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Location : 

Surrounded by beautiful hills and valleys of coconut and arecanut plantations, St. Ignatius Loyola Church is located in Paladka village within Mangalore Taluk and Dakshina Kannada district. Being just 10 kms away from Moodbidri, 40 kms away from Mangalore city, 44 kms from Udupi city and 26 kms from Karkala, St. Ignatius Loyola Church comes under the aegis of the Mangalore Diocese.

The beginning : 

St. Ignatius Loyola Church was erected on 17th November 1913 by Rev. Fr. Salvadore D’Souza, the founder and respectively the first parish priest of this church. He began his missionary work at Paladka from 1910 and was a God-sent for the people of Paladka, Kadandale, Puttige, Kadalakere ,Belvai, Kanthavara, Sampige, Kallamundkur, Manjanabail, Bola, Sacheripete, Mukkadappu, Nekkare, Kudripadav villages who were actively seeking a dedicated place like a Holy Church for prayer and worship needs. Before the presence of a proper church structure, Fr. Salvadore would offer mass from the house of Mr. Joseph Michael Pinto, a place called Palla, and it is just 500 metres away from the present church building in 1910. (Mr. Michael Pinto was Fr. Alfred Pinto’s grandfather). And then he himself built a small chapel beside the location of the current church building and offered mass from there for two years. Then a preliminary petition for permission grant for a regular parish was submitted to the Bishop of Mangalore on 31st August 1913. His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. Paul Perini S.J. passed an erection decree on 17th November 1913 and the founder of the Jesuit Society, Saint Ignatius Loyola was acknowledged as the Patron Saint and this church was thus christened St. Ignatius Loyola Church of Paladka. Rev. Fr. Salvadore D’Souza became the first founder Parish Priest of Paladka and purchased 10 acres for church land from Mr. Mahadeva Bhat, which started then and paved the way for what now stands in that same location including not only the Church building, but also a convent, english and kannada medium schools, newly built Centenary Sabah Bhavan, coconut plantation garden and children’s play park amongst other facilities for the people and parishioners of Paladka and surrounding areas. The St. Ignatius Loyola Church is well connected along the Alangar – Jarigekatte - Belmannu road and serves a catholic population of about 2000 people from 350 families including the St. Antony and Christ King wards (Palke).

The growth of the parish : 

The history of the parish priests and their successors are as follows:

1. Fr. Salvadore D’Souza (1913 – 1922) – As I have mentioned above, Fr. Salvadore D’Souza was the founder and the first parish priest of Paladka. He was a dynamic personality, a disciplined soldier, a thorough task master and a doctor. It is said that such was his piety, ethicality and sincerity that people who worked against him neither succeeded nor prospered. Fr. Salvadore was responsible for pursuing unity between Christians and Hindus for the common good of society. This noble cause was reciprocated by Mr. Mahadeva Bhat, one of the then landlords who offered to donate as much land as was required for building the church and school. He also donated timber that was required for the construction of the church and school structures. Fr Salvadore started his own Kannada Medium Elementary School and began constructing the same in 1915. It was unfortunate however, due to the Karnataka Land Reforms Act of 1974 (also known as ‘Bhu Masoode’), the larger acres of land that Fr Salvadore had purchased and rented to others were lost due to this law leaving little land for church use. Fr. Alexius Pinto, a retired priest from Taccode church, was Fr. Salvadore’s helping hand attending to parishioners needs in his absence during his tenure. After having served more than 8 blessed years in Paladka, on 22nd April 1922, Fr Salvadore was transferred to Karkala, St. Lawrence Church in Attur.

2. Fr. John Baptist D’Sa (1922 – 1937) - was the second parish priest who continued the church building work. The toil and the hard work took on his failing health thus he was transferred to Bondel Church.

3. Fr. Andrew J. Pinto (1937 – 1942) - was the third parish priest. After assuming charge he continued the church windows, doors and walls building work and laid up a strong foot bridge across the Yarpakaria River making an easy link between Paladka, Sampige and Kalamundkur. In 1942, he was transferred to Taccode Church.

4. Fr. Antony Noronha (1942 – 1954) - stayed in Paladka for about 12 years completing the half done church roof. He upgraded the Elementary school to Higher Elementary. The church was then inaugurated by Bishop Most Rev. Dr. Victor Fernandes. A favourite to the parishioners, due to his kind and devout nature. He was transferred to Udyavara in 1954 amidst much tears at the end of his tenure.

5. Fr. Gulbert Noronha (1954 - 1955) – laid the foundation of 100 x 20 feet land for the new school building and oversaw the construction of the pillared concrete cement cross on the top of the hill. After a short stay of about a year he was transferred to Permannur in 1955.

6. Fr. P.D.G Rego (1955 - 1967) - constructed the new school building and upgraded the school grade levels to 8th standard. The church building was fully plastered, the floor fully cemented and the church wings were extended on both sides. He also erected a grotto for our Lady of Lourdes with the help of parishioners. He retired after the Tertiary Association (SFO) was opened and the church’s golden jubilee was celebrated in 1963.

7. Fr. Peter Lobo (1967 – 1978) – came to Paladka after just having built a new church in Palimar. He immediately started repair work on the school building and the roof and built fences around the church and cemetery. He was very pro-youth and encouraged various social and cultural activities for the development of the parish youth. During his tenure, the catholic youth from Paladka attained prominence in the fields of arts and creativity. A three day diocese level CYM camp was organized by Salvadore Rodrigues, and that was held in 1971. Salvadore Rodrigues, led Five years continuously as a youth (CYM) president. He was the first secretary of the Parish Council when it first came into existence. Salvadore Rodrigues, as an editor, also started publishing his own Konkani magazine ‘Amchi Samaj’ to propagate konkani literature amongst the people. Salvadore Rodrigues, also a noted playwright, wrote and directed Jovle Devmchar and Pettegpett, which became very successful and popular. These dramas (plays) were staged not only in Paladka but also around other parishes like Alangar, Moodbidri, and Kinnigoli to collect funds which were used to construct an entertainment stage with curtains and other essentials required to stage more dramas. The only other notable monetary contribution towards the stage construction at that time came from Kuwait returnee Mr. Piad D’Souza. Salvadore Rodrigues worked hard to bring electricity connections for the church and all neighbouring areas including Gundyadka. During Peter Lobo’s time not only electricity connection, but also seating arrangements (wooden benches) inside the church were made for parishioners by the help of wellwishers. Finally, the church celebrated one of its brightest and joyous Parish day in 1976. Fr. Peter celebrated his 25th priesthood anniversary and most of the best days of his tenure in Paladka. Eventually he was transferred to Trasi Church in 1978.

8. Fr. Oswald Lasrado (1978 – 1985) - started a Chapel in Sampige to facilitate and accommodate the catholics of Kallamundkur, Sampige and Ashwathapura areas. Along with the parishioners he oversaw the construction of a new priest's residence. The Ursuline convent was also started by him. The Catholic Youth Movement (CYM) was rechristened to Loyola Youth Club. In 1985, he was transferred to Bellore.

9. After Fr. Oswald Lasrado, Fr. Lawrence S. Pais served as parish priest from 14 May 1985 to 24th June 1985.

10.Fr. Mathias Pereira (1985 – 1994) – was responsible for the plantation of coconut trees, the construction of the compound wall, and also ablution facilities for the poor. Educational funds were extended towards the needy poor people as well. The St. Vincent Paul Society and Catholic Sabah were founded during his tenure on 2nd November 1986 and 16th May 1993 respectively. The 75th (Platinum Jubilee) Parish Anniversary was celebrated in the first week of January, 1989 and to commemorate the occasion, a new chapel in Saverapura and a new school building were constructed.

11.Fr. Benjamin Pinto (1994 – 2001) – added a portico to the church building and repaired the half portion of the church roof. He also started a half yearly church bulletin called Paladkachi Zhor on July 31, 1998. During his tenure, 14 stations were installed on Cross hill and the school’s playground was thoroughly levelled. During his tenure the Y.C.S and Marial Sodality were founded on 14th September 1997 and 6th December 1998 respectively.

12.Fr. Norbert Lobo (2001 – 2008) - apart from religious responsibilities, put the focus on agriculture. Some of his works for the betterment of the church included installation of new wooden benches inside the church, constructing a stone fence around church property, a stage for cultural activities and entertainment use of parishioners and a main gate for the church. A routine transfer to Talapady Church in 2008 left his dream of celebrating the church’s Centenary Jubilee, for which he was willing to stay till 2013, remained unfulfilled.

13.Fr. Stany Rodrigues (2008 – 2010) - came as a successor to Fr. Norbert Lobo continued progressive work by having a bore well dug and also construction of the children’s play park with the help of parishioner Joy Paladka. His kind nature, strong devotion to Christ and powerfully moving sermons emotionally touched people so much that they wanted him in Paladka for at least 7 years. But he was transferred to Betta da Mane (Mudigere) within 2 years.

14. Fr. Dolphy Monteiro came on 30th May 2010 to Paladka as a parish priest to serve the people. But God’s Will saw him taken away from us to serve in Heaven through his sad demise on 18th August 2010.

15. Fr. Harold Pereira served as the 15th parish priest for a very short period from 27 August 2010 till 11 June 2011 following which he too was transferred to Bangalore as a secretary for State level SCC organisation.

16.Fr. Gilbert D’Souza (mid 2011 – 2013) : Fr Gilbert arrived at Paladka parish on 11th June 2011 and along with parishioners decided to put the mega event of the Centenary Jubilee celebrations in full swing. Keeping the theme of the Jubilee (John 10 : 10) “I have come in order that you might have life- life in all its fullness” in focus, fourteen committees were formed to study, oversee and carry out the planned multitude of social, religious, cultural and educational programmes systematically and effectively. The primary projects leading our centenary focus were firstly renovation of the church, secondly opening an English Medium School and thirdly construction of a multipurpose Hall (Sabha Bhavan) for all Paladka residents to benefit from. With the fragrance of burning incense, the sight of multi-coloured balloons floating in the air and the resounding noise of fire-crackers, the centenary year was inaugurated on 4th December 2011 by dignitaries and parishioners alike. With engineers in tow and plans drawn, construction work of Sabha Bhavan started almost immediately. Owing to the estimated Rs 83 lakh cost for hall construction alone, house to house fund collection was undertaken and overseas funds of more than 40 lakh were collected from Qatar with the dedicated efforts of parishioner Mrs. Effie Walter D’Souza. Fr. Gilbert’s vision of seeing through and celebrating the Centenary Jubilee came to an abrupt halt when he was transferred to Ellyarpadav on 2nd June 2013.

17.Fr. Ivan Michael Rodrigues (2013 – present) : arrived and took over as parish priest on 2nd June 2013. One of his first focuses after assuming responsibilities was our Centenary Jubilee Programme. Despite the overwhelming cost involved, with stern faith in God and a positive outlook, he pursued completion of all tasks involved, by requesting donations and encouraged all people to work hard to finish the jubilee work on schedule. Inspired with his “forgive and forget”, “Time and Tide wait for none” and “Tomorrow’s work done today and today’s work done now” mottos and motivated by seeing his determination towards our jubilee programme’s success, people from near and far started whole-heartedly working with him for the welfare of our parish. Such was the collective effort of the parish priest, dedicated parishioners, well-wishers and friends that donations in a short time reached an unbelievable and miraculous amount of nearly 188 lakhs! Eminent Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Sports and Fisheries Mr. K. Abhayachandra Jain contributed to this noble cause by offering us transportation and shelter in his own house while in Bangalore and his efforts to ensure the success of the Jubilee did not stop there as he continued to pressurize the Chief Minister to sanction Rs 50 lakh from the Minority Welfare fund for the Sabha Bhavan construction. With perseverant, hard work put in by some parishioners in the dedicated donation drives within Paladka, Bangalore, Mumbai and overseas donations from non-resident parishioners and well-wishers in U.A.E, Kuwait and Qatar and above all with God’s blessings ensured that the process went on smoothly and the Centenary Jubilee Programme was a success. A complete facelift of the church area included a lovely new Adoration Chapel, a beautiful new grotto, a towering 60-feet belfry housing 3 bells, a spacious church hall with a 800 person capacity, a comfortable mini-hall with a 200 person capacity and bricked interlocks compound for the entire church amongst other developments. English Medium School was also started as scheduled. We have all achieved, through the miraculous blessings of God the Almighty Father, Lord Jesus and St Ignatius Loyola, more than we had anticipated. Without question, Fr. Ivan Rodrigues shines through as a good, energetic, enthusiastic and active religious man of God. While thanking Our Almighty Father for sending a right priest at the right time, we wish Fr. Ivan, the best of health and spirit towards continuing to wholeheartedly serve our parishioners socially and spiritually for the betterment of the parish and the catholic faith as a whole. May Our Divine Lord and Father lead us to the living waters of salvation through the grace of St. Ignatius our blessed patron.

Parish Priests who have served in the parish :

1. Rev. Fr. Salvadore D'Souza (17-11-1913 to 26-4-1922)
2. Rev. Fr. John B. D'Sa (26-4-1922 to 24-1-1937)
3. Rev. Fr. Andrew J. Pinto (24-1-1937 to 24-5-1942)
4. Rev. Fr. Antony Noronha (24-5-1942 to 20-5-1954)
5. Rev. Fr. Gualbert Noronha (20-5-1954 to 13-4-1955)
6. Rev. Fr. Paul D.G. Rego (13-4-1955 to 15-4-1967)
7. Rev. Fr. Peter Lobo (15-4-1967 to 30-3-1978)
8. Rev. Fr. Oswald Lasrado (30-3-1978 to 14-5-1985)
9. Rev. Fr. Lawrence S. Pais (14-5-1985 to 24-6-1985)
10. Rev. Fr. Mathias Pereira (24-6-1985 to 31-5-1994)
11. Rev. Fr. Benjamin Pinto (31-5-1994 to 17-5-2001)
12. Rev. Fr. Norbert Lobo (17-5-2001 to 1-6-2008)
13. Rev. Fr. Stany Rodrigues (1-6-2008 to 30-05-2010)
14. Rev. Fr. Dolphy Monteiro (30-05-2010 to 18-08-2010)
15. Rev. Fr. Harold Pereira (27-08-2010 to 05-06-2011)
16. Rev. Fr. Gilbert DSouza (11-06-2011 to 02-06-2013)
17. Rev. Fr. Ivan Michael Rodrigues (02-06-2013 to - 2020)
18. Rev. Fr. Elias D'Souza (from 2020 onwards ...)

Compiled by Catholic Time Staff with inputs from the article published by Salvadore Rodrigues, Editor of Paladka Parish Centenary Jubilee Souvenir published in Dec 2013.
Last updated in Dec 2020.

Related Links : 

• About St Ignatius Loyola Church, Paladka
• Paladka Parish Centenary Jubilee Souvenir (2013)
• 'Shathapatha' - School Centenary Jubilee Souvenir (2015)
• ಪಾಲಡ್ಕ ಫಿರ್ಗಜ್ ಶತಮಾನೋತ್ಸವಚ್ಯಾ ಸಂಭ್ರಮಾರ್
• History of Our Lady of Remedies Church, Kirem
• 17-12-2013 - St Ignatius Loyola Church, Paladka celebrates Centenary Jubilee