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A land mark and centre of attraction in New Udupi…..

‘New Mount Rosary Church, Santhekatte’ – a source of inspiring, spiritual calm…..

It is interesting to note that, the very birth of Mount Rosary Church was a result of a tug of war between two groups in the Milagres Church, way back in 1839 - 1882. Going back to the history pages, in brief, in the year 1839, Pope Gregory XVI issued the Bull, Multa Praeclar. By this document the spiritual jurisdiction of the Arch-diocese of Goa over Canara was transferred to the ‘Propaganda Mission’ of the Vicar Apostolic of Verapoly.

At that time great majority of the parishioners of the ancient, one and only in the area viz Milagres Church (Estd.1678) preferred the jurisdiction of the Padro-ado of Goa along with Goan Vicar. There was also a small section of disgruntled parishioners who had developed connection with the ‘Verapoly Mission’, who chose to be under the latter jurisdiction. This group of parishners built a separate Church namely the Rosary Church. It was housed in a thatched shed a couple of hundred yards away from the Milagres Church, the site where presently the Board Higher Elementary School stands. It was later shifted and rebuilt about a mile away on the Nejar Hill in the year 1882, and was called ‘Mount Rosary Church’. (It’s apt to note that a similar incident took place at Shirva around same time and there were two churches in the range of 1 km)

As mentioned above, after the promulgation of the bull, Multa Praeclare, in 1839 there was maneuvering and behind the scene struggle for promoting the causes of both the Pedro-ado and Propaganda jurisdictions from either side. For some elders this was also better known as bamon / charodi conflict, two dominant castes of the time, which have little credence…!

The Portuguese power in India had declined and they were trying to preserve their influence; consequently a great majority of parishioners of Milagres, because of their long association with the ministry of Goan priests, who gave them guidance over the centuries, again preferred to be under Pedro-ado, Goa, hoping and assuming that they would be accommodated as previously.

It so happened, when Goan priests suddenly withdrew and left for Goa in compliance of with the order, the people were left with no proper leadership and guidance! They appealed to the Holy See to remain under the Pedro-ado. There was a dispute over the temporalities of the church, to preserve the status quo when the priests of ‘Propaganda Mission’ arrived. It was in subordination but no ideology or doctrine was involved or in question, until this moment. In the litigation that followed, they lost their suit in court against ‘Propaganda Mission’. These dissidents built a Church of their own at Brahmmavar dedicated to our Lady of Milagres on the site now ‘St. Mary’s Syrian Cathedral’ stands. The above unfortunate incident known as ‘Schism’……...

Mission unification:

Now starts the real great role played by Mount Rosary Church – the then Parish Priest of our church, V. Rev. Fr. Albert D’Silva, till 1887, was asked to take over the reins of Milagres Church as the first Vicar-forane, once Propaganda Mission took charge, in 1888 and continued as so till 1901. He was popular as devout preacher and well known and respected by all. After a short period of recriminations, the atmosphere of confusion calmed down and a substantial number of dissidents come back to the mother church Milagres. The lost ground and flock regained to a substantial extent and the Milagres once again become the nerve centre of Catholics of the northern varado of the then Diocese of Mangalore.

Mount Rosary during past four decades:

Of course this was a fairly long period that Mount Rosary Church just managed to serve the few parishners under its care and jurisdiction. It is interesting to note that, even the neighboring houses had the option to be parishioners of either Milagres or Mount Rosary. For example, Nayampally is nearer to Mount Rosary, Santhekatte but most of the families are still affiliated to Milagres Kallianpur. Around 1958, Msgr. Denis J. D’Souza, then Vicar Vara of Milagres, took initiatives to start Goretti Hospital, adjacent to our Rosary Church, under Sisters of Queen of Apostles.

Even during my College days in 1979 – 82, though the Parish Priest was our Principal Rev. Dr. Peter Th. D’Souza, Mount Rosary, didn’t made great progress, than serving the spiritual needs. In other words, almost for a century Mount Rosary Church was little known to the outside world… rather overshadowed by historical and deep rooted Milagres and mighty Milagrean Institutions.
 
It was in late 90’s Rev. Fr. Godfrey Saldanha, who was instrumental to make a sea change in the church. The youth were encouraged, evaluating the strategically ideal location of the Church, new ‘Millennium Hall’, shopping complex was constructed, a New English Medium High school was started….. just to mention a few.

Increase in the number of families and parishioners:

The growth of the parish, by way of increase of inhabitants, really made a beginning in 90’s, and still that phase continues. Thanks to the new migrant families in Nejar Hills and Gopalapura which constitutes more than 1/3 of the present church membership.

For instance, a single ‘St. Anthony Ward’ of Gopalapura of 1974 now subdivided and became Five wards viz. St. Lawrence, Holy Family – in 2000 & Vellankani, Infant Jesus and – erstwhile St Anthony wards in 2014. Roughly, around 200 families of the parish belong to these Five new wards, out of total thirteen…! It is very interesting to note here, all the wards in the parish, are equally active, innovative and cohesive in organizing liturgical services in the Church in general or in serving the ward members needs in particular.

Proximity to NH17, new plots of land belonging Shiroor Mutt available for house construction, ‘Santhekatte’ becoming the hub of commercial activity with ‘Sunday Santhe’ and transportation junction for Kemmannu, Kallianpur, Malpe, Giri….. development of Ambagilu – Manipal Road, encouraged many civil contractors to venture residential buildings / flats in the area, now attracting people from all the four corners. The recent trend of abandoning low lying Kudru’s by younger generation, search for safe flood-free locations, small families preference for small houses, are also turned out to be factors contributing for the increase of new families in the parish. Today, half of the ‘Rosarian’s’ including me are migrants from – Barkur, Sastan, Brahmmavar, Shirva, Shankerpura, Moodubelle, Thottam, Kemmannu, Kolalgiri etc. In other words, ours is a ‘universal church’, in the area in its true sense…!

One more interesting point we noticed here is many Catholics belonging to neighboring parishes too attend Sunday Masses in large number, at Mount Rosary, mostly for convenience or to enjoy the attractive liturgy.

Genuine need for a spacious Church:

On the other hand, increase of parish community was felt in the church during Sunday Masses and half of the faithful to be accommodated outside the church and in the portico.
Moreover the Church structure was also become too old to sustain rain. The then parish priest Rev. Fr. John Noronha, took an opinion from all the parishners and a resolution was unanimously taken to construct the new spacious church, sooner than later and a beginning was made to plan and tap the resources in this direction.

It was the youngest among all the Parish priests served so far, at Mount Rosary, Rev. Fr. Philip Nery Aranha took the bold decision with confidence in the benevolence of patroness Our lady of Rosary, to go for a new Church in 2012. The work is progressing with the help and contributions of all donors and well wishers both from the parish and outside.

Few words about the New Church Building:

The magnificent New Church will be a land mark of the New Udupi. It houses an artistic altar, and modern look. Any participant from any nook or corner in the Church can watch and actively participate in the holy Eucharist. At a time more than 1400 people can sit and pray comfortably, since no distraction by way of pillars etc…!

It was clear from the start that what we build will be a combination of what we would like, what features our earlier orthodox church imbibes, with modern facilities, an attractive sanctuary, ample day light, fresh air and what the developing Udupi - Santhekatte will accept and what the building codes require. All of these will be tempered by what parishioners afford by way of economical support.

The design is so attractive and the two towers with twelve attractive arch / windows, of the Church stuns and make him to stand and watch it for a while. Keeping an eye on the requirement of coming centuries, a strong structure is coming up. There are precautions and provisions to re-accommodate the beautiful statues in the previous church with additions of new, donated by each of the thirteen wards of the parish. ‘Stations of the Cross’ in mosaic tiles also planned and the main entrance door will be a masterpiece of wooden carvings etc. Of course it’s a life time opportunity, since such church’s are not built every now and then. All have an opportunity to be a part in its realization.

Conclusion:

First week of January, 2015 will be the week of thanksgiving to Almighty for his bountiful blessings. New Church will be ready by then, and gearing up for week long celebrations and the Church will be inaugurated to serve the faithful and praise His glory  for generations to come.

It’s heartening to note that the Parish Council is doing a praiseworthy job under Vicar and Vice President Jerry V. Dias with other office bearers and members. Other pious associations of the church, such as Catholic Sabha, Stree Sanghatan, ICYM, team Rosaricho Ganch of  the parish bulletin etc are contributing in different ways.

There is absolutely no second opinion that, in coming days, as our Mount Rosary have already shown the signs of becoming centre of religious, social and cultural activities. Hope together with Vicar, one young / energetic assistant priest will be allocated by Bishop to our parish, to cater the needs of younger one’s. 

We were informed that a Home for Retired priests of the Diocese also coming up here shortly. Above all, the talents from the laity, to be recognized and encouraged, for the all round welfare of the parish. Let us look for a revolutionary change, not just revival of the present structure by new one……! Let the new House of God, be a place where people are identifiable as members both by themselves and the Church….! The Mount Rosary Church, so far away from city life, with its own value system, with an air of spiritual calm, we hope fills up the soul and takes away our errant thoughts, to feel His presence in every visitor……!

P. Archibald Furtado
M.A., M.Com., MBA
Succour Shade,
Gopalapura, First Main, First Cross,
Santhekatte, Kallianpur.
furtadoarchibald@hotmail.com; archibaldfurtado@yahoo.com

(PN: The writer of this article has taken information from Milagres College Library and Rosaricho Ganch, etc for which we remain indebted..)

Work-in-progress file pictures of www.kemmannu.com

Udupi Bishop Dr. Gerald Isac Lobo taking part in the My church and my labour  ಸರ್ಥಿ ಶ್ರಮಾಧಾನ್  at Mount Rosary, Kallianpur

Church main door erecting File pictures from www.kemmannu.com

Earlier News:

An appeal from Mount Rosary Church, Santhekatte, Kallianpur, Diocese of Udupi

Greetings From Mount Rosary Chruch, Santhekatte, Kallinapur
Diocese of Udupi.

Dear All,
The Mount Rosary church one of the oldest with  175  years of history in Kallianpura and in coastal Karnataka, is rebuilt and nearing its completion.  Here is an opportunity that will be a final, to donate significant divine articles as a token of your generosity towards Mother of Rosary church in Kallianpura,  Udupi diocese.

Please forward your donations to.

Parish Priest
Mount Rosary church building fund,
A/C 073300101004572
IFSC CODE:   CORP0000733

CORPORATION BANK SANTHEKATTE, KALLIANPURA, Udupi District, Karnataka.