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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St. Anthony’s Church, Sirsi

St. Anthony's ChurchSirsi

A Brief History of the Church

About the Sirsi Catholics, it may be said, a few migrant Christians from the coastal belt who settled in the up ghat sections of Sirsi could have organised themselves into a community towards the later half of the 18th century. Till 1860 the Christians in Sirsi were looked after by the Priests from the Ankola Parish and from 1861, Sirsi was a sub-station of the Kumta Parish. The first Chapel was built and inaugurated on 18.10.1865. Thereafter the Church was constructed in 1875. This Church, as it was found to be too small and in a dilapidated condition was reconstructed with the help of the Portuguese Government and subscriptions from the public.
t was inaugurated on 18.11.1936 when Fr. Albert Mascarenhas was the Vicar. Being a commercial centre in the District, Sirsi has a higher percentage of Christians. Besides the Christians of the town area (Hubli Road and Agasebagil). the Priests residing at Sirsi also served at the sub-stations Siddapur and Sampkand, where groups of Christians formed small communities. The Hubli Road as also Agsebagil areas were bifurcated into independent Parishes. Hulekal. Gadgeri and Banavasi are the main sub-stations of St. Anthony’s Parish, Sirsi. Fr. Peter Machado took charge of this Parish from Fr. Fernando Menezes on 3rd June 1996. The construction of the new Church, the foundation stone of which was blessed by our Bishop on 11 Nov. 1998. The Neo Catechumenate is opened in this Parish since 1987. The Lay Associations like Catholic Association, Catholic Women’s League, St. Vincent de Paul, Youth Association are active in the Parish. Fr. Paul Sequeira, Fr. Denis Mascarenha, Fr. John Fernandes have served the Parish. Presently Fr. Cyril D Souza is the Parish Priest.
The Parish School, called as St. Anthony’s Primary School which was started around the year 1967 and managed by a group of Parishioners was handed over to the Diocese around the year 1970. Fr. Michael Kattakayam who was appointed Head Master of the School put up a new building for the Primary School in 1974. The High School section was started in the Hubli Road area where a new building was put up in 1982 The management of the High School as also the care of the Catholics residing in the Hubli Road area were handed over to the Fathers of the Salesian Congregation in May 1995.

Our Former Priests

Year Name Of Asst Parish Priest
25-04-1965 to 17-03-1967 Victor Crasta
01-06-1974 to 30-05-1985 Michael Kattakayam (In The School)
25-05-1980 to 29-06-1983 Fr. Joe D’Souza
30-06-1983 to 31-05-1984 Lawrence Pereira
01-06-1984 to 30-05-1985 Johny Fernandes
31-05-1985 to 29-05-1995 John Fernandes (In The School)
30-05-1986 to 05-06-1987 Lawrence D’Souza
06-06-1987 to 12-06-1988 Gregory Almeida
13-06-1988 to 30-05-1989 Reginald Pinto
01-06-1989 to 14-04-1990 William D’souza
04-06-1989 to 18-05-1991 Henry D’Mello (In The Farm)
15-01-1990 to 15-05-1995 Peter D’souza (In The Farm)
18-05-1991 to 08-02-1993 Augustine Lobo
09-02-1993 to 02-06-1996 Natvidad Rodrigues
18-11-1993 to 30-05-1994 Robin Das
03-06-1996 to 27-05-1998 Wilson Fernandes
01-09-1996 to 31-05-1997 Bosco Ribeiro
01-02-1998 to 02-06-1999 Joe Pinto
28-05-1998 to 24-04-2001 Gabriel Lopes
25-04-2001 to 19-06-2004 Cyril D’souza
19-06-2004 to 11-06-2006 Holenston D’souza
22-12-2004 to 31-05-2005 Ignatius D’Souza
13-06-2005 to 19-06-2006 Lazarus Miranda
10-06-2006 to 14-06-2008 Edwin Paul D’souza
07-12-2006 to 31-03-2009 Viliet Fernandes
15-06-2008 to 30-05-2010 Rohan Fernandes
02-06-2010 to 02-05-2012 Cyril Miranda
25-02-2008 to 31-05-2011 Joachim Monteiro
01-06-2011 to 25-05-2013 Joachim Fernandes
02-05-2012 to 01-06-2014 Gregory D’souza
26-05-2013 to 06-05-2016 Naveen Tauro
01-06-2014 to 21-05-2017 Ronald D’souza
06-05-2016 to 15-07-2021 Stephen D’souza
21-05-2017 to 13-05-2023 Alwyn Patrick D’sa
26-06-2021 Silvan Rodrigues
Year Name of Parish Priest
08-01-1866 to 29-04-1877 Antonio Carto De Souza
30-04-1877 to 27-04-1878 Pedro Salvador De Souza
28-04-1878 to 05-12-1883 Miguel Jose Das Remedios Dias
06-12-1883 to 01-08-1893 Eilias Piadade Dias
02-08-1893 to 17-01-1897 Joao Gabriel Das Mascarenhas
18-01-1897 to 15-04-1902 Francisco Xavier Vaz
16-04-1902 to 31-01-1907 Deodato Piadade Da Costa
01-02-1907 to 15-04-1912 Mario Jose Levy Gonsalves
16-04-1912 to 15-04-1922 Floriano Jose Joaquim Joao Fernandes
16-04-1922 to 24-05-1923 Dumingo Gartano Soares
25-05-1923 to 29-11-1931 Jose Maria Carmelitada Padade Miranda
30-11-1931 to 15-04-1934 Paulo Francisco Saldhana
16-04-1934 to 28-04-1937 Alberto Antonio Mascarenhas
29-04-1937 to 12-02-1939 Natividade De Souza
13-02-1939 to 30-11-1939 Antonio Joao De Brito Mesquita
01-12-1939 to 15-02-1942 Sebastiao De Souza
16-02-1942 to 05-06-1950 L. A. Figueiredo
06-06-1950 to 05-10-1959 Luis Mathias Lobo
06-10-1959 to 17-03-1967 Caitano Vishent Borges
18-03-1967 to 30-06-1983 Rudolf Miranda
01-07-1983 to 31-05-1984 Stany D’Cunha
01-06-1984 to 03-05-1986 Vincent Pereira
31-05-1986 to 04-06-1996 Fernando Menezes
05-06-1996 to 14-06-2004 Peter Machado
15-06-2004 to 25-06-2011 Paul Sequeira
26-06-2011 to 21-05-2017 Denis Mascarenhas
22-05-2017 to 13-05-2023 John Fernandes
14-05-2023  Cyril D’Souza
  • St. Anthony's Church
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Holy Rosary Church, Siddapur

Holy Rosary ChurchSiddapur

A Brief History of the Church

The name of Fr. Camillo Fernandes is held in high reverence in this small town Parish of Holy Rosary. Not only was he the first Parish Priest of the Church, bifurcated from Sirsi Parish in 1954, he was also the pioneer who rebuilt the Chapel that existed from about 100 years. Fr. Camillo had also the foresight to arrange for a plot of land in Ravindranagar area where the new Church was built and inaugurated on 29th April 1988 by our Bishop William D Mello,

when Fr. Peter Machado was the Parish Priest. Eventually the old Church was demolished to make place for the Maria Complex, the construction of which was supervised by Fr. Felix Lobo. The Parish is also fortunate to have a 4 acre farm at Ballatte, 3 kms from the Church, which God willing in due time may aid in making the Parish self – sufficient. Fr. William Rasquinha, Fr. Faustine Furtado, Fr. Anacletus D Mello served the parish with zeal. The paris has Mavingundi, Adukatta, Manamane, Aigod Vandane and Tyagli are the main substations attached to this Parish. Presently Fr. David Pinto is serving the Parish.

Our Former Priests
  • Our Lady of the Rosary Church SIDDAPUR – 581 355
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St. Francis Xavier Church, Sampkhand

St. Francis Xavier Church Sampkhand

A Brief History of the Church

The church was inaugurated by Bp. Derek Fernandes on 29/1/2013.
It was built during the time of Rev Fr. valerian D’souza. But the chapel was built around 2002 to 2003 under the supervision of Rev Fr. Peter Machado (at that time he was parish priest of St. Anthony church Sirsi.) Later on, Rev Fr. Reginald Pinto was appointed as parish priest in 2003. Rev. Fr. Edwin D’souza is present parish priest.

Our Former Priests

No
Year
Name of the Priests
01
2003 to 2008
Fr. Reginald Pinto
02
2008 to 2015
Fr. Valrian Dsouza
03
2015 to 2021
Fr. Mark Taurro
04
2021 to 2025
Fr. Edwin Dsouza
05
2025 onwards
Fr. James Lopes
  • St. Francis Xavier Church SAMPKHAND – 581 315 Sirsi Taluk
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St. Rita’s Church, Mundgod

St. Rita's ChurchMundgod - Jesuit Mission House (SJ)

A Brief History of the Church

The Society of Jesus (Jesuits) of Karnataka Province took a bold decision in 1981 to extend its mission from coastal Karnataka into North Karnataka where the Christian presence then was practically small. They identified Mundgod, one of most the most backward talukas of Karwar district, as their future mission.

The Christians in Mundgod proper are a negligible minority. Most of them are settlers (job based). Only a few are locals. Siddis are a majority. The main parish of St Rita’s in the town (36 families), has three sub-stations at Ugginakere (40 families), Mainahalli (57 families) and Malagi (12 families).The fallowing parish priests have rendered their services in St. Rita’s church, Mundgod Fr. Mathew Lewis, Fr Peadeep sequeira, Fr.VT Paulose ,Fr.Lawrence Pinto, Fr.Ambrose D’mello, Fr.Francis Guntipally, Fr.Tom D’sousa, Fr Stany Miranda, Fr Freddie D’silva, Fr. Anand Prabhu Fr. Celestine Sera, Fr. Francis Menezes and Fr. Gilbert Saldhanha. Along with the Jesuits, two women religious congregations, namely, Sisters of Charity of Bartholomea Capitanio and Vincenza Gerosa (Estd. Oct 2, 1980) and Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross (Estd. June 1, 1996) are working as a team by carrying out pastoral, educational, social and healthcare ministries. Hostels are also run for Catholic students and other backward classes. Focus is “service of faith and promotion of justice through dialogue with the religious and culture.” Faith formation of the people is given due importance through regular family visits, family prayers, liturgical animation, catechesis etc. School, Parish and Social work all aim towards this dimension.

About the Organization

North Karnataka Jesuit Educational & Charitable Society (NKJE & CS) was organized to work among and with the marginalized communities of Uttara Kannada. Predominately place is filled with the various tribes of Karnataka, Jesuits work in two districts; Uttara Kannada and Haveri Districts. They have put sustained efforts to work for the integral development of these people, fight for justice, build pride in them, restore human dignity, create awareness, promote health and hygiene conditions, release them from the fetters of money lenders and eradicate poverty from the lives of these people in about 78 villages through health care, village hostels, Self Help Groups, adult education Centres, small saving schemes,

Mundgod is also known to be one of the oldest Tibetan settlement Centres; it has spread over a large part of the Mundgod area.
Jesuits besides taking care of the spiritual needs of the people are also work in empowerment works, with the formal and non-formal education, village conscientization, health and social empowerment works.
Jesuits work in Mundgod at three levels;

1 pastoral, and spiritual care of the catholic community of Mundgod.
2. Education field through the both formal and non-formal education
3. Social empowerment of the our target groups through our Social awareness work through the Loyola Vikasa Kendra (LVK)

Our Former Priests

No
Name of the Priests
01
Fr. Guilbert Saldhana, Parish Priest
02
Fr. Melvin Lobo (Community Member)
03
Fr. Jeevan Gomes (Community Member)
04
Fr. Leo Florence(Community Member)
05
Fr. Vijay Raju(Community Member)
06
Fr. Anil D’sousa (Community Member)
07
Fr. Gerald D’sousa (Community Member)
08
Bro. Noel Prabhu (Community Member)
09
Bro. Harish (Community Member)
  • St. Rita Church MUNDGOD – 581 349
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