Bellare: In a landmark moment for the Catholic community of the region, Holy Cross Chapel, Bellare, was officially elevated as a full-fledged parish, becoming the 125th parish of the Diocese of Mangalore. The historic proclamation was made during a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore, who canonically declared the establishment of the new parish.
Solemn Eucharistic celebration marks parish proclamation
The Holy Eucharist was celebrated with due liturgical solemnity, during which Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha formally proclaimed Holy Cross Chapel as an independent parish. The declaration was received with deep reverence and joy by the large gathering of clergy, religious, and faithful who assembled for the historic occasion.
Rev. Dr Antony Prakash Monteiro appointed first parish priest
On the occasion of the parish elevation, Rev. Dr Antony Prakash Monteiro was officially appointed as the first parish priest of Holy Cross Parish, Bellare. His appointment marks the beginning of a new pastoral chapter for the faithful of the region.
Felicitation programme highlights journey of faith
Following the Mass, a felicitation programme was held, inaugurated by Bishop Saldanha through the lighting of the ceremonial lamp. In his address, the Bishop recalled how the Catholic faithful of Bellare were earlier required to travel nearly 15 kilometres to Panja Church to participate in liturgical celebrations. This pastoral hardship led to the establishment of a prayer centre, later recognised as a chapel under Panja parish, and now elevated as an independent parish.
Very Rev. Lawrence Mascarenhas, Parish Priest of Mai De Deus Church, Puttur, noted that the prayer centre at Bellare was established 54 years ago and announced that the Bishop had declared it the 125th parish of the Diocese of Mangalore. He emphasised that parish status would strengthen pastoral outreach and empower the local faithful.
Rev. Dr Antony Prakash Monteiro welcomed the dignitaries and faithful. Also present on the dais were representatives of the parish councils of Panja and Bellare. Rev. Melvin D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks.
Several priests, religious sisters, and a large number of faithful from neighbouring parishes participated in the celebration.
Roots in Panja mission and early missionary efforts
The regions of Panja and Bellare were originally part of the Kadaba Mission. Organised missionary activity began in Panja in 1932 with the arrival of Dr Peter Paul Pinto at Badyar. His medical and humanitarian services contributed significantly to the stabilisation of early Christian settlements.
In 1933, Rev. Peter D’Sa was appointed priest-in-charge, laying the foundations of organised Christian life in the region. By 1953, the first permanent chapel at Panja was completed, and in 1952 Rev. Albert G. Nazareth became the first parish priest, giving institutional stability to the mission.
Establishment and growth of Bellare chapel
As the Panja Mission expanded, a Catholic community emerged in Bellare. In 1971, during the tenure of Rev. Ligory Hilary Sanctis, the first Mass was celebrated at the residence of local faithful. A permanent church was later constructed on 3.29 acres of land under the leadership of the late Joseph Pinto and completed during the tenure of Rev. Marian Pinto. The chapel was dedicated under the patronage of the Holy Cross and functioned under Panja parish.
Infrastructure development and administrative autonomy
Between 2007 and 2014, significant infrastructure development took place, including the construction of a clergy residence, inaugurated in 2014 by the then Bishop of Mangalore. On May 31, 2018, Bellare Holy Cross Chapel was granted pastoral and administrative autonomy, with Rev. Peter Gonsalves appointed as priest-in-charge.
Further development followed under Rev. Sebastian Paul D’Souza, during whose tenure the Golden Jubilee of the chapel was celebrated in November 2021.
A new chapter as an independent parish
Since May 16, 2022, Rev. Dr Antony Prakash Monteiro has led the community, guiding growth in liturgical life, organisation, and community participation. In November 2025, the Bellare parish region was formally reorganised, defining clear pastoral boundaries and strengthening administrative efficiency.
With its elevation as a parish on January 1, 2026, Holy Cross Church, Bellare, stands as a living testimony to faith, perseverance, and collective effort—marking a proud and historic chapter in the journey of the Diocese of Mangalore.
