Rev. Fr. Anthony D’Souza (Sr)
Infant Jesus Church Agasebagil, Sirsi
Infant Jesus ChurchAgasebagil, Sirsi
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.
