Gracias, Parish Priest of Haliyal Church began to offer Masses for the people once in one or two months. When the West Coast Paper Mills was started in 1959 more people began to settle in Dandeli and the number of Catholics also grew. Rt. Rev. Michael Rodrigues, Bishop of Belgaum requested Fr. Apolinaris and Fr. Blasius who were residing in Haliyal to attend to the needs of Dandeli Catholics. The Bethany Sisters opened their foundation in Dandeli in 1962 and Fr. P. J. Jacob, the Secretary to the Bishop of Belgaum was sent to offer Mass. But the real development of the Catholics began when Fr. Joseph Koima of Poona Diocese landed in Dandeli in 1962. Though a Malayalee, not knowing Konkani, he evinced keen interest in the development of the people, especially their education. Through his efforts he was able to get the land and permission for St. Michael’s English Medium School of which he was the first headmaster.
He built the old Church at Dandeli, which was demolished and rebuilt when Fr. Denis Mascarenhas was the Parish Priest. The new Church was inaugurated by our Bishop on 15th May 1988. As the Catholic population grew and new settlements increased especially in the Ambewadi area of Dandeli, bifurcation of the Parish was considered necessary. Fr. Antony Lopes, Fr. Denis Mascarenhas, Fr. John Rodrigues, Fr. Peter Machado, Fr. Ambrose fernandes, Fr. Benjamin D Souza, Fr. Ireneus Dias, Fr. Ignatius D Souza have served the Parish. Presently Fr. Felix Lobo is the Parish Priest.

Our Former Priests
  • St. Anthony’s Church Dandeli - 581 325
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Holy Cross Church, Castlerock

Holy Cross ChurchCastlerock

A Brief History of the Church

As the train from Londa to Goa wishes past the milky white waterfalls of Dudhsagar in Goa, 13 Kms from Castlerock, one’s heart skips a beat as one beholds this feast to the eyes! This is Castlerock, though very much interior, it has found favour with the British officers who liked the greenery and in particular the salubrious climate and used it as a summer resort. No wonder there exists in Castlerock a British cemetery. Castlerock is also a railway junction.
The existence of the Holy Cross Mission goes back to around 1898 when it was a sub-station under Khanapur Parish (erstwhile Goa Diocese). The old Presbytery was built in 1935 and Fr. Ascencao Appollinario D’Cunha was the first resident Priest. A Chapel was built and inaugurated by the Patriarch of Goa on 20th Feb. 1949. The same Chapel was repaired and renovated and rededicated in 1998. The Presbytery, which was in a dilapidated condition, was re-built when Fr. Kurian Therady was the Parish Priest and inaugurated by our Bishop on 20th May 1998. Fr. Lawrence Pereira, Fr. Constancio Almeida, Fr. Reginald Pinto, Fr. Dominic Quadros, have served the Parish. Fr. Anil Walter D Mello is the present Parish Priest. The present Sanctuary was renovated by Fr. Anil Walter.

Our Former Priests
  • Holy Cross Church Castlerock – 581 121
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St. Joseph the Worker Church, Ambewadi

St . Joseph’s churchAmbewadi - Dandeli

A Brief History of the Church

The people in Dandeli are predominantly factory workers, labouring in one factory or the other. No wonder the Bishop thought of entrusting their cares and worries to the Patron of Labourers, St. Joseph the Worker himself, as he blessed and dedicated the new Church at Ambewadi on 1.5.1999. A Church in this area was a long felt need as the people mostly labourers, found shelter in some nook or comer on the periphery of Dandeli on the Barchi Road. And for these people the Church in Old Dandeli was really far. 
Taking into consideration the consensus among the people and assessing their difficulties, the Bishop in 1992 deputed Fr. Lawrence Pereira to prepare the way in view of a new Parish. Fr. Lawrence initially built the Parochial house and then undertook the construction of the Church. The people offered their help and co-operation to Fr.  Lawrence by way of labour and monetary contributions. Till the Church was ready, Sunday Mass was used to be celebrated in the St. Michael’s Convent High School Hall. The New Church building presents a beautiful view, the facade of which can be seen from a good distance. It is as if St. Joseph himself were invoking a blessing on this city of labourers. The Ambewadi Church was erected to the status of a Parish on 1.5.2000. Fr. Gabriel Monis, Fr. John Fernandes, Fr. Sebastian Pinto, Fr. Balajoji K. Fr. Gregory D Souza and Presently Fr. Santosh Fernandes is the parish Priest. was appointed as the Parish Priest on the same day.

Our Former Priests
  • St. Joseph the Worker Church Nirmal Nagar, Ambewadi DANDELI – 581 325
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Sacred Heart Church, Ambikanagar

Sacred Heart ChurchAmbikanagar

A Brief History of the Church

Modern day Ambikanagar is a new town born of two forest villages, Amba and Jamga. Known for its world famous Hydro power project, Ambikanagar came into existence when the power project was being built and commissioned. As the first technicians of the power project settled in the colonies with their families, a request was made from among the Catholic families for religious services. While in 1975 Fr. J.Koimma obliged them with English Masses celebrated once a month or so, soon it was obvious that the 60 families or so would look after an independent Priest if spared by the Diocese. Thus already at the beginning of the Diocese Fr. Santosh Menezes OFM Cap. started residing at Ambikanagar in one of the colony houses, made available to him for his stay and religious services by an enthusiastic parishioner, the future Fr. Reginald Pinto, who was an Accountant in K.P.C. but resigned his job and joined the Priesthood for the Diocese of Karwar! 
Through the kind generosity of the Karnataka Power Project Corporation, a piece of land on Bhagwathi road was leased out for the new Church construction at Ambikanagar. The people were active, zealous and very keen to finish the building. Ambikanagar takes the credit of being the first Church in the Diocese, foundation of which was laid by our Bishop at the inception of the new Diocese. With the support of the KPC, work on the Church and Presbytery proceeded at a fast pace with Fr. Henry D’Mello in the lead and the Church was inaugurated and blessed by our Bishop on 4th April 1981. The parish has Kegdal village occupied by Siddi people are catered from Ambikanagar parish. Successive Priests, Fr. Patrick D’Mello, Fr. J.B.D’Silva, Fr. Denis Alvares, Fr. Theophilus Pereira, Fr. Bruno Fernandes, Fr. Lawrence Pereira, Fr. Edwin D Souza,, Fr. K Balajojji, Fr. Denis mascarenhas, Fr. Lawrence Fernandes have served the parish. Presently Fr. James Lopes is looking after the spiritual needs of the people..

Our Former Priests
  • Sacred Heart of Jesus Church Ambiknagar – 581 363
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