Kulshekar Church
This church is also known as the Rosario Cathedral. It is one of the three most ancient churches in the diocese and Pietro della Valle, the Italian traveller who visited Mangalore in 1623 mentions these three churches, that of the Holy Rosary at Bolar, Our Lady of Mercy at Ullal and of St Francis of Assisi at Farangipet. Blessed Fr Joseph Vaz in 1681 mentioned the structure at Bolar serving as a church, then known as the Factory Church. The church was built by the Portuguese when they landed in Mangalore in 1568. The Portuguese under King Diego de Silveira won the battle at Mangalore on January 5, 1568, occupied the city and built factories and godowns for storage of spices. They built the fort of St Sebastian and also the church. The Cathedral now stands at the same place where the Portuguese had built the church. The Roys stone emblem of the Portuguese King marking their landing in Mangalore lies at the entrance of the Cathedral. Blessed Fr Joseph Vaz played an important role in the history of this church in 1681.
This is very true of a place by the name Mudipu. Mudipu, a confluence of magnificence, meditation and miracles, an abode of peace and tranquility, is a tiny village by the Mangalore-Vittla road. Even though about 25 kms away from Mangalore city, it attracts thousands of pilgrims from near and far. It is the first church in India, which is dedicated to Blessed Joseph Vaz. The afflicted people who flock here are richly blessed; receive many spiritual and material boons. So, when they go home, they return with comfort and consolation. The scenic beauty, the serene atmosphere, and clean and caressing breeze of the miracle mountain have not only heightened the devotion and pity among people; soothed their hearts, but also made it an attractive pilgrimage centre.
The Konkan coastal region was under the regime of Bidnoor Keladi Naiks untill the 17th century. In fact, Alupas, the regents of Naiks, were ruling the region between Kudupu and ‘Kudala’ (Koodi + Aala, Kodi + Alven, Kuriel or Kodiyal). Alupendra, one of the prominent regents, was given the title “Kulashekara Raja” as he was based at this place (Kulashekara). In the year 1865, Rev Fr Alexander Dubois took charge as the parish priest of Milagres church and he learnt about the atrocities meted out against the Christians in the year 1799. But he was surprised to know that a few Catholics who survived, were worshipping a cross hidden in Cordel forest in Kulashekar. In fact, he retained the name Cordel, as the word ‘Cordel’ meant ‘valley of love’ in French (Fr Dubois’ mother-tongue). As the parish priest of Milagres church, he had to travel for about 10 kms to spread the faith and to serve the poor. In fact, he was visiting Vamanjoor, Bondel, Kelarai, Cordel, Anjelore and Valencia on barefoot. However, now there are churches in all the places mentioned above.
Milagres Church
Milagres Church was built in the year 1680 by Vicar Thomas de Castro he was a Theatine Priest of Salsette. It is one of the oldest churches in South Canara. The piece of land to build the church was gifted by Keladi Queen Chennama. The present structure dates from 1911. Some parts of the church is believed to have been destroyed by Tippu Sultan and the stones were used to build the Idgah on Lighthouse Hill. Milagres Church has a great altar and is considered one of the best prayer house in Mangalore. The Church also houses the paintings of St Monica and St Augustine which is a wonderful piece of work is a worth watch.
St. Aloysius Church
St. Aloysius College Chapel is situated in the heart of the city on the lighthouse hill about a kilometer away from Nehru Maidan Bus stand. It is well connected by all kinds of surface transport. This architectural gem is a 'must see' for anybody visiting Mangalore. The Church was built in the year 1899-1900. The walls of the church are covered with the paintings of the artist Anthony Moscheni of Italy. It is comparable with the Sistine chapel in Rome. The special beauty of the chapel is the wonderful series of paintings that virtually cover every inch of the interior roof and walls executed by Bro. Moscheni trained in Italy. The central row of paintings on the ceiling depicts the life of Aloysius Gonzaga to whom this College and Chapel is dedicated. This young man who gave his life in the service of others is given as a model to the 5,000 young people studying on this campus. Aloysius had everything that a young man of his age desires. He had wealth, power and influence. But he gave them up in order to serve others, especially the most needy. Our students are asked to imbibe his spirit of service. How the Chapel was painted: There are two types of paintings in the Chapel: fresco and canvas. A fresco is painted on fresh wet lime plaster walls. The colours get embedded in the lime plaster as it dries up. Frescos cover about 600 square rnetres of the walls of the Chapel. For an oil painting, the colours are made by mixing pigments with linseed oil. The canvas is made of pure linen of strong close weave. The paintings on the ceilings in the Chapel (about 400 Square Metres) are in oil on canvas.
Rosario Church
This church is also known as the Rosario Cathedral. It is one of the three most ancient churches in the diocese and Pietro della Valle, the Italian traveller who visited Mangalore in 1623 mentions these three churches, that of the Holy Rosary at Bolar, Our Lady of Mercy at Ullal and of St Francis of Assisi at Farangipet. Blessed Fr Joseph Vaz in 1681 mentioned the structure at Bolar serving as a church, then known as the Factory Church. The church was built by the Portuguese when they landed in Mangalore in 1568. The Portuguese under King Diego de Silveira won the battle at Mangalore on January 5, 1568, occupied the city and built factories and godowns for storage of spices. They built the fort of St Sebastian and also the church. The Cathedral now stands at the same place where the Portuguese had built the church. The Roys stone emblem of the Portuguese King marking their landing in Mangalore lies at the entrance of the Cathedral. Blessed Fr Joseph Vaz played an important role in the history of this church in 1681.Infant Jesus Shrine-Bikarnakatte
Infant Jesus has been honored with a magnificent shrine at Carmel Hill, Mangalore. The architectural structure and design of the newly inaugurated shrine is unique in many ways. Carefully planned, it has a rich symbolic meaning and significance derived principally from Biblical themes, of both the old and the new testaments.
It is located 3km from mangalore at bikarnakatte.
St. Joseph Vaz Shrine and Mudipu Betta
