Originally Indubettu was a part of Belthangady parish. Long before 1917, mass was being offered at the house of Mr Louis Lobo. In around 1917, Fr Gaviraghi sj, who started the mission station bought land from Mr Salvadore D’Cunha and used to offer mass here in a thatched house. Because of the long distances the parishioners had to travel to reach Belthangady, Fr A.J. D’Silva constructed the presbytery in 1931 and started constructing a chapel in 1937, which was completed by his successor. This chapel was served from Belthangady for about 18 years. It was made independent and on April 2, 1955, Fr Elias P. Dias was appointed as the first parish priest.
Fr Elias P. Dias ( 1955-1962) built the present church, the electrification work and renovation was completed by Fr Lawrence D’Souza in 1986, the presbytery and belfry were built by Fr Leo William Lobo (1991-1997) who also provided the sound system and dug a borewell. The Grotto and the Arch were completed by Fr Joseph Mascarenhas (1997 - 2004). He also built 2 houses for the poor.
Silver Jubilee of the newly constructed Church :
St Francis Xavier Church, Indubettu celebrated the silver jubilee of the newly constructed Church (1986- 2011) in February 2011, along with commemorating 75 years of the seed of faith sown here by the early missionaries.
Fr Lawrence D’Souza was the main celebrant of the jubilee mass whereas Fr James D’Souza, the vicar vara of Belthangady Varado , Fr Simon D’ Souza, parish priest and other priests concelebrated. Fr Lawrence was honoured for the wonderful works done to the church.
Diamond Jubilee Celebration and Blessing of Renovated Indubettu Church :
Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza of Mangalore Diocese inaugurated the renovated St Francis Xavier church, Indubettu on December 16, 2014. The church was renovated to commemorate the diamond jubilee celebration of the parish.
Bishop Aloysius presided over the stage programme after the Eucharistic celebration. Mangalore diocesan pastoral council secretary M P Noronha, Beltangady deanery vicar forane Fr Bonaventure Nazareth were the guests of honor.
M P Noronha in his address appreciated the efforts of Indubettu parish priest Fr Simon D’Souza and the parishioners. The former parish priests of Indubettu Church were felicitated and everyone thanked their efforts to nourish people’s faith.
People from all walks of faith were present for this historic moment and participated in the fellowship meal.
Parish Priests who have served in the parish :
- Fr Elias P. Dias ( 1955-1962)
- Fr Lawrence B. D'Souza (1981 - 88)
- Fr Peter Fernandes (1988 - 91)
- Fr Leo William Lobo (1991 - 97)
- Fr Joseph Mascarenhas (1997 - 2004)
- Fr Denis D'Souza (2004 - 2010)
- Fr Simon D'Souza (2010 - 2017)
- Fr Stephen D'Souza (2017 - 2023)
- Fr John Baptist Moras (from 2023 onwards)
(Complete list will be updated soon)
Compiled by Catholic Time Staff.
Last updated in Dec 2023.
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