Kuppepadav parish was once a part of Ferar and Hospet parishes. People had to walk about 12-13 kms and cross the river in order to reach these churches. Though the proposal to have a church here was made by the parish priest of Hospet earlier, it was only in 1938 that a church was built by Fr John G. Pinto of Hospet (Hosabettu). He had bought 4 acres of land from Mrs Matilda Pinto who had also donated an acre of land for the church. He used to offer mass at Kuppepadav at the residence of Mrs Agnes Moras. Gradually a church and presbytery were built in 1958. Fr Abel Coelho was sent to Kuppepadav as the resident chaplain.
Kuppepadav parish was established on August 21, 1958 with families from Loreto, Ferar and Hospet parishes. Fr Abel Coelho (1958-1966) was the first parish priest here. Since this new parish had financial problems, 40 muras of geni land was transferred from Hospet to this parish.
Electrification of the presbytery and installation of electric water pump was done by Fr Frederic Lobo (1969-1976). A belfry and a bus stand near the church were built by Fr John R. Noronha. The first Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes was built by Fr Valerian Frank. Fr Peter Lobo installed the statue of Sacred Heart of Jesus. Fr John Walter Mendonca renovated the church and constructed the church hall which was inaugurated in 2001 by Bishop Bernard Moras of Belgaum, who was a parishioner of Kuppepadav.
Golden Jubilee celebration of Kuppepadav Church :
The valedictory of the golden jubilee of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Kuppepadav was held on April 28, 2008. Thanksgiving mass was offered to commemorate the occasion.
Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza of Mangalore presided over the function held after the mass. Archbishop Bernard Moras of Bangalore, who is also a parishioner, recalled the contributions of the late Fr John G Pinto, who built the first church and the late Bishop Basil D’Souza of Mangalore, and said that it is owing to their vision and hard work that the church has grown to this highest level.
The golden jubilee souvenir was unveiled on this occasion. Medical aid fund and education fund consisting Rs 1 lac each was also inaugurated on the occasion.
Dean of Bantwal deanery Fr Roque D’Sa, parish priest Fr Assisi Rebello and Former parish priests Fr Walter Mendonca, Fr John Noronha, Fr Valerian Frank were present on the occasion.
Inauguration of the Renovated Immaculate Heart of Mary Church :
The renovated Immaculate Heart of Mary Church , Kuppepadav was inaugurated on July 4, 2020 by Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha of Mangalore diocese. The foundation for the new church was laid on September 16, 2018 by Bishop Emeritus Bernard Moras of Bangalore Archdiocese.
A solemn Holy Eucharist was presided over by Bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha along with the parish priest Fr Valerian D'souza and other guest priests as concelebrants.
After the Mass, a programme was arranged. Bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha was the chief guest on the occasion along with the parish priest and other guests. The donors were felicitated. The programme concluded with lunch.
Parish Priests who have served in the parish :
- Fr Abel Coelho (1958-1966)
- Fr Frederic Lobo (1969-1976)
- Fr John R. Noronha (1976 - 82)
- Fr Valerian Frank (1982 - 85)
- Fr Peter Lobo
- Fr John Walter Mendonca (1994 - 2001)
- Fr Assisi Rebello (2001 - 2008)
- Fr Rosario Fernandes (2008 - 2013)
- Fr Valerian M. D’Souza ( ... till 2021)
- Fr Gratian Alvares (from 2021 onwards)
(Complete list will be updated soon)
Compiled by Catholic Time Staff
Last updated in Dec 2021.
Related Links :
- About Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Kuppepadav
- History of Holy Cross Church, Hospet (Hosabettu)
- History of St Francis Xavier Church, Ferar
- 04-07-2020 - Inauguration and Blessing of Renovated Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Kuppepadav
- 28-04-2008 - Mangalore: Kuppepadav Glitters as Church Celebrates Golden Jubilee
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