Mangalore Diocese News

The 38th International Eucharistic Congress was held in Mumbai in the year 1964 under the Presidentship of Pope Paul VI. To mark this great event, the then parish Priest of Mount Rosary Church Alangar Rev. Fr. Francis Xavier D’Souza put forward an idea of establishing a church in Moodbidri which was soon executed, and Corpus Christi Church came into existence.

The generous personality who helped Rev. Fr. F. X. D’Souza in this work was the late B. A. Saldanha who helped by donating the land to build the church. Mr I. L. Pinto and Late Raymond D’costa were also a great support to Rev. Fr. F. X. D’Souza.

Under the leadership Rev. Fr. F. X. D’Souza, the then Bishop of Mangalore Diocese Most Rev. Basil Salvador D’souza laid the foundation on 15th August 1967 and the church was inaugurated by him on 29th October 1969. Rev. Fr. F. X. D’Souza took charge of celebrating the Eucharist in Moodbidri.

On 30th of April 1971 Bishop of Mangalore Diocese Most Rev. Basil Salvador D’souza issued the decree and as per the decree Fr. Henry Machado was appointed as the first parish Priest on 2nd May 1971. Thereafter 10 priests have rendered their selfless service in Corpus Christi Church.

At present V. Rev. Fr. Paul Sequeira, members of the parish council, Vice President, Secretary, Coordinator, heads of Wards, heads of various organizations are actively taking part for the well-being of the church. There are 495 families and 1850 catholic devotees who are a part of this church. From 1964, Sisters of The Apostolic Carmel and from 2005 Sisters of Mount Rosary are rendering their service.

As per the needs of the Parish and the Parishioners many important new constructions and renovations were done to strengthen the faith of people. A Health Fund for needy families was undertaken.

At present the church is divided into 11 wards which are very active. Also, many different organizations are working hand in hand for the upliftment of the church.

In 1996, Corpus Christi Church celebrated its Silver Jubilee and to commemorate this great celebration church hall and houses for the needy Parishioners were built. In 2001, a cemetery chapel was built.

V. Rev. Fr. Paul Sequeira inaugurated the Golden Jubilee year on 31st December 2020. Under his guidance, Vice President Mr. John Menezes, Secretary Mr. A Ronald Serrao, Coordinator Mrs. Celine D’Souza along with the parish council and Golden Jubilee committee organized various activities such as Children’s Day, Youth Day, Sports Day, Women’s Day, Men’s Day, Elder's Day, Couple’s Day, Quiz and Drawing competition were held for the jubilee year.

On 22nd November 2021 at 4pm, along with the Bishop of Mangalore Diocese Most Rev. Peter Paul Saldanha, retired Bishop Most Rev. Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop of Shimoga Diocese Most Rev. Francis Serrao and invited priests celebrated thanksgiving Eucharist.

At 6 pm the stage programme was arranged for felicitation, inaugurating Souvenir, telephone directory, Health Fund and entertainment.

In preparation for the Jubilee Celebration, on Saturday 20th November, a “Hore Kaanike” procession was organised from the Rajiv Gandhi Complex to the Church.

The co-operation, help and selfless service of the parishioners along with Parish Priest is the reason behind this great success.

Parish Priests who have served in the Parish : 

1. Rev. Fr. F. X. D’souza, Founder
2. Rev. Fr. Henry Machado (2-5-1971 to 22-5-1976)
3. Rev. Fr. Maurice Paula (22-5-1976 to 11-04-1984)
4. Rev. Fr. Charles Saldanha (12-04-1984 to 04-10-1987)
5. Rev. Fr. Andrew Rodrigues (10-10-1987 to 08-05-1988)
6. Rev. Fr. Joseph Mathais (09-05-1988 to 23-08-1991)
7. Rev. Fr. L. S. Pais (24-08-1991 to 26-05-1992)
8. Rev. Fr. Mark Walder (26-05-1992 to 08-05-1999)
9. Rev. Fr. Lawrence Martis (08-05-1999 to 22-05-2006)
10. Rev. Fr. John J. D'Souza (22-05-2006 to 24-05-2009)
11. Rev. Fr. Austin Peter Peres (24-05-2009 to 01-06-2016)
12. Rev. Fr. Paul Sequeira (01.06.2016 to 16.05.2022)
13. Rev. Fr. Onil Dsouza (from 16.05.2022 onwards)

Compiled by Catholic Time Staff with inputs from the article published by Moodbidri Church during Golden Jubilee celebration in November 2021.
Last updated in Dec 2022.

Related Links :

• About Corpus Christi Church Moodbidri
• History of Our Lady of Holy Rosary Church, Alangar - Moodbidri
• 25-11-2021 - Corpus Christi Church celebrates the Golden Jubilee
• 25-11-2021 - Corpus Christi Church holds Spectacular procession of Offerings ahead of Golden Jubilee
• 18-11-2021 - Corpus Christi Church all set to celebrate Golden Jubilee