From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Chikkamagaluru, Apr 28: Tucked amidst coffee and tea estates inter-mixed with cardamom and pepper plants in the Chikkamagaluru district, the boat shaped St Joseph’s Church, was built way back in 1940 and became an independent parish in 1943, is all set to celebrate its 80th anniversary or Ashta Dashmanothsava on April 30 and May 1.
The grand jubilee mass will be celebrated by the Bishop of Chikkamagaluru diocese Most Rev Dr Thomasappa Anthony Swamy on May 1 or May Day, which is observed as International Workers Day and also as the feast of St Joseph, the patron of working classes. After the mass, the Bishop will be releasing the Parish Directory and a book by Fr George D’Souza, former Vicar General of Chikkamagalur diocese. The Bishop will also be unveiling the parish website, www.hirebailechurch.com
During 1940, a new Church was built here in Hirebyle. Till then, being a Sub-station of Mudigere, this place was declared as an independent Parish in 1943 and Rev.Fr.A.Lopez was appointed as its first Parish Priest.
According to historic evidence gathered by the priests, there are records to prove that Christianity was thriving at Hirebile in 1909 itself and there was a Church in existence. In 1907 itself, Fr Guiraud of the French Foreign Mission (M.E.P.) of Chikkamagalur Parish had laid the foundation stone for the same. From 1909 to 1935, Hirebile was part of then Mudigere Parish and Fr Guiraud, Fr Faisandire and Fr J Koehl learnt local language and were rendering service to Christians living in those hilly regions and coffee Estates.
Later, the native priests who arrived from Mudigere became looked after the spiritual needs of local Christians. From 1935 to 1943, Fr A J Noronha, Fr I B Pinto, Fr Augustine D’Souza and Fr M Noronha were active
The present Mudigere was the sub-station of Chikkamagalur Parish’s. Mudigere was formed as Mudigere – Balehonnur – Edehalli, which lie in western direction. Again, from 1915 to 1919 the entire portion was linked to Chikkamagalur. Thereafter, it became a separate Parish unit by including Balooru, Hirebile, Kalasa, Balehonnuru, Sulibele, Shringeri and also Koppa (for sometime). Excluding the portions belonging to Balehonnuru, the Mudigere Parish was formed.
During 1940, all the places which were away from Kottigehara were Catholic Parishes. Balooru, Javali, Kondadahalli, Maalinganaadu, Kelagooru, Sunkasale, Oorvinkhan, Mastikhaan, Sampigekhaan, Abrugudige, Hirebile and the surrounding four villages of Gummankhan, Chennaadlu, Malleshanagudda, Kagganahalla, Kuchchinhaklu (two Estates), Kalasa, Heradkekhaan, Attigonda, Kalkudi - Jakkankudige, Kalasa, Maavinakere and Hinaarikhaaan which were on the outer range of Kottigehaara, were handed over to the administration of Kottigehara. Baalooru and Baalooru – Kalasa Road Estates which were on its either side, also came under Mudigere.
During 1940, a new Church was built here in Hirebyle. Till then, being a Sub-station of Mudigere, this place was declared as an independent Parish in 1943 and Rev Fr A Lopez was its first Parish Priest. After becoming an independent Parish, its range extended till Jaavali, Kelaguru, Hirebile, Kalasa and Samse.
In 1952, Fr Fidelis Pinto was appointed as its second Parish Priest. Later, when this Church structure was deteriorating, in 1953 Fr Pinto took up the project to erect a second new Church and completed it in 1958. Most Rev. Rene Feuga , the then Bishop of Mysore, sanctified it. During the year 1960, the Sisters of Ursuline Franciscan Order (UFS} established their Convent and opened a School. In 1966, Fr Joe Mary Lobo took charge of the Parish and made special efforts for its development.