St.Sebastian’s Church, Manchikeri

St. Sebastian's ChurchManchikeri

A Brief History of the Church

Across the Bedthi river on the Yellapur-Sirsi road lies Manchikeri village which was part of Yellapur Parish. It was separated from the main Yellapur Parish in the year 1994. It has about 280 Parishioners.

The new Church building and the Priest’s residence was constructed under the supervision of Rev.Fr.Benedict Rodrigues, who  was also the first Priest-in-charge of this new Mission Station. Our Bishop inaugurated the new building of the Church on 22nd Oct. 1994. The Mission Station has a sub-station dedicated to St. Anne at Bilki, which is about 10 kms away from Manchikeri.

Fr. Benedict Rodrigues, Fr. Lawrence D’Souza, Fr Lawrence Pereira, Fr. Joachim Furtado, Fr. Raymond Fernandes, have served the parish. Presently Fr. Royston Gonsalves is the parish Priest.

Our Former Priests
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St. John Bosco Church, Hubli Road, Sirsi

Don Bosco ChurchHubli Road, Sirsi.

A Brief History of the Church

In 1982 Rev. Fr. Michael Kattakayam, started a High School which actually began as a Primary School in St. Anthony’s Church Compound. Some unpleasant circumstances coerced Fr. Michael Kattakayam to shift the High School on Hubli road, Sirsi. Therefore, Fr. Kattakayam bought a plot of land and set up a residence for himself calling it “Deva Krapa” which is now the presbytery of the St. John Bosco Church. Simultaneously, St. Anthony’s Eng. Medium School building was also constructed and for over thirteen years the School was well run and developed.at Hubli road Sirsi. 

In 1995 the late Bishop William De Mello of Karwar Diocese invited the Salesians to take over
the establishment at Deva Krapa along with the above-mentioned School, with a request to construct and establish a new Parish.

The Salesian Provincial accepted the offer from the Bishop and proposed St. John Bosco to
be the Patron of the Parish. The Bishop approved the suggestion and accordingly, on the evening of May 16, 1995, amidst a gathering of parishioners, the diocesan clergy and the Salesians, the School was handed over to the Salesians.

The handing over ceremony took place in the School hall above the residence of Deva Krapa.
Fr Lawrence D’Souza was appointed Parish Priest with Fr. Felix Fernandes as his Assistant.
There were more or less 80 families belonging to the main Parish of St. Anthony at Sirsi,
to be the parishioners of the St. John Bosco Parish. Initially, the ministry of liturgical and religious services was held in the School Hall above the residence from May 1995 till 1999,
The Mass Center at Ekkambi comprising of nearly 50 families which is 16 kms also had to be taken care of pastorally.

In 1996, Fr. Michael Mascarenhas took over as the Parish Priest from Fr. Lawrence D’souza. 
A year later in June 1997 Fr. Leandro Gracias came as an assistant Parish Priest and relieved Fr. Felix Fernandes to go for his studies in Pune.

The Almighty God provided the resources. The entire cost of the building was funded by Chandrakanth Meghji Shah of Seychelles through the Propaganda office of Rev. Fr. Aurelius Maschio SDB. The foundation stone for the construction of Parish building was laid on April 20th 1997 and in two years’ time, completed and blessed by Rt. Rev. William D’mello, the Bishop of Karwar Diocese, on 11 December 1999.

Though, the parishioners could not help financially, those who could offer their mite did contribute in the measure they could. The people were poor and the Salesians who pioneered the work felt that it was pastorally fulfilling.

During his tenure of office from 1996-1999, Michael supervised the construction of the church. And the School extension block. A small multipurpose hall was also built at Marathikoppa for Medical and social services of the faithful staying in the locality. 

In 1999 Fr. Michael Mascarenhas was transferred and Fr. Lawrence D’souza was appointed for a second time to take care of the Parish and School at Sirsi.
In 2000 Fr. Lino Lopes came as an assistant Parish Priest and continued till 2006
Fr. Lawrence D’souza, due to poor health condition, he had to discontinue after a year.
In 2001 Fr. Maurice Figueiredo took over from Fr. Lawrence D’souza.
He strove in his own inimitable style to organize the pastoral work in the Parish.
In 2003, Fr. Bernardino Almeida took over as the Parish Priest and worked with interest for six full years enthusiastically.
In 2009 Fr. Felix Serrao was appointed as a Parish Priest along with Fr. Leandro Gracias as an assistant Parish Priest.
Fr. Felix Serrao was succeeded by Fr. Alexinho Rodrigues as a Parish Priest from 2015 to 2021
In 2021 Fr. Lino Lopes took over the charge as the Parish along with Fr. Sandesh Fernandes.
Together as a team Fr. Lino Lopes, Fr. Sandesh Fernandes and Fr. Peter Pinto give their best pastorally.

Every Salesian team that arrived at Sirsi, has progressively developed place and the parishioners with Faith forming and educating in the best way they can. The parish with its mere 28 years history has shown remarkable progress under the stewardship of the Salesians. More and more people have settled in the Parish over the years and the Christian population has also grown rapidly and moved up the economic ladder. At present, there about 200 Christian families with a total population of more than 700. The school too has excelled always as one of the best schools in Sirsi, always setting new standards for academic excellence.


Our Former Priests

No
Year
Name of the Priests
01
1995-1996
Fr. Lawrence D’Souza
02
1996-1999
Fr. Michael Mascarenhas
03
1999-2001
Fr. Lawrence D’Souza
04
2001-2003
Fr. Maurice Figueiredo
05
2003-2009
Fr. Bernardino de Almeida
06
2009-2015
Fr. Felix Serrao
07
2015-2021
Fr Alexinho Rodrigues
08
2021-Present
Fr. Lino Lopes
  • Don Bosco Church, 3rd Cross Hubli Rd, Sirsi, Karnataka 581402
  • 08382-226451
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Infant Jesus Church, Agasebagil

Infant Jesus ChurchAgasebagil, Sirsi

A Brief History of the Church

When Fr. Fernando Menezes, the Parish Priest of St. Anthony’s Church, Sirsi approached the Bishop William D Mello, as to under whose patronage the proposed new Church at Agasebagil was to be dedicated, the Bishop had no hesitation in proposing the patronage of the Infant Jesus of Prague, keeping in mind the growing devotion to Infant Jesus in the various Churches of our Diocese. Being a close-knit Community, and known for their zeal and enthusiasm, the Agasebagil-Nilekani area Parishioners of St. Anthony’s Parish, Sirsi since many years had maintained their Chapel and were longing for a Parish of their own. The Chapel itself, according to one account, was built in 1905. It was repaired and re-built in 1969-70.
To Fr. Nevil D’Souza was entrusted the care of the Parishioners in the Agasebagil Nilekani area in 1994 and the people with one heart and mind supported him in his venture of building the Church. The close collaboration of the people with the new Priest in-charge was evident from the beginning at the various stages of building, in the collection of funds etc. So much so, that when there was an accident of the roof caving in at the time of concreting, fortunately with no serious casualties, the people rose to the occasion, cleared the debris, minimised the damage and proceeded with the construction. The Church was inaugurated by Msgr. Simon Tellis, Vicar General on 28.5.1996, as the Bishop was indisposed at this time. Besides this Samphkand and Hegdekatta villages were attached to this parish. Agasebagil. Rev. Fr. Antony Rodrigues, Fr. Bonaventure Rodrigues, Fr. Wilson Fernandes, have served the parish. Fr. Anacletus D Mello the present Parish Priest is also the Dean of the Sirsi Deanery.

Our Former Priests
  • Infant Jesus Church AGASEBAGIL Nilekani Sirsi
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St. Anthony’s Church, Ternamakki

St. Anthony's ChurchTernamakki

A Brief History of the Church

Situated on the N.H.17, a few kilometers before Bhatkal, the Church at Ternamakki stands as one of the way-side pilgrimage Churches that dot the coastal belt of North Kanara. The Chapel that existed here since many years was demolished to make place for a new one when Fr. L. Figueiredo was the Priest-in charge. But before the building could be completed, Fr. Figueiredo was transferred and it was the turn of Fr. V. Pereira to complete the building, which was inaugurated by Rt. Rev. Ignatius Lobo, Bishop of Belgaum on 18th Nov. 1968.
Dedicated to St. Anthony one of the popular saints of our Diocese, the Church was for  some years looked after by the Franciscan Fathers. Subsequently, Ternamakki was made a sub-station of Shirali Church with no resident Priest at Ternamakki. But, to retain the spiritual presence, the sisters of the Ursuline Congregation agreed to reside in the Presbytery of the Church. The Sisters visited the families in the villages and surrounding. Fr. Lancy Rodrigues, Fr. Antony Rodrigues (Jr), Fr. Richard Rodrigues, Fr. Mark Tauro, Fr. Alwyn Cardoza have served the parish. Presently Fr. Paul Sequeira is the Parish Priest.

Our Former Priests
  • St. Anthony’s Church TERNAMAKKI P.O. Via Kaikini - 581 421
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Holy Cross Church, Shirali

Holy Cross ChurchShirali

A Brief History of the Church

With the blessing and the dedication of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Assumption on 29th April 2002, started a new chapter in the historySituated on the bank of the Arabian Sea, the Chapel of Holy Cross at Shirali, which is an independent unit since 1984 has weathered many a storm and is a witness to the faith experience of the people of at least 4 generations. The Chapel at Shirali, according to one tradition existed from the time of Fr. Jose Vaz (1691 1694) but in the later years was represented by only a Cross. A new Chapel was built and blessed on 26-1-1926. This old Chapel was extended and renovated in 1946. The Parochial house was built in 1968 and hence onwards the Franciscan Fathers served in this unit. of this Diocese. Strange but true, the Diocese managed for 25 years with the Kajubag Church as the “Pro-Cathedral” of the Diocese! The history of the Parish dates back to the year 1862 when the capital of the North Kanara district was shifted from Honavar to Karwar. With the said transfer, all the government officials belonging to the Mangalorean Catholic community came to settle in Karwar.
The people even now remember with gratitude Fr. Vincent Pereira of the Diocese who tended the flock for many years and also the Franciscan Fathers (Fr. Nicholas, Fr. Paul Fernandes, Fr. Simon Pinto, Fr. Dharma and Fr. Baltazar). The new Church was built in 1980 and the Parochial house was rebuilt in 1999. A relic of the Holy Cross has been preserved here. we recall also the recent service of Fr. Lancy Rodrigues, Fr. Marcel Crasta, Fr. Lawrence D’Souza, Fr. Walter Pinto, Fr. ………..Fr. Pascal Rodrigues. Fr. Benedict Rodrigues is the parish Priest.

Our Former Priests

No
Year
Name of the Priests
01
–
Late Fr Vincent Pereira
02
–
Fr Nicholas ofm
03
–
Fr Paul Fernandes ofm
04
–
Fr Simon Pinto ofm
05
–
Fr Dharma ofm
06
–
Fr Balthazar Pinto ofm
07
–
Fr Lancy Rodrigues and Fr Marcel Crasta
08
–
Fr Lawrence D’ Souza
09
–
Fr Walter Pinto
10
–
Fr Paschal Rodrigues
11
–
Fr Mark Serao
12
–
Fr Benjamin D’ Souza
13
–
Fr Benedict J. Rodrigues
12
–
Fr. Wilson Fernandes
  • Holy Cross Church SHIRALI, Alvekodi 581 354
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Christ the King Church, Murdeshwar

Christ the King ChurchMurdeshwar

A Brief History of the Church

Murdeshwar Church is situated on the coast of Arabian Sea. This beautiful scenic place is famous for its temple. Every day thousands of people come to this place to visit Shiva temple, for picnic and holidays. The majority of the people are Muslims followed by Hindus and then the Catholics. There are about 900 Catholics here. The main occupation of the Catholics is stone cutting, construction work, tailoring and fishing.
This Church had Fr. Vincent Pereira as the first Parish Priest and he was looking after Bailur, Ternamakki and Shirali. He served in this Parish from 1956-1975, almost 19 years. People still remember the great vigour and enthusiasm with which he used to go walking or cycling to fulfil the spiritual needs of the people. It was his interest and vigour which made so many people come closer to the Church and sacramental life. From 1975 to 1993 the Franciscan Fathers (Fr. Nicholas D’Souza, Fr. Dharma, Fr. Cornelius D’Souza, Fr. Paul Fernandes, Fr. Rophy D’Silva, Fr. Augustine Pinto and Fr. Baltazar Pinto looked after the Church, after whom Fr. Peter Carneiro, a Diocesan was appointed Parish Priest with Fr. Richard Rodrigues as Assistant Parish Priest.
They served in Murdeshwar for six years. During Fr. Peter Carneiro’s time Bailur and Shirali were made independent units. The new Presbytery was also built and named as ‘Jubilee Mansion’ during Fr. Peter’s time. A Grotto dedicated to Mother of Miracles’ and a huge Cross, which is kept illuminated at night is built at the beachfront.Fr. Anacletus D Mello, Fr. Sebastian Pinto Fr Alwyn Cardoza, Fr. Joseph D Souza, have served the Parish. Presently Fr. Valerian D Souza is the parish Priest.

Our Former Priests

No
Year
Name of the Priests
01
1957 – 1975
Fr. Vincent Pereira
02
1975 – 1983
Fr.Nicholas D Souza
03
1983 – 1986
Fr.Carnelius D Souza
04
1986 – 1989
Fr.Rolphy D Silva
05
1989 – 1991
Fr. Augustine Pinto
06
1991 – 1993
Fr.Balthazar Pinto
07
1993 – 1999
Fr.Peter Carnerio
08
1999 – 2004
Fr. Anecletus Dmello
09
2004 – 2010
Fr.Sebastian Pinto
10
2010 – 2015
Fr.Alwyn Cardoza
11
2015 – 2021
Fr Joseph D Souza
12
2021 – Present
Fr. Valerian D Souza
  • Christ the King Church MURDESHWAR – 581 350
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Holy Cross Church, Manki

Holy Cross ChurchManki

A Brief History of the Church

As one visits the Church of Holy Cross, Manki, one finds a big Cross-monument in front of the Church. On close scrutiny we find there the name of Msgr. Honaratio Silva, a man held in high esteem in Manki, as the Parish Priest and pioneer of the Church and the surrounding villages. The Church at Manki is supposed to have been established in 1888. It was a Chapel under Gulmona till 1891. It was erected as a Parish on 19-2-1896. The majority of the people of Manki are fisherfolk who embark their boat for fishing from the shore close to the Church. Naturally as they go and as they return the site of the Church invokes in their mind a prayer of blessing and thanksgiving. The sound and fury of the monsoons as also the roar of the waves have often beckoned the parishioners to the Church quarters to pray for their near and dear ones, and in necessity and emergency, the whole village irrespective of caste and creed becomes one, invoking the succour of the Cross.
For long, Manki was served by Franciscan missionaries like Fr. Paul Fernandes, Fr. Rolphy D’Silva, Fr. Moras etc. It was  when Fr. Antony Rodrigues was the Parish Priest that the old Church was demolished and the new one was constructed. Fr. Antony supervised the construction of the Presbytery too. After Fr. Antony, Fr. Joe D’Souza, Fr. Valerian Sequeira, Fr. Urban Santosh Fernandes, Fr. Jerome D Souza, Fr. Alphy D Silva have served the Parish. Presently Fr. Villet Fernandes is the present Parish Priest. 

Our Former Priests

No
Year
Name of the Priests
01
1896-1898
Rev. Fr. Joao Xavier Tiago D’silva
02
1898-1900
Rev. Fr. Manuel Salvador D’Souza
03
1900-1903
Rev. Fr. Vincent Sebestian D’Mello
04
1903-1909
Rev. Fr. Antonio Manuel Sutorio Almeida
05
1909-1911
Rev. Fr. Philip Neri Joao Manuel Pereira
06
1892-1897
Fr. Joaquem Xavier do Piedade Saldanha
07
1911-1916
Rev. Fr. Antonio Joao da Piadade Furtado
08
1916-1925
Rev. Fr. Remedios de Rozario Gomes
09
1925-1936
Rev. Fr. Francisco Xavier Gracio
10
1936-1943
Rev. Fr. Jose Camilo Sutorio Gomes
11
1943-1966
Rev. Fr. Honaratio D’Silva
12
1966-1970
Rev. Fr. Thomas D’Silva
13
1970-1972
Rev. Fr. Sebestian Fernandes
14
1975-1980

Rev. Fr. Cornelius D’Souza OFM
15
1980-1986

Rev. Fr. Alphonse Moraes OFM
16
1986-1989

Rev. Fr. Cornelius D’Souza OFM
17
1989-1995
Rev. Fr. Anthony Rodrigues
18
1995-2001

Rev. Fr. Joseph D’Souza
19
2001-2002

Rev. Fr. Valerian Sequeira
20
2002-2008
Rev. Fr. Urban Santosh Fernandes
21
2008-2015
Rev. Fr. Jerome D’Souza
22
2015-2018
Rev. Fr. Michale Pinto
23
2018-2021

Rev. Fr. Alphy D’Silva
24
2021-onwards

Rev. Fr. Vilet Fernandes
  • Holy Cross Church MANKI - 581 348
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Our Lady of Fatima Church, Madi

Our Lady of Fatima, Manki, Madi

A Brief History of the Church

The parish of Our Lady of Fatima, Manki, Madi, Honavar, was a part of the parish of Holy Cross Church, Manki, which has a history of about three hundred years. It served as a mission station for the convenience of the parishioners who found it difficult to commute to their parish church which is about 3 kilometres away. The initial church building which is located a few yards away has been used for time immemorial for worship by the people of Madi village. It is still preserved and is being used for worship and other church related activities. The Church is located on the hill facing the picturesque Madi Beach.
It is dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima in order to commemorate the earth shaking event of the vision of Our Lady, the Holy Mother of Jesus to the three little shepherd children of Fatima, Portugal in 1917. The artistic depiction of this vision adorns the entrance of the church. It is a second stop for devotion and promotion of the message of Our Lady of Fatima in the diocese of Karwar, next to the much older church of Our Lady of Fatima, Molkod, Honavar, which is located a few miles away on the bank of the river Sharavati. Besides the usual liturgical services conducted in the Church for the benefit of the parishioners, the devotion and services held in the church are focussed on the core message of Fatima -Prayer, Penance and Sacrifice for peace in the world and in our homes.
Every Wednesday, novena to Our Lady of Fatima, is attended by the parishioners and the people from nearby area. Similarly the first Saturday devotion requested by Our Lady of Fatima is also conducted. Walking pilgrimage and processions are conducted twice a year especially during the Lenten season. The parish also strives towards the spiritual, moral and social upliftment of the people through various development programs for children, youth, women and men. Rev. Fr. Lawrence D’Silva is present parish priest.

Our Former Priests

No
Year
Name of the Priests
01
2007 to 2013
Fr. John Abel D’Souza
02
2013 to 2021
Fr. Bonaventure Rodrigues
03
2015 to 2021
Fr. Francis Miranda
04
2021 onwards
Fr. Lorens D’Silva
  • Our Lady of Fatima, Manki, Madi
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Mary Mother of God Church, Kodani

Mary Mother of God Church Kodani

A Brief History of the Church

The Church of the Mother of the People of God, popularly known as Shanti Ashram is another of those coastal belt parishes, which has given many Priests a reason to live his Priesthood as a challenge and risk! Known for their affectionate approach and willing co-operation to the Priests, the people of Kodani are hardworking, brave and resolute.
The old Chapel at Kodani is supposed to be in existence since the beginning of the 20th century. It was first under the Gundibala Parish and then under the Honavar Parish. They are capable of flattening a mountain if it would serve their purpose. This gigantic work was accomplished under the leadership of the late Fr. Peter D’Souza. Who supervised the construction of the new Church is being completed at Bellimakki a Sub station of Kodani. Of the Priests who have served at Kodani, the names of Fr. J. B. D’ Silva, who initiated many developments, Fr. Prashant Coelho OFM Cap, Fr. Navil D’ Souza, Fr. Jerome Baretto, Fr. Philip Lopes, Fr. Stany Crasta, Fr. Peter D’ Souza, Fr. Antony D’ Souza, Fr. Cyril D’ Souza. Presently Fr Joachim Furtado is looking after the spiritual needs of the people.

Our Former Priests

No
Year
Name of the Priests
01
1965 – 1968
Fr. J.B.Silva
02
1968 – 1976
Fr. Apollonaries
03
1976 – 1981
Fr. Herold D’souza
04
1968 – 1976
Fr. Prashanth Coelho
05
1986 – 1990
Fr. Navil D’Souza
06
1990 – 1996
Fr. Jerome Baretto
07
1996 – 1999
Fr. Philip Lopes
08
1999 – 2001
Fr. Stany Caster
09
2001 – 2008
Fr. Peter D’souza
10
2008 – 2013
Fr. Antony Dsouza
11
2010
Fr. John Worth
12
2013 – 2019
Fr. Cyril D’Souza
13
2019 – 2025
Fr. Joachim Furtado
14
2025
Fr. John Abel D’Souza
  • Mary Mother of God Church Shanthi Ashram, KODANI P.O. Via Melin Idgunji Honavar 581 423
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St. Joseph’s Church, Lower Kasarkod

St. Joseph's ChurchLower Kasarkod

A Brief History of the Church

Rev. Fr. Alfred Roche, the Capuchin Priest who built the Church at Lower Kasarkod while he was the Parish Priest resembled very much the saintly Padre Pio, is the ‘Servant of God’ and whose beatification process is on. Fr. Roche had also in him the saintly disposition. He has touched the lives of many in Kasarkod and surroundings with his prudent insistence, gentle push and spiritual counseling. Many a person was reformed on coming into contact with him.
The Capuchins arrived in Lower Kasarkod in 1975. Though a Church existed in this place for many years, its tiny structure and dilapidated condition prompted Fr. Roche to undertake the building of the new Church, foundation for which was laid on 1st May 1977. The Church dedicated to St. Joseph was the first one to be inaugurated after the inception of the new Diocese. It was inaugurated by our Bishop and blessed by Rt. Rev. Ignatius Lobo, Bishop of Belgaum on 30th April 1979. On 1st May every year the feast of St. Joseph attracts large crowds from all over North Kanara.
After Fr. Alfred Roche, other Capuchin stalwarts like Fr. Gregory Vaz, Fr. Walter Saldanha, Fr. Eugene Rebello and Fr. Peter Mendonca have served in this Church. Fr. Alfred Roche returned once again in 1987, this time to be the Superior of the Friary which was started at Lower Kasarkod and remained upto 1993. Fr. Mark Saldanha, the Parish Priest and Fr. John Harry D’Souza and Fr. Paul D’Souza are the other two Friars who render service to the people of Lower Kasarkod in the great tradition of the Capuchin Order. After Fr. Mark Saldanha, Fr. Valerian D’Silva, Fr. Paul D’Souza, Fr. Arthur Menezes, Fr. Denis Saldanha, Fr. Santan Gonsalves have served the parish in their own capacity. Presently Fr. Albert D’Silva, is the parish priest and Fr. Salvadore Fernandes, the assistant, are rendering their pastoral service at Lower Kasarkod.

Our Former Priests

No
Year
Name of the Priests
01
1918 to 1923
Rev. Fr. Miguel Gregorio D’souza
02
1924
Fr. Domingos Caetano Braz d’Azevedo
03
1924
Fr. Luis Filippe d’Athaide
04
1925
Fr. Mateus Francisco C. Bareto
05
1926
Fr. Domingos Caetano Braz d’Azevedo
06
1932
Fr. Thomas Mascarenhas
07
1932
Fr. Antonio V.C.C. Fernandes
08
1934
Fr. Pedro Nicolan Pereira
09
1938
Fr. Thomas Mascarenhas
10
1938
Fr. Pedro Nicolan Pereira
11
1938
Fr. Thomas Mascarenha
12
1940
Fr. Natividad Souza
13
1942 – 1960
Fr. Filipe Agostinho Carvalho
14
1972
Fr. C.Masearenhas
15
1973
Fr. Claude Castello
  • St. Joseph’s Church Lower KASARKOD - 581 342
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