Daijiworld Media Network – Karkala (WD / KR)

Media Release

Karkala, Apr 29: It is a historical moment for parishioners of St Joseph church, Belman, as the church completes 125 years of its existence and on this historic occasion the parishioners of the church have taken up various developmental activities and there shall be a grand Quasquicentennial celebration on Tuesday May 1, 2019.

In the initial days, during the 19th century, Belman was one of the Vado of St Francis Xavier Church, Shirva, which is nearly 10 miles away from the Shirva town center. Bola and Santhurkopla was a part of Belman and these Catholics found it difficult to attend to their spiritual needs and with permission of the then Bishop N Pagani S J, on September 10, 1894, a chapel was built in Belman. Under the leadership of priest of Shirva, Fr Nicolas Carniro the work of chapel building was started in the year 1887.

On September 10, 1894 Bishop N Pagani S J blessed the new church and dedicated it to St Joseph, father of Jesus and patron saint of all workers.

Fr Nicolas Carniro (1894 – 1903)

Fr Nicolas Carniro was the first priest of Belman church. He used to stay in Shirva but used to visit Belman church to attend to the spiritual needs of the people. He used to travel in Bullock cart from Shirva to Belman. He started St Joseph Primary school in the year 1896.

Fr Rosario P B Lewis (1903 – 1906)

He too used to Travel from Shirva to Belman. He was the one to build the presbytery.

Fr Immanuel Vas (1906 – 1910)

Fr Immanuel was the first priest to stay in Belman. He was the one who opened post office in the church premises.

Fr Peter R D'Souza

Fr Peter was sharp and enthusiastic in church works. He strived hard for the upliftment of the church. He encouraged the parishners to take up agriculture and showed a new way towards agriculture to the people.

Fr Antony A E Colaco (1913 – 1914)

Fr Antony served in Belman parish only for 11 months.

Fr Denis R Lewis (1914 – 1934)

Fr Denis is called the artiste of Belman church. He uplifted the development works of the church and made it financially strong. He bought a blueprint of Gloria Church, Byculla, Mumbai and found out various new equipment for the Church. On December 22, 1922 foundation stone was laid for the building of the new church. On May 2, 1933, the then Bishop V R Fernandes inaugurated and blessed the new church. Fr Denis had given heart and soul for the construction of the church. He also renovated the cemetery of the church. He was also a singer and formed the choir group in the church.

Fr P L Bethelo ( 1934 – 1957)

Fr Bethelo was the only priest who served the church for 23 long years. He has left his footprints firm in the Belman Church. He was responsible in increasing the spirituality among the parishioners. He was an expert in finding the water resource to dig a well. He constructed the extended roof of the church and presbytery. He also built the Belfry and the grotto of the church. He was a poet and a writer. He had written a book by the name’ KavyaJelo’.

Fr N J Periera

During the tenure of Fr N J Periera Bola Church was separated from Belman church. He bought new lighting for the church, thus beautifying it. He gave importance to education and also made available the service of Sisters of Charity to the church.

Fr Aloysius Rodrigues (1973 – 1978)

Fr Aloysius devoted his time towards the parishioners and strived for the development of the church. He started self-help group and tried to improve the financial condition of the people. He also built a hall for the school.

Fr Lawrence Gomes (1978 – 1986)

He was the one who started way of the cross on Good Friday at Thirngal Mountain by installing a cross. He started St Joseph High school and also built a building for the same.

Fr John Fernandes (1986 – 1994)

On the occasion of the Centenary year, Fr John renovated the church roof, Altar and new lighting of the church. Cultural programmes of children, street play and information on technology was held and he started a science club. He began a church magazine by the name ‘ SanthJuzechiBethkati’. He started ‘Manavika’ training school for differently-abled children.

Fr Thomas D'Souza (1994 -2006)

He extended the St Antony Chapel at Manjarapalke. He built a complex near Belman bus stand, consisting of a hall at first floor and a mini hall in the building.

Fr Lawrence Rodrigues (2006 -2009)

The new presbytery was inaugurated during his tenure. A Eucharistic Chapel was constructed with the Bishop’s permission and beautiful arches were constructed. Silver Jubilee of St Joseph School was celebrated during his period.

Fr Lawrence D'Souza (2009 -2016)

Fr Lawrence made every effort to strengthen faith and unity among the people. He appointed ordinary parishioners as Lay ministers for distributing Holy Communion during the mass. He organized regular ward wise S.S.C meetings celebrations of patron’s day. He established new English medium school in the year on June 1, 2002 for the convenience of the children. He beautified the surroundings of the church with greenery and flowers.

Fr Sunil Veigas (2016 -2017)

He was a melodious singer and because of his singing talent, he improved the choir team and encouraged to sing psalms during the mass. He renovated the offices of the parish priest and assistant parish priest.

Fr Edwin (2017 - Till date)

A very enthusiastic priest. Many development works have been undertaken under his leadership. He improvised the 18 commissions of the church. He worked for the unity of the youths in the church and stated Youcat classes for the youth. He also started nursery school. He got the belfry and church altar renovated. The cemetery of the church was also renovated and he built a chapel for the same. He also beautified it by planting trees and hence increasing the greenery. He bought the relic of St Antony and celebrated the feast of St Antony in a grand manner.

The church has seen lots of changes in 125 years of its existence. With the interest of the parishioners as well as the contributions made by the entire parish priest fraternity that has served the church, the church has reached to its present stage. The various commissions in the church have been actively functioning and are giving their heart and soul for the improvement of the church. With the blessings of St Joseph, it has become one of the best churches in the diocese.

Quasquicentennial Jubilee Celebrations

On Wednesday, May 1, the grand Jubilee celebrations of Quasquicentennial anniversary will be held. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop, Diocese of Udupi, will preside over the thanks giving holy Eucharistic Celebration. This will be followed by the felicitation programme.

As the part of celebrations, Wilson Olivera and team present Wilson Oliver night in the open grounds.

Prior to the Jubilee celebrations, Religious day will be celebrated on Saturday, April 27 which will be presided over by Fr Pius James D’Souza, OCD, Episcopal Vicar for Religious, Diocese of Mangalore. On Sunday, April 28, Confraternity Sunday Will be celebrated by Fr Melwyn Roy Lobo, Assistant Parish Priest, Holy Rosary Church, Kundapur. On Monday, April 29, first Holy Communion day will be celebrated and Fr Denis D’Sa, Dean, Shirva Deanery will preside over the event and on the same day Horre Kannieke will be offered and Fr Lawrence D’Souza, Parish Priest, Perpetual Succor Church, Kalathur will preside over the event. On Tuesday, April 30, Fr Joswin Praveen D’Souza, Assistant Parish Priest, St Vincent Ferrer Church, Valencia will preside over the Vespers Celebrations.

All the above celebrations will be held under the leadership of Fr Edwin D’Souza, Parish Priest, Fr Prakash Menezes, Assistant Parish Priest, Alwyn Agera, vice-president, Parish Pastoral Council, Fr Faustine D’Souza, secretary, Parish Pastoral Council, Dominic Andrade, Co-Coordinator, 18 Commissions and Gregory Menezes, Convener, Jubilee Committee.