Little Flower of Jesus Church Berolli-Nagre

Little Flower of Jesus ChurchBerolli Nagre

A Brief History of the Church

The Little Flower of Jesus Church, situated in the Diocese of Karwar within the scenic landscape of Honnavar Taluk, holds a rich history and significance within the local community. Originally established as a substation of the St. Francis Assisi Church of Hadinbal, this quaint chapel has blossomed into an independent spiritual haven for its devoted congregation. 
Formerly under the leadership of Fr. Cyril Miranda, the priest in charge of Berolli parish, underwent a significant transformation to become an independent chapel.
At present, the under the spiritual guidance of the present parish priest, Fr. Mark Serravo, the Little Flower of Jesus Church continues to thrive as a beacon of faith, offering solace and spiritual nourishment to the faithful. Fr. Mark Serravo, known for his dedication and pastoral care, plays a crucial role in nurturing the spiritual well-being of the parish community, fostering a sense of belonging and devotion.

Rev. Fr. Mark Serrao

Priest in Charge Little Flower of Jesus Church, Berolli-Nagre.
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Our Former Priests
  • Little Flower of Jesus Church Berolli-Nagre
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St. Sebastian Church Gerusoppa

St. Sebastian Church Gerusoppa

A Brief History of the Church

Gerusoppa is a paradise for nature lovers and heritage enthusiasts alike. It’s a village situated on the banks of the river Sharavathi   in Honnavar Taluk,  Uttara Kannada District in the Indian state of Karnataka. By the early 1550s, Chennabhairadevi, who belonged to the Saluva dynasty, became the queen,  who ruled for 54 years. The Gerusoppa region was very rich in pepper which was in great demand in the west. Since Gerusoppa was the capital of the kingdom, it became a flourishing trade centre and pilgrimage destination. They mainly traded in spices like pepper, nutmeg and betel nut.  The Portuguese laid the foundation for Christianity in Gerusoppa, who had come for the business purposes. They built a small structure to carry on their devotion and practice their faith in God.

Around 1920, when India was still under British rule, the pastoral needs of our church were provided by San Salvador Parish, Honavar. We can find in the documents that, over time, it was transferred to Gundibala parish, then to Kodani parish and then also to Samsi parish.

We had a small hut for to pray and to celebrate the liturgy. As time passed, the number of faithful increased in our village. Since it was a small hut, people took the initiative to replace it with a new church, built using mud. At that time, it was Fr. Walter who used to come from Samsi to celebrate mass for the faithful every Sunday. Even today, people here remember his work and praise the service that he rendered to our church. People reminisce that he had come every Sunday afternoon without fail to celebrate Mass and also conducted catechism classes for the children in the school building, which is just opposite to our church.

We would also like to mention in the report the contribution of Fr. Ben Britto, who worked a lot to establish the faith of the people. He was filled with the holy desire to improve the spiritual lives of the people. Thanks to his efforts and the generous help of many donors, he built the previous church for us. There are many other priests who gave their precious service to our church, namely, Fr. Gregory, Fr. Jerome D’souza, Fr. Lawrence Perreira, Fr. Simon Tellis, Fr. Lawrence Fernandes, Fr. Salvador Gonsalves, Fr. Marshall Crasta and Fr. John Fernandes.

New Church: During the time of Fr. Peter, the administration of our church was transferred again to Allanki Parish. It was a first step towards the construction of the new church. Discussions on building a new church began under the guidance of Fr. Abel and the late Bishop of Karwar, William D’Mello, who also carries the distinction of having been the first Bishop of Karwar. Bishop Derek Fernandes, who succeeded him, laid the foundation stone, and the work of the new building was stated when Fr. Antony (senior) was the parish priest of Allanki. Finally, the new church came into existence during Fr. David’s time, and the inauguration and dedication of the new church was done by Bishop Derek Fernandes.

Today, we have a beautiful church because of the collaboration and contribution of many persons, especially the late Bishop William D’Mello, Bishop Derek Fernandes and Mr. Sam Alphons for his generous support.

Rev. Fr. Edwin D’Souza

Parish Priest Holy Spirit Church Allanki / Gerusoppa
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Our Former Priests

No
Year
Name of the Priests
01
2018-2023
Rev. Fr. Steven Dsouza (Snr)
02
2023 – 2025
Rev. Fr. Inthru Pinto
03
2025
Rev. Fr. Edwin D’Souza
  • St. Sebastian Church Gerusoppa
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St. Pedro Poveda Church, Shantinagar

Blessed Pedro Poveda ChurchShantinagar, Honavar

A Brief History of the Church

Shantinagar, the town of peace, certainly needed an abode of peace! The yearnings of the people of Royalkeri, Bandehalla and Belkond were realised in the form of a new Church, which was inaugurated on 25.4.2002. Since time immemorial these vaddos had been an integral part of the Honavar Parish.
The Teresian Association in Bandehalla had a role to play in the birth of the new Parish. Invited by the Bishop in 1977, the Teresian Association established the Society for the Advancement of Rural People of India (SARPI) on a piece of land donated by Mr. F. X. D’Souza of Bandehalla. Being a Lay Association, the members of the Association in their lay outfits endeared themselves to the people with development-oriented activities like non-formal education, Balwadies etc. For many years the SARPI hall was also used as a Prayer Hall for religious purposes. The Teresian Association also extended their services by making themselves available for running the Institute for the mentally retarded children of the District, at Bhatkal Cross in Honavar, which today has become a Model Institute for the whole district of Karwar.

It was natural that when Fr. Pedro Poveda who founded the Teresian Association was declared Blessed by the Holy Father in Rome on 10.10.1993, it was both a matter of joy for the Association members as well as the Christians in Bandehalla. Naturally, the fervour of the Association and the devotion of the people was kindled on finding a Patron for their Church. Karwar Diocese takes credit for the first Church in the world to be named after Blessed Pedro Poveda.

Bandehalla area was bifurcated from the Honavar Parish and culled into a new and independent unit with Fr. Valerian Sequeira as the first Priest-in-charge on May 31, 1998. Fr. Valerian left no stone unturned in his untiring efforts to build the new Church and Presbytery with the support of the people. After Fr. Valerian Sequeira, Fr. Navil D’ Souza, Fr. Navil Rodrigues, Fr. Francis Fernandes, Fr. Paul Sequeira. Fr. Alwyn Cardoza is presently the Parish Priest of the Church.

Rev. Fr. Alwyn J. Cardoza

Parish Priest St. Pedro Poveda Church, Shantinagar
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  • St. Pedro Poveda Church SHANTINAGAR Honavar – 581 39
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St. Peter the Apostle Church, Sanamotto

St. Peter the Apostle Church, Sanamotto

A Brief History of the Church

A brief history of St. Peter the Apostle Church Sanamotto.

St. Peter’s Church Sanamotto was erected during the time of Late Bishop William D’mello, in the year 2002. Earlier, this chapel was very small and it could not accommodate the entire catholic fold for religious worship. In the past, this chapel also was known as pre-primary kannada medium government school in this village. Many of our elders of this village studied in this same chapel. Eealier this chapel was known as St. Rock’s Chapel. Later Bishop D’mello changed into St. Peter’s Church. Because, in the Bible Rock is known as Peter the Apostle of Jesus. Hence, this Church was named as St. Peter Church. Since then this Church was known as St. Peter Apostle Church.

Sanamotto village is an island having around 1500 population. Among them 72 families are Catholics, (i.e aprox 216 Catholics). Since it is an island, people have to travel through the boat to go to the city even for any Church activity. Their occupation was fishing and taking sand from the river and coir. Though our people are very poor as daily workers and are not much educated, their faith was very strong and they are regular for all the church activities. Our people are ready for any work in the parish and have much concern for the church activities. For all spiritual activity and smooth running of parish we have five parish wado zone. Each wado consists of 12 to 15 families.

Our beloved Bishop seeing our people’s faith, love for the Church and their enthusiasm took initiative and asked Rev. Fr. Chrisostom Rodrigues then Parish Priest of San Salvador Church, Honavar to make a separate Parish. At that time this was the substation of San Salvador Church Honavar.  Under his guidance in year 2000 laid foundation and in 2002 it was inaugurated by Late Bishop William D’melo.

CURRICULUM OF THE PARISH;

Our Annual Parish Feast of our Patron Saint is celebrated every year solemnly on 22 of January. Parish Community prepares for the whole celebration. For the preparation of the feast there will be thridum. On the feast day Parishner’s would prepare a cultural program like Konkani drama. Our Church has some associations like ;

  1. Jeju Kaljacho Men’s group
  2. Legion of Mary Women’s Group
  3. Youth Group
  4. Children’s Club
  5. Altar boys
  6. Neo-catechumenal way
Regular Spiritual activities:
  1. Every Monday evening 6:30 pm Novena mass for the Patron Saint St. Peter.
  2. Daily in the morning at 6:45 am holy mass is celebrated.
  3. Sunday solemn mass is celebrated at 7: 30 am.
  4. Sacrament of confession is available before the mass.
  5. Every Sunday catechism for youth and Children is conducted.
  6. Every month we have all the association meetings.
  7. Every Wednesday evening word of God celebration and Saturday evening Eucharist for the Neo-catecumenal way is celebrated.
  8. Since there is no land for burial, the Funeral is celebrated over here but burial will take place in San Salvador Church Honavar.

Rev. Fr. Johnson Fernandes

Priest in Charge St. Peter the Apostle Church, Sanamotto.
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  • St. Peter the Apostle Church SANAMOTTO, Mavinkurve P.O. Via Hosad – 581 335
  • 08382-226451
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Our Lady of Happy Death Church, Samsi

Our Lady of Happy Death ChurchSamsi

A Brief History of the Church

What could be more blessed than approaching death with the invocation to Mary! The Church of Samsi has given our Diocese, perhaps India, an attribute to Mary, “Bomodth Saibinn” (Nossa Senhora de Boa Morte) – Our Lady of Happy Death. Perhaps the inspiration may have come from the Portuguese ancestors. All that is known from hearsay is that the original Statue of Our Lady was found in the backwaters of Samsi at Saralgi, (3 kms from present day Samsi) where a Chapel was constructed in 1891, and the Statue deposited there. There is also a belief that the original settlers of Samsi are the Mirandas from the Gangolli area. It is not known when and how the Church at Saralgi was destroyed but all that can be said of the present Church in Samsi is that the land and the surrounding are generous gifts of philanthropic Hindus like Mangesh Rao, Jogaya Naik and the Hanumant Temple priest of Durgakeri of Honavar.
The Church built in 1911, had under its jurisdiction the Chapels of Kodani, Allanki, Gersoppa and was administered by the Priest of the Gundibala Parish. When Fr. J. B. D’ Silva of the Belgaum Diocese was appointed to the Samsi Mission, he preferred to stay in Kodani. The original wooden statue of Our Lady of Happy Death mysteriously disappeared. The Capuchins were handed over the administration of Samsi in 1968 till 1983. The Capuchins not only endeared themselves to the people, they strengthened their faith and reformed their social life. A new Church was built and inaugurated on 14.4.1991 when Fr. Lawrence Fernandes was the Parish Priest. He also laboured to renovate the Presbytery. Fr. Jerome D Souza, Fr. Lawrence Pereira, Fr. Lawrence Fernandes, Fr. Marcel Crasta, Fr. Salvadore Gonsalves, Fr. Gabriel Monis, Fr. Andrew Pinto, Presently Fr. Alwyn D Sa is the Parish Priest. For some time from 1982 – 1992 the Sisters of the Society of the Handmaids of the Poor served in this Parish by helping in pastoral, catechetical and developmental activities.

Rev. Fr. Alwyn Patrick D’Sa

Parish Priest, Our Lady of Happy Death, Samsi
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Our Former Priests

No
Year
Name of the Priests
01
1971 – 1972
Fr. Walter Saldhana
02
1972 – 1978
Fr. Gregory Vaz
03
1978 – 1980
Fr. Benn Britto Prabhu
04
1980 – 1981
Fr. Herald Dsouza
05
1981 – 1983
Fr. Simon Tellis
06
1983 – 1984
Fr. Jerome D’Souza
07
1984 – 1986
Fr. Lawrence Pereira
08
1986 – 1991
Fr. Lawrence Fernandes
09
1991 – 1998
Fr. Salvador Gonsalves
10
1998 – 2000
Fr. Marcel Crasta
11
2000 – 2006
Fr. John Fernandes
12
2006 – 2012
Fr. Gabriel Monis
13
2012 – 2018
Fr. Peter Carnehro
14
2018 – 2023
Fr. Andrew Pinto
15
2023 – Onwards
Fr. Alwyn Patrick D’Sa
  • Our Lady of Happy Death Church SAMSI P.O. Via Honavar – 581 395
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Infant Jesus Church, Prabhatnagar

Infant Jesus ChurchPrabhatnagar - Honnavar

A Brief History of the Church

The Infant Jesus Church of Prabhatnagar was carved out from the erstwhile parish of San Salvador Church, Honavar. The area it covered was one of the wado of the parish called by the name, Infant Jesus Wado. This area was sparsely populated once upon a time. In recent years it has seen a surge of people migrating from nearby villages surrounding the Honnavar town. One of the reasons for this is the frequent flooding during monsoon experienced by these villages. Sensing the need for a church nearby for these people, the parish of Infant Jesus Church was established by Bishop Derek Fernandes in 2009 and Rev. Fr. Lancy Rodrigues was appointed as its first parish priest. A statue of Infant Jesus brought from Prague was also blessed and installed on the same day.
In a short span of few years the parish has grown to its full stature and is beaming with activities. Being the only church dedicated to Infant Jesus in the coastal region of the Karwar Diocese, the devotion to Infant Jesus of Prague is spreading far and wide. Novena service conducted every Thursday in honour of Infant Jesus is attended by people coming from surrounding parishes. Reports of healing and favours received encourage people to visit the church for a quiet moment of prayer and petition. Rev. Fr. Gabriel Lopes serves as the parish priest since 1st July 2018 and Rev. Fr. Justine D’Souza is residing priest.

Rev. Fr. Anthony Lopez

Parish Priest Infant Jesus Church Prabhatnagar - Honnavar
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Rev. Fr. Sebastian Pinto

Resident, Infant Jesus Church, Prabathnagar
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Our Former Priests

No
Year
Name of the Priests
01
2009-2018
Rev. Fr. Lancy Rodrigues
02
2018 – 2025
Rev. Fr. Gabriel Lopes
03
–
Asst. Rev. Fr. Wilson Pinto
04
–
Asst. Rev. Fr. Reagan Fernandes
05
–
Rev. Fr. intru Pinto.
06
2025
Rev. Fr. Anthony Lopez
  • Infant Jesus Church PRABHATNAGAR Honavar – 581 334
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St. Sebastian’s Church, Mugwa

St. Sebastian ChurchMugwa

A Brief History of the Church

Mugwa as a village was under the jurisdiction of Honavar Parish. In 1919 the people of Mugwa had built a small School building in view of children’s education. But later on, it was handed over to the Syrian Missionaries, and is still under their management. In the year 1966 a small Chapel dedicated to St. Sebastian was built. At this time Msgr. M.C. Menezes was Parish Priest of Honavar, and Masses were celebrated. occasionally and on the Feast day of the village, that is, 6th of January. With Msgr.Simon Tellis as the Parish Priest in Honavar in 1983 the Masses began to be celebrated on alternate Sundays at Mugwa.
In 1985, the people expressed their desire to have a new Chapel, as the attendance at Mass had also increased. In 1989 the new Presbytery was put up. Though the foundation of the new Church was laid in May 1990, the work was held up due to varied reasons. It was finally inaugurated on 20th of January 1994. On the 5th of June 1994, Fr. Marcel Crasta was appointed as the first Priest-in-charge of the Mugwa Mission, He was succeeded by Fr. Valerian D’Souza who took charge on 29th May 1998. For some time, Fr. Antony D’Souza has also looked after this Mission. Fr. William D’Souza, Fr. Nirmal Kumar Miranda, Fr. Gabriel Lopez, Fr. Pascal Rodrigues have served in the parish. Presently Fr. Sebastian Fernandes is the Parish Priest.

Rev. Fr. Sebastian Fernandes

Parish Priest St. Sebastian Church, Mugwa. Director of Prathibhodaya Honnavar
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Our Former Priests

No
Year
Name of the Priests
01
1994-1998
Fr. Marcel Crasta
02
1998-2001
Fr. Valerian D’souza
03
2001 6 mnths
Fr. Antony D’souza
04
2002-2008
Fr. William Dsouza
05
2008-2010
Fr. Antony Balgundkar
06
2010-2016
Fr. Nirmal Miranda
07
2016-2018
Fr. Gabriel Lopes
08
2018-2021
Fr. Paschal Rodrigues
09
2021 onwards
Fr. Sebastain Fernandes
  • St. Sebastian Church Arolli - MUGWA
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St. Anthony’s Church, Mudkani

St.Anthony's ChurchMudkani

A Brief History of the Church

St.Anthony’s Church, Mudkani is 17 kms away from Honavar, nestled in the low-lying area of the bank of the river Sharavati. The simple people of this village, most of them stone cutters, masons and agriculturists over the years kept up their faith practices and frequent Sunday mass due to the pious traditions. They could not frequent Sunday mass due to the long distance. All that they remember is the house blessing that the Parish Priest of Honavar came on annual rounds to do, when he settled their family and a host of other problems.
Due to poverty and lack of education, the practice was to se12/02/1985nd growing and grownup girls as domestics to Bombay and Goa. Various welfare scheme of the Diocese have bailed out the people, lifted their educational and social standard and has given a boost to their personality too. Thanks to the patronage and care shown by our Bishop, the Mission of Mudkani is an independent unit now with the new Church built and inaugurated by our Bishop on 12.2.1985. Fr. Samuel Fernandes was the first Priest-in-charge appointed in 1978 to look after the people of this village. The following Priests succeeded Fr. Samuel as Priests-in-charge of this Mission: Fr. Stany D’Cunha (1980). Fr. Joe D’Souza (1983), Fr. Sebastian Pinto (1985), Fr. Peter Carneiro (1988), Fr. Mark Serrao (1993). Fr. Victor Crasta, Fr. Benedict Rodrigues, Fr. Andrew Pinto, Fr. Bonventure Rodrigues,? have served the parish.

The existing Church is renovated and inaugurated on 05/02/2021 by Bishop Derek Fernandes. Presently Fr. Antony Lopes is pasturing the sheep as parish priest.

Rev. Fr. Benjamin D’Souza

Parish Priest of St.Anthony's Church Mudkani.
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Our Former Priests

No
Year
Name of the Priests
01
1978 – 1980
Fr. Samuel Fernandes
02
1980 – 1983
Fr. Stny D’cunha
03
1983 – 1985
Fr. Joe. D’Souza
04
1985 – 1988
Fr. Sebastian Pinto
05
1988 – 1993
Jr. Peter Curnero
06
1993 – 1998
Fr. Mark Serrao
07
1998 – 2003
Fr. Victor Crasta
08
2003 – 2004
Fr. John Rodrigues
09
2004 – 2006
Fr. Bonaventure Rodrigues
10
2006 – 2012
FR. Benedict Rodrigues
11
2012 – 2018
Fr. Andrew pinto
12
2018 – 2025
Fr. Anthony Lopes
13
2025 – Onwards
Fr. Benjamin D’Souza
  • St. Anthony’s Church MUDKANI P.O. Via Honavar – 581 39
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Our Lady of Fatima Church, Molkod

Our Lady of Fatima ChurchMolkod

A Brief History of the Church

Fatima Mandir or the Church of Our Lady of Fatima, Molkod has an interesting past. Though the origins of how Christians came to live on this idyllic but difficult to approach island are woven round many tales. What is known of its recent past is that it was part of Honavar Parish. The small Chapel, which existed, served the purpose when the Priest from Honavar made his rounds for Mass and other spiritual exercises. The people of Molkod take pride in the fact that the Statue of Our Lady of Fatima in the Church is a gift from the Patriarch of Goa in 1934 who was on his pastoral visit from Honavar to Samsi in the company of the Honavar Parish Priest, Fr. Remedios Rosario Gomes. The Patriarch was moved to see the people of Molkod village lined up in great crowds on the bank of the river. He insisted on paying a visit to the village and behold he was much impressed to see the simple hearted and humble people. He promised them a Statue of Our Lady of Fatima, which he eventually sent on his return to Portugal. The Statue was installed in the Chapel on 13th Jan. 1936, on which day the annual feast of the Church is now being celebrated every year.
The first extension to the Chapel was done by Fr. Elias Fidelis Benjamin D’Souza in 1951. With Fr. Santosh Menezes OFM Cap. as the resident Priest in 1971 was started a new chapter in the Parish at Molkod with some of the Parishes like Samsi, Binaga, Lower Kasarkod in North Kanara being pastorally administered by the Capuchins. Father Santosh set about the task of renovating the Chapel and building the Parochial House. The renovated Church was inaugurated on 2nd Jan. 1974. Father Appolinaris who succeeded Fr. Santosh is remembered as the “Moses” who physically lifted many people struggling in rushing rain waters in 1980, when floods were reported in the area. Father Roshan Menezes OFM Cap., with the support of the people repaired the Chapel again in 1984 changing the roof from tiles to asbestos sheets. Fathers Mark Tauro, Fr. Anthony Rodrigues. Fr. Andrew Pinto, Fr. Peter Carneiro. Fr. Alphie D Silva is also fondly remembered by the people. Fr. Joachim Fernandes is the parish Priest of the Parsih.

Rev. Fr. Anil Walter D’Mello

Parish Priest, Our Lady of Fatima Church Molkod
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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
  • Our Lady of Fatima Church Fatima Mandir, MOLKOD P.O. Via Hosad – 581 335
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