About the parish
St Vincent Ferrar parish of Valencia is situated at Kankanady locality of Mangaluru city. The convents of Holy Rosary, Cloistered nuns, St Anne, St Gerosa, Roshni Nilaya, St Vincent and St Vincent Home are serving under the parish. Father Muller Charitable Institutions, Viannie Home, St Antony’s Orphanage and old age home are located within a few kilometers. Asha Kiran and Fatima Retreat House, Jesuit Home, Roshni Nilaya Kindergarten, Roshni Nilaya School of Social Work, Vishwas Trust, St Gerosa Primary and High School are within the limits of Valencia parish.
Founding the church and early years
It’s during the early twentieth century that Kankanady and Jappinamogaru were the remote villages dependent on Our Lady of Milagres parish, Milagres and Rosario Cathedral for their spiritual needs. It was surrounded by dense forest, while the people lived in harmony with nature. The existing modern Valencia church complex was once upon a time a burial ground, known as ‘Bearypalke.’ Meanwhile, the Madras government that governed Mangaluru at that time issued an order to the municipal council to allot 5.73 acres in Bearypalke to the bishop with waiver of taxes for burying the dead Catholics. The municipal council handed over the possession to the bishop on the condition to build a boundary wall around the cemetery and to follow the rules specified for the cemetery. The municipal council officially handed over the plot to the bishop when the latter signed the deeds.
The bishop had handed over the charge of the cemetery to Rosario Cathedral who built a boundary wall around the cemetery at its cost. It also granted permission to bury the dead of parishioners of Milagres parish. Meanwhile, Milagres parish authorities rebuilt a part of the cemetery and renovated it during 1923. Rosario Cathedral erected a wooden cross at the cemetery during 1928.
Bearypalke burial ground was a hillock without the scent of modernity, which served only to bury the dead, to baptize the newborn as per Catholic religious practices, in an era of superstitious beliefs. The people gossiped about burning tendu leaves in the middle of night, hearing strange noises of spirits talking to each other etc. The new born were baptized within a few days of delivery, as the people believed it would lead to good health and save the newborn from early death and salvation of its soul.
The people living in Kankanady and Jappinamogaru who were hitherto dependant on either Rosario Cathedral and Milagres parishes for their spiritual needs and to bury their dead, pleaded the then Italian Bishop Perini to establish a separate church and assured of pooling their resources by means of voluntary labor and money in this regard. The people once again pleaded with the bishop with their demand and assured of monetary support to restore their identity by means of a church of their own, to meet their spiritual needs and bury their dead. A few religious orders that had their bases long established in the vicinity also supported their cause. The seminary of secular clergies, monastery of cloistered nuns, Bethany sisters of charity already briefed the bishop about the congregation of people gathering at their chapels for Eucharistic Celebrations and at Jeppu parish which has been causing inconvenience to seminarians and religious nuns. A few surviving parishioners recall such incidents of displeasure that have been expressed in a scuttle way.
The seminary at Jeppu that was managed by Jesuits was handed over to the diocesan authorities in 1928 and the then local bishop V R Fernandes who was convinced of the need for a church approved the proposal to establish the church at Bearypalke on March 2, 1935. The bishop also decreed to dedicate the church in honor of St Vincent Ferrar, who was born in Valencia City of Spain. The European identity of Valencia indeed changed the landmark of Bearypalke forever. Fr Monthu Menezes became the first parish priest of this new Valencia church. No sooner had the church been built and consecrated to St Vincent Ferrar, its administration was transferred from Rosario Cathedral to Valencia parish priest by the bishop. Fr Vincent Rebello generously contributed towards building a chapel at the western side of the cemetery to bury the diocesan clergy which was inaugurated on February 10, 1935. The mortal remains of diocesan clergy Fr S A Tellis was the first to be buried at the chapel.
As Valencia parish lacked a building, the Eucharistic Celebrations on Sundays was temporarily held at the same chapel. Meanwhile, the parish priest had written a letter to the government to approve an acre of plot within the cemetery to build a church. It was an uphill task to get approval from the government that had originally allotted the plot for the cemetery. A few parishioners whose ancestors were buried in Milagres parish cemetery opposed the construction of a separate church by a series of letters to the government, municipal council and revenue department, to deny permission in this regard. They highlighted it’s not appropriate to grant permission to build a church, citing the cemetery was granted to bury the dead of poor families. Despite the government clarifying that the cemetery is under the administration of the bishop, a few opponents of Valencia parish, went so far as demanding to stall the Eucharistic Celebrations that are being held at the chapel in the cemetery and also to demolish the chapel. They further forwarded their petitions to the government to oppose the temporary arrangement of bishop to offer Eucharistic Celebration at the chapel. The government demanded the clarification from the bishop who called a meeting of leaders and it was decided to stall the Eucharistic Celebrations that are held at the chapel. However, Eucharistic Celebrations were held at the residence of Salvador Lobo (Salu Master) and later at the residence of Cyril Monteiro which was in the vicinity.
In spite of revenue authorities and municipal council granting permission to build the church on 1 acre plot out of 5.73 acres of cemetery, a few rebellions of Valencia parish filed a criminal case against the government secretary and bishop during August 1935. The proceedings of the case went on till 1941, while the case was closed during a 12-day hearing and paved the way for smooth transition. The entire parish community rejoiced on this landmark judgment. A few parishioners cherish the sweet memory of this historical event that their elderly family members shared with them while living. The foundation for the church was laid and blessed on September 24, 1942. The Eucharistic Celebrations began at the new church in January 1944. The parish community strengthened with the contributions of poor but generous parishioners who were inspired by their spiritual mentor Fr Monthu Menzes.
Fr Monthu Menezes was destined to be architect of Valencia parish. During World War II, the building materials – steel and cement were in short supply. The cement was sourced from Bunder and transported to the site with the voluntary labor of parishioners and a boulder located besides the chapel was also cleared. A makeshift was made using tendu leaves, plastering the floor with cow-dung, where the Eucharistic Celebrations began to hold. It has come a long way since then where the Masses are held in the new gothic church building now.
It was the time when Christmas and Easter were held at midnight. The parishioners’ houses were adorned with big altars and portraits of saints hung on the walls. Although the parishioners were poor living in small houses, they were united by loving and caring for their neighbors. The parishioners were simple, where the girls played a simple game of ‘Jibli’ in their courtyards. There was a dense forest owned by a rich parishioner named Shresta on the existing plot of Roshni Nilaya, where the students of Jeppu School would go to savor wild fruits and try catching butterflies. Those were the carefree childhood days. The parishioners would sweep the church, to hold Eucharistic Celebration. The parishioners were hard working, while perhaps a very few of them had horse-carts or an automobile. Despite their poverty, they contributed generously of their fruit of labor to the church. Fr Monthu Menezes shouldered the heavy responsibility of building the church. The parishioners acknowledge Fr Menezes was the architect of Valencia church and respect him as a devout priest.
The parish grew in every aspect of religious fervor. The first annual feast of the parish was held on December 20, 1944. The diocesan authorities had organized several programmes to foster unity when the Jesuits handed over the administration to erstwhile Mangalore diocese. The hundreds and thousands of faithful partaken in the Eucharistic procession in 3 decades and veneration of Our Lady of Fatima when Mother Mary’s statue arrived in Mangalore. The parishioners of Valencia significantly contributed to the celebrations of 1955 that were dedicated to Mother Mary.
Over the years, the spirituality and unity of parishioners strengthened in Valencia parish. The fests and other celebrations promoted unity and fellowship with poor parishioners of different wards. It became a vibrant parish with the relentless efforts of parish priests and active involvement of parishioners who sacrificed their mite for the new church building. The necessary items for offering Holy Mass were procured and the parish community was strengthened for taking an active role in Eucharistic Celebrations. The diocesan unity with different parishes also strengthened the bond with Valencia parish. The temporary presbytery was built and priest began to live there from April 1, 1947. The bishop V R Fernandes offered the first Eucharistic Celebration at the new church for the first time on August 30, 1953. Fr Menezes who relentlessly served for 20 years suddenly became ill and retired by the end of 1955.
Progressive path
Fr P A D’Souza served as parish priest from February 1955 after the retirement of Fr Menezes. Fr P A D’Souza resigned on August 31 and Fr Aloysius Rebello succeeded to become the next parish priest.
Due to the efforts of teachings by the Jesuits, the superstitious beliefs such as seeking help of Hindu witchcraft to forbid evil spirits, astrology were lessened, because Jesuits have laid emphasis on religiousness than pagan practices. They tried to motivate the parishioners to bless their homes instead of seeking witchcraft, reciting Holy Rosary and devotion to saints. Although the parishioners were leaning towards much spirituality; a few of them believed in superstitions. There were parishioners who believed in Gulla, self-styled witch practicing at Sooterpete, who has remedy for all of their sorrows. In this situation, the novenas to saints were introduced to bring the stray sheep back to the flock. Fr Rebello managed to complete the building, laid the floor, plastered the walls; raised the statues of saints on the bell fry and also constructed a grotto in honor of Our Lady of Fatima during 1958. The modern church took its shape, while for the first time in Mangalore, novenas of Our Lady of Succor began in the church on January 1, 1956. It was frequented by a large number of parishioners of Milagres and Bendore. The devotion transformed Valencia church into a major worship center. The newly-built spacious presbytery was inaugurated during 1962. The diocesan authorities appointed a full-pledged assistant parish priest.
The church got a modern look, complete with a presbytery that was inclusive of a dining hall and kitchen. It got the electricity supply and municipal water. The parishioners celebrated the silver jubilee of the church and sacerdotal silver jubilee of Fr Rebello during 1960. The then bishop Raymond D’Mello lauded Valencia parish as a progressive parish. Monsignor Fred V Pereira celebrated his first Holy Mass in his own Valencia church after his ordination on December 4, 1962.
The movement to create social change, women empowerment was at its unveiling. Ladies Social Service League unit that was founded in the parish on October 14, 1956 built Stree Samaj Mandir, in front of Jeppu Seminary with the contributions of others, in order to train girls on gainful employment. The Mandir was inaugurated during 1964.
Fr Sewrine M Rasquinha who took charge as parish priest during May 1964 encouraged youth to take active roles in choir and drama. The upper deck in the church was repaired for the choir to join the congregation with melodious singing of hymns. Fr Rasquinha retired owing to failing health and Fr Thomas D’Sa succeeded as temporary administrator (vicar Ekonomos) for 8 months.
Fr John A P Miranda became the parish priest of Valencia during May 1967. He embarked on beautification of the church building, repairing the hall and building a compound around the cemetery. The compound wall was built around the chapel where the diocesan clergies were buried, because youth were playing in front of the chapel. The dairy farming that was launched by Caritas India to empower rural women was introduced in the parish. The parishioners living in Sooterpete were offered a cow and Rs 500 to each family, with repayment provision of Rs 10 per month. The exact number of families who benefited from this scheme is not available, but it’s clear that the parish tried to raise the living standards of families that needed utmost support.
Unity strengthened and parish emerges stronger in spirituality
A major incident that occurred on October 11 , 1968 indeed helped the parishioners to forge a strong bond in showing their solidarity. On that night, the thieves entered the church and broke open the tabernacle, stole ciboriums, scattering the Blessed Sacrament in the parish cemetery and throwing the same at the temple lake of Kudroli. Around 500 parishioners gathered in front of the church to condemn the sacrilege that showed their solidarity. They have partaken in Eucharistic Celebration and prayer service in reparation of sacrilege act committed by miscreants. It exemplified their unity in diversity to the people at large.
It was the era of Second Vatican Council; major changes were introduced to involve the laity in liturgical service that focused on spiritual growth of parishioners. The liturgy was changed in forging the stronger bond of clergy and faithful. In the economic sphere, 1970 was significant because the parishioners living in small houses contemplated reconstructing their homes. The parishioners were working hard to improve their living conditions. The Catholics owned businesses and were employed in plum jobs in government departments. It was vouched from the donations received by wealthy parishioners towards renovation of church building, constructing portico and beautification.
Fr Antony John D’Souza became the parish priest on September 15 , 1974. He devoted his time to spread the devotion of Mother Mary among the parishioners. He introduced children’s Sunday Mass before catechism and revived devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Succor. The Parish Day was celebrated with much fanfare on October 26. The copies of the Holy Bible were distributed to each parish family.
Fr Antony John D’Souza retired from service citing ill health during 1979, when Fr V M Fernandes took charge as parish priest. He focused on spirituality among the parishioners. He procured steel chairs for the parish hall. The parishioners of Valencia displayed a tableau during the diocesan Eucharistic procession.
It was during the bishop’s visit to the parish during April 1982, the parish council raised the issue of parishioners of St Antony ward who were attending Eucharistic Celebrations at Jeppu church to include their ward under Valencia parish. The bishop decreed that if the two-third of parishioners living in St Antony ward is willing to join Valencia parish then it would be done. However, the parishioners expressed their willingness to continue their loyalty to Valencia parish.
It was decided during the council meeting to build a new hall for the parish. As per the bishop’s instructions, it was decided to demolish the presbytery and a small portion of the southern part of the church, to build a new hall, presbytery on the ground floor and hall on first floor.
The Holy See declared 1983 – 84 to be the year dedicated to Holy Redeemer. The parishioners of Valencia took a walkathon to Rosario Cathedral as a penance and brought 4 consecrated crosses and venerated them in different wards. The Holy Cross was welcomed in a procession from Valencia Circle and venerated at the church with Passions of Cross. The construction of the presbytery began on April 14, 1985. It was completed with the relentless efforts of Fr Lawrence M Fernandes and active participation of parishioners.
1985 was the golden jubilee year of founding the Valencia parish. A children’s play house was set up during July. Variety cultural shows were held to mark the golden jubilee celebrations on December 15. The new presbytery was blessed. The golden jubilee celebration of founding Valencia parish coincided with the beginning of St Vincent De Paul Society that was also celebrated with much fanfare. A children’s nursery was set up during June 1986. The children’s playhouse was shifted to Sooterpete School in 1988. The parish council and youth staged a musical concert in Town Hall to raise funds for building the parish hall. The parish hall dedicated to St Vincent Ferrar with seating capacity of 800 people was constructed at a cost of Rs 14 lac and was inaugurated on May 31, 1987. It’s the testimony for the progress of Valencia parish.
When Monsignor Alexander F D’Souza took over as parish priest in June 1987, he provided necessary items that were needed for the hall, chairs, backdrop, generator etc. A manager was appointed along with an attendant to run the hall. The parish youth took the charge of organizing the celebrations of Youth Day and parish annual feast. The parish family welfare Committee was formed. The plans were afoot to observe Maundy Thursday, in a meaningful manner on the basis of the bishop's letter to all parishes. The Committee members allowed 5 members of a ward to wash their feet. The families in discord with neighbors were encouraged to reconcile and wash one another’s feet and share food together once at their respective homes. Six women got the chance during the washing of the feet of apostles. A boundary wall was built for the cemetery behind the church building.
Fr Francis Serrao assumed the charge of parish priest on May 29, 1988. He streamlined the catechism classes and parish council. The feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Succor was celebrated with utmost religious fervor on July 3. The novena books of Our Lady of Perpetual Succor were printed and released and distributed to parish families on Independence Day. The devotion of Divine Mercy had also begun. The parishioners in large numbers partaken in Eucharistic procession during 1989 from Rosario Cathedral to St Aloysius College Chapel. Fr Serrao gave a facelift to the cemetery. Fr Serrao became ill and passed away owing to cardiac disease on June 10 1991.
Monsignor Alexander D’Souza once again became the parish priest on July 17, 1991. Fr Alexander resumed the task of laying ‘Kadapa’ to the church floor that Fr Serrao had begun. It was completed giving a shining finish. Charismatic Prayer Group was launched during 1991. The small Christian community in each ward was formed in the parish to foster unity and brotherhood during 1992.
Monsignor Alexander completed the erecting grill around the courtyard and repaired the tile roof that was approved by the parish council during the term of Fr Serrao. He repaired the church roof and laid granite to the floor. The church became elderly-friendly because the old parishioners managed to walk and sit inside the church to attend the Masses.
The parish bulletin ‘Ekvot’ was launched in 1993 to keep abreast with changing times of technological innovations and social progress. It’s noteworthy that the elders of families living nearby the church planted teak wood saplings around the cemetery to conserve nature during August 1994.
Fr Valerian Frank took charge as parish priest on June 18, 1998 and led the parish community till May 5, 2000. The catechism classes were held on Saturdays instead of Sundays. English Mass was introduced on Sunday. Catholic Sabha – parish unit was formed during June 1999.
The Basic Needs Committee was formed in the parish on the recommendation of the parish council in relation to Christa Jayanti – 2000. The Committee has been helping the poor parishioners in their needs. It has been helping 24 such families by providing monthly rations.
Fr Paul Pinto became the parish priest on May 30, 2000. He focused his energies to enhance spirituality among the parish community by visiting their families. The Konkani choir became vibrant. January 26, 2004 was the milestone in the history of Valencia parish, because on that day the newly-built belfry that was donated by parishioners and other donors was inaugurated.
The parish bought 25.5 cents plot @ Rs 30 lac to develop a building block for little children on April 30, 2006. The interlock was laid to the church compound. Old benches were replaced with new. The kindergarten school was inaugurated on January 26, 2006. The parish day was celebrated with much fanfare.
Fr Bonaventure Nazareth became the parish priest on June 4, 2007 and Fr Maxim Rosario assumed the charge as assistant parish priest helping the parish community. A grotto of Our Lady of Fatima was erected in front of the church, to promote devotion to Mother Mary, interlock was laid to the compound of Kindergarten School and a wall was built around during 2008. Sodality of Mary and YCS units were launched in the parish. Eucharistic Celebration was begun to celebrate in the parish cemetery on All Souls Day – November 1, to pray for the repose of parishioners who left for heavenly abode. A stage was constructed in the cemetery to hold worship. The total wards of 12 were subdivided into 18 wards to help the parish community to take leadership in parish activities. A female parishioner was elected as vice president of the parish council for the first time in 2011.
The works to expand the church is under way @ Rs 1.5 crore. The borewell that was dug up yielded abundant water.
Church Platinum Jubilee celebrations
Several programmes were organized to promote unity and strengthen spirituality during the platinum jubilee year 2010- 2011. The programmes for youth, children and elderly based on their profession were held to foster bond among the parishioners. The parishioners took an active role in the platinum jubilee celebration that was held on Sunday January 26 2011, beginning from Friday worship, vespers and grand valedictory ceremony, nine-day novenas, head-load offerings procession.
Solemn End to Church Platinum Jubilee Celebrations
The valedictory function of the platinum jubilee celebrations of St Vincent Ferrer Church was organized at 5 pm on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at the church grounds.
The programme began with the Solemn Mass. Bishop of Gulbarga, Fr Robert Miranda, was the main celebrant. Fr Frankie Serrao SJ., provincial, Society of Jesus; Fr Bonaventure Nazareth, parish priest; Fr Roshan Crasta, assistant parish priest; Fr Maxim Rosario, administrator, St Joseph Seminary, along with over 50 priests of the city and the priests who served the parish in the past, concelebrated the Mass. Fr Francis Serrao delivered a meaningful homily.
The formal function began at 6.45 pm. Fr Bonaventure Nazareth welcomed the guests and the gathering. Flavia Sequiera provided a bird’s eye view of the development of the parish since March 3, 1935, and observed how ‘Barrypalkhe Sudkad’ of the yesteryears has grown to be Valencia, with religiosity and as an agent of social change. Fr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Mangalore Bishop, presided over the function. Fr Robert Miranda, Bishop of Gulbarga, was the chief guest. MP, Oscar Fernandes, and Blossom Fernandes, were the guests of honour.
The programme came to an end with people having food together which was prepared by the parishioners themselves. Around 3000 people participated in this programme.
Parish priests who have served the parish :
- Rev. Fr. Monthu Menezes (March 1935 - January 1955)
- Rev Fr. P. A DSouza (February 1955 - August 1955)
- Fr Aloysius Rebello (September 1955 to May 1964)
- Fr Sewrine M Rasquinha (May 1964 to October 1966)
- Fr Thomas D’Sa (October 1966 to May 1967) (parish priest Ekinomous)
- Fr John M P Miranda (May 1967 to September 1974)
- Fr Antony John D’Souza (September 1974 to July 1979)
- Fr Denis Moras (September 1979 (temporary administrator)
- Fr Lawrence V M Fernandes (July 1979 to June 1987)
- Monsignor Alexander F D’Souza (June 1987 to May 1988)
- Fr Francis Serrao (May 1988 to June 1991)
- Msgr Alexander F D’Souza (July 1991 to June 1998)
- Fr Valerian Frank (June 1998 to May 2000)
- Fr Paul Pinto (May 2000 to June 2007)
- Fr Bonaventure Nazareth (June 2007 to May 2014)
- Fr. James D'Souza (June 2014 - July 2020)
- Fr Roque D’Sa (from July 2020 onwards)
Compiled by Catholic Time Staff with inputs from valenciachurch.org
Last updated in Dec 2020.
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