GOLDEN BELLS CHIME AT DON BOSCO CHURCH KELMBET

The Church dedicated to the popular saint of Youth - St. John Bosco, situated at Kelmbet – Bola, in the Diocese of Udupi is on the verge of celebrating its Golden Jubilee in April 2014.  The celebrations will be ushered in with an Inaugural function presided over by the Bishop of Udupi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo on 22^nd December 2013 with a concelebrated Eucharist at 8.30 am followed by a formal program.  A number of dignitaries, both ecclesiastical and civil will grace the occasion. 

The Church was established on 11 April 1964, under the leadership of Fr. Nicholas. J. Pereira, the then Parish Priest of Belman.  It was carved out from Belman, Kirem and Paladka parishes.  The First Parish Priest, Fr. Gregory D’Souza who served the parish for 7 years is still remembered by the Parishioners for his pioneering work, indefatigable zeal and sanctity.  His keen attention and follow up of youngsters resulted in many vocations to the priesthood and religious life.  In the undivided Mangalore Diocese, Kelmbet Parish boasts of a number of vocations coming from a small parish of 130 families.  The Little Flower Primary School situated at Abbanadka, Belman since 1930, was attached to Kelmbet Parish in 1964.  

In the year 2003, the Parish was entrusted to the Salesians of Don Bosco of Konkan Province for Pastoral ministry.  Fr. Reginald Pinto, contacted the Salesians to help strengthen the Parish, which was slowly beginning to show signs of losing its vibrancy due to the moving out of families for better facilities.  The Salesians have served the Parish for the past 10 years.  They paid particular attention to youth, education of children by strengthening Little Flower School and establishing a hostel for boys.  In the Golden Jubilee year they have planned to begin an English medium High School in the parish premises.

-          Fr. Maxim D’Souza sdb