Media Release
Puttur, Nov 6: A new chapter in the spiritual history of the Catholic community began on Thursday with the blessing and laying of the foundation stone for the new St Alphonsa Pilgrim Church at Nellyadi, Dakshina Kannada district.
The solemn ceremony was led by Their Excellencies Mar James Patteril, Mar Lawrence Mukkuzhy and Mar Geevarghese Macariose. The programme commenced with the Solemn Holy Qurbana followed by a prayer service. The foundation stone and church site were blessed.
On the occasion, the bishop appreciated the dedication, hard work and commitment of the present parish priest, Fr Shaji Mathew, in undertaking the ambitious church construction project.
This marks the third major church construction initiative associated with his pastoral leadership. Earlier, he had taken initiatives towards church construction at Mariambika Church, Bangady, and St Thomas Church, Gandibagilu, Neria. His continued contribution reflects his commitment to strengthening the spiritual and infrastructural foundations of the communities entrusted to his care.
Alongside his pastoral initiatives, Fr Shaji Mathew is actively involved in charitable activities through the Ezra Foundation, particularly in providing homes for economically disadvantaged families. The foundation's 24th house construction project is currently progressing and is expected to be handed over to the beneficiary family by the beginning of January 2027. This initiative reflects his commitment to serving the poor and less privileged.
The new St Alphonsa Pilgrim Church, with a proposed built-up area of approximately 11,000 sq ft, is estimated to cost around Rs 7 crore. The construction is planned as a three-year project. The existing church, built in 1990, has served the parish community for 36 years. Considering the age and condition of the building and the growing needs of the faithful, the parish decided to construct a new and more spacious church.
To mobilise public participation, the parish has launched an innovative fundraising campaign titled "One Stone, One Small Sacrifice, One Beautiful Dream." Through this initiative, people are invited to contribute Rs 50 towards the construction, symbolising how every small sacrifice can become part of a great spiritual dream.
Fr Shaji Mathew expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the bishops for their spiritual leadership and blessings, and thanked the priests, religious, parishioners, donors, benefactors and well-wishers for their valuable presence, prayers and support. Trustees, parish council members and parishioners actively participated in the ceremony.
The new church is envisioned as a lasting centre of faith, unity and spiritual renewal for present and future generations.