BHALKI MISSION (1983)
HOLY REDEEMER MISSION CENTRE, BHALKI
The Beginning
Bhalki was chosen as the second center of the Catholic Mission in Bidar. On 5th June 1983, the late Bishop Basil D’Souza, along with Fr. Benjamin D’Souza, Br. Peter D’Souza, and Br. Louis D’Sa, arrived in Bhalki. The Bhalki Mission was formally inaugurated on 7th June 1983, and the mission house was named ‘Yesu Nilaya’, dedicated to The Most Holy Redeemer. Fr. Benjamin was appointed as the Director.
In October 1983, the mission team was strengthened with three sisters from different congregations: Sr. Edmund (SCCG), Sr. Evangelista (BS), and Sr. Rennie (SRA). The sisters took up medical and village ministries. The new mission began in a small rented house belonging to a Lingayat family – Gurunath Swamy and Sugulamma, near Basaveshwar Chowk.
Fr. Benjamin soon began visiting people in the town and nearby villages, building a strong rapport. After studying the region, the mission team carefully planned the evangelization strategy. From the beginning, Bishop Basil showed deep interest in this mission, closely monitoring every development. He would visit Bhalki twice a year, staying with the missionaries for several days. Every visit, he brought fruit saplings and homemade food, knowing the missionaries would cherish these little comforts.
It is said that Bishop Basil had planned to retire in the Bidar-Bhalki Mission area. However, God called this great soul to his eternal home too soon!
Growth of the Mission: Fr. Benjamin and his team conducted a study of the socio-religious realities of Bhalki and its surroundings, with guidance from Fr. Zeitler SVD of Ishvani Kendra, Pune. After three months of village visits, consultations, and research, a strategic plan for mission activities was ready.
Although Christians were present in most villages under Methodist pastors, they lacked proper shepherding. Catholic priests, sisters, and catechists made a difference through their sacrifices, commitment, and zeal. Year after year, the Spirit moved hearts, and people grew closer to Jesus and the Sacraments. Through catechesis and formation, large numbers embraced the Catholic faith.
Bhalki had nearly 25 villages for evangelization. The strong team spirit of Yesu Nilaya worked wonders. Daily prayer, planning, and evaluation brought a systematic approach to the mission. Despite hardships, the Spirit of the Lord guided the team generously.
The mission soon addressed not just spiritual needs but also economic, educational, and social issues. Uplifting women, youth, children, and marginalized groups became part of the mission. Awareness programs were introduced so people could fight for their rights and improve their lives.
The First Fruits: The Four Apostles
Many Christians in this area belonged to the New Apostolic Church (NAC) but were disillusioned and desired to join the Catholic Church. Among them were Rev. Luke (a NAC shepherd), Dasharat, Ganapati, and Galappa (pastors). These four were examined, trained in Catholic practices at DBCLC, Mangalore, and received into the Catholic Church at Kodialbail Chapel, Mangalore, on 29th May 1984. They were renamed Luke, John Dasharat, Matthew Galappa, and Mark Ganapati, after the four Evangelists.
These catechists joined the Yesu Nilaya team, going village to village, sowing seeds of faith. By 1985, villages such as Mural, Nagaral, Beeri-B, Hupla, Nideban, Honnalli, Goundgaon, Dadgi, and Kumar-Chincholi were under regular faith formation. The team also contacted 20 more villages, including Ghor-Chincholi, Kotagera, Lada, Ghat-Boral, Siddeshwar, Hunaji, Othgi, Chalkapur, Hulsoor, Santhpur, Jalasangi, Halbarga, and Nittur.
The catechumens of Mural were the first to be received into the Catholic Church in October 1985. In 1986, the first chapel was built in Kumar-Chincholi. On 10th June 1990, Holy Redeemer Church in Bhalki was blessed and dedicated.
As the mission expanded, new centers were established:
Santhpur Mission (Aurad Taluka) – dedicated to the Holy Cross, started on 17th June 1987.
Maria Ashram (Humnabad Taluka) – dedicated to Mother Mary, established on 12th June 1990.
The Bicycle Missionary
To understand the realities of Bidar district, Fr. Benjamin traveled by bicycle across all five talukas: Aurad, Basavakalyan, Humnabad, and Bidar. Catechist Emmanuel Hanumant from Uccha visited Marathi-speaking villages like Lada, Halsi, Lakhangao, Shivni, Davargaon, and Christapura.
Interfaith Dialogue
Fr. Benjamin deeply studied Basaveshwara’s philosophy and the essence of other faiths. After a brief return to Mangalore, he came back to Bhalki and launched the Interfaith Peace Forum, which bore rich fruits in later years. He retired on 4th May 2017 and returned to Mangalore.
Arrival of Sisters in Bhalki
In 1983, Bishop Basil invited religious congregations to assist in evangelization. A survey revealed urgent healthcare needs, especially for leprosy patients. At his request, Sr. Raphael Gomes sent Dr. Sr. Immaculate Rodrigues, who had been a hospital administrator at Fr. Muller’s, to Bhalki. Along with other sisters, she began a dispensary in a rented house, later moving to Arogya Mata Ashram in the Yesu Nilaya campus.
As the needs grew, a hospital was built on land donated near Dongapur Road and inaugurated on 10th November 2002. Today, Arogya Mata Seva Kendra is a full-fledged hospital popularly known as Christian Hospital, offering skin and general treatments. The leprosy eradication project was funded by AMICI, Italy, which also donated the land and funded construction.
Dr Sr Immaculate and Leprosy Eradication :
Leprosy was very rampant in Bidar-Bhalki area. At the request of Bishop Basil of Mangalore the Provincial Superior Very Rev Sr Raphael Gomes SCCG consented to open Arogya MaataSeva Kendra in Bhalki, and the Kendra was started on 9 June 1985. Dr Sr Immaculate Rodrigues (SCCG) who was holding the office of Hospital Administrator at Fr Muller’s, Mangalore, came, with two other Sisters,and opened a Dispensary for the sick in general as well as for the leprosy-infected in particular.
Dr Immaculate was visiting all the villages sitting in the back seat of the bicycle ridden by a social worker. In the villages she would identify the leprosy infected persons, and begin an ongoing treatment in their own villages. She and her team had conducted an extensive survey of all the leprosy infected persons in more than 1,110 villages. After sustained and effective treatment the over 1500 ‘lepers’ were healed . But since the healed lepers would not be accepted into their own homes, Sr Immaculate arranged rehabilitation and occupations for them. For her yeoman’s service at reducing the leprosy rate from 9:1,000 to near zero, she was honouredwith several awards at the District and Taluka levels and other forums.
Later Sr Immaculate had to return to Mangalore on retirement. Today she is no more, but certainly her noble spirit is moving about in Bhalki. Now the Dispensary has evolved into a full-fledged Hospital where the Arogya Maata Seva Kendra Community of Sisters are effectively treating people infected with all kinds of skin and other ailments.The Hospital is popularly known as The Christian Hospital. At the end of the year 2018-19 the Hospital staff is as follows:Sr Alice Tauro, Administrator. Sr Dr Sumi, Medical Officer. Sr Gracy, Nurse. Sr MaryRaffeiro, Pharmacist.Mr NL Vinod,Para medico. MsPrabhavati, Counsellor.Ms Sangeeta, General Nurse. And Basavamma, Nursing Aid.
The new Hospital wasinauguratedon 10 Nov 2002. Its Leprosy eradication project was funded by AMICI of Italy who also donated the land and provided funds for the Hospital construction. The old Dispensary building was handed over to the Arogya Maata Ashram Community.
The Seva Kendra Sisters also worked at CBR (Community-based Rehabilitation), for the physically challenged providing artificial limbs, wheel chairs, bicycles, medical care, and job facilities from the Government quota to the handicapped and those healed from leprosy. Some of them were trained to become cobblers, tailors, craftsmen, carpenters, etc.
Seva Kendra Sisters also conducted, from January 2011 till December 2013, ‘Ashodaya’ Community-based De-addiction and Rehabilitation Project. Some of the aims were the following:
- To reduce and eradicate alcohol addiction among the sponsored children’s parents, elder siblings, relatives, village youth, etc.
- To promote family integrity and neighbourhood solidarity.
- To reduce early deaths among chronic addicts, and early widowhood of their wives.
- To have quality education to children promoted by healthy and happy parents. Etc
Seva Kendra also ran Grihini (Home Sciences) Classes for the backward and less educated girls of the villages to help them stand on their own. They were taught crafts, tailoring, cooking, gardening, hygene and cleanliness. At the completion of the cource each girl was awarded Certificate and a sewing machine. This project has now expired.
Seva Kendra runs a Children’s Home for girls. There are 50 inmates in 2018-19. They go to attend Divya Jyoti School. These children also work as members of the MCA (Missionary Childhood Association).
ORBIT (Organization for Bidar Integral Transformation) :
Fr Victor Machado, while serving at Bhalki Centre as the Director, launched the ORBIT for social transformation works among the people; he is the pioneer of social development works. ORBIT is a Registered Trust. It was initially supported and guided by CODP, Mangalore. ORBIT has been serving all people irrespective of caste and creed. It took up Women’s Development, Asha Kiran for the alcohol addicts, Vidya Vikas for the Government school students, CBR (Community Based Rehabilitation for the Differently Abled, etc.
Fr Santhosh Dias succeeded Fr Victor machado as the Director. In 2003 ORBIT Office was shifted from Bhalki to its own newly constructed building in Humnabad. But its sub-office continues to function in Bhalki. Fr Santosh Bapu took over from Fr Dias. Fr Anil Crasta, assisted by Fr Lawrence Arun, is the Director since June 2018.
Charity Sisters (SCCG) who served Bhalki Missionfrom 1983 till 2019 (for one year or more):
As Superiors (In alphabetical order)
1. Sr Alice Tauro 2.Sr Angela Mendonca 3.Sr Angeline Pink
4. Sr Emily Lobo 5. Sr Dr Immaculate Rodrigues 6. Sr Lucy Thundiyil
7. Sr Marian Varghese 8. Sr Nirmala D’Silva
b) The sisters who served at Bhalki Mission
1. Sr Alphonsa P 2. Sr Amala Mary 3.Sr Danny D’Souza
4. Sr Edmund D’Souza 5. Sr Dr Felly Gomes 6. Sr Genevieve
7. Sr Genevieve Mariappa 8. Sr Gloria Dias 9. Sr Gracy Thomas
10. Sr Irene D’Souza 11. Sr Irene Noronha 12. Sr Jaqueline D’Souza
13. Sr Janet Pinto 14. Sr Jnanamariamma 15. Sr Jnanasundaramma
16. Sr Josepha 17. Sr Jose Mary Joseph 18. Sr Josephine Xavier
19. Sr Juliana D’Souza 20. Sr Juliana Machado 21. Sr Kanti Carvalho
22. Sr Laura 23. Sr Laveena Fernandes 24. Sr LavinaKomar
25. Sr Lily Fernandes 26. Sr Lolita Fernandes 27. Sr Mabel
28. Sr Maria A Thomas 29. Sr Mariette 30. Sr Mary Raffeiro
31. Sr Mary Varghese 32. Sr Nancy 33. Sr Olivia
34. Sr Pauline Andrade 35. Sr Pratima D’Silva 36. Sr Reena Monis
37. Sr Regi John 38. Sr Shanti D’Souza 39. Sr Dr Sumi Sorkar
40. Sr Veena Monteiro 41. Sr Victoria D’Souza 42. Sr Vineeta Rodrigues
43. Sr Zenith Noronha
Four other Sisters who served the Mission:
1. Sr Evangelista BS 2. Sr Rennie SRA 3. Sr Adelcia AC 4. SrLinet SJC
The DSS Sisters of Halbarga are coming to Bhalki and conducting Women’s meetings.
Infant Jesus Shrine :
It was inaugurated in November 2000 with the Bishop of Mangalore Most Rev. Aloysius Paul D’Souza blessing it. Infant Jesus, as depicted in Lk 2:39-52, is set as the role model for the students. People visit the Shrine with fervor and pray with faith. People from near and far undertake Paada Yatra (Pilgrimage Walk) to the Shrine. Parents bring their babies for Jawala (the first shearing of hair) ceremony. Every Thursday special Mass and Novena prayer service is conducted.DIVYA JYOTI Primary & High School
The Primary School was inaugurated on 16 June 2003; it was blessed by Msgr Robert Miranda, Episcopal Vicar (now Bishop). In 2018-19 it entirely became English medium School. Fr Clary D’Souza as the Manager is taking very keen interest in the effective running of the Institute. Fr Praveen Joseph as the Headmaster is steering the School, the Staff, and the Hostel in highly skilled styles. The teaching faculty is15 members-strong against the student strength of 342.
Kindergarten :
Arogya Maata Ashram Sisters are running LKG, UKG and Nursary classes since 2003. The student strength in 2019-19 is 60.
YesuBaalaSadana :
In 2018-19 there are 70 boys from various places staying at this Hostel and attending Divya Jyoti School. Three lady teachers are supervising the hostel affairs.
Annual Jatra Utsav – The Mission Festival :
It is organized and implemented by the entire Diocesan Team, with the Bhalki Team playing the host. The three-day Jatra festival is celebrated in the 2nd week of November. It is a public manifestation of people’s faith and fervor, irrespective of denominational plurality. The Jatra festival comprises preaching, Eucharist, confessions, adoration, healing prayer, Bhajan singing competition, cultural programmes, and a civic function. The Jatra begins with a public religious procession through the streets of the Town, and is concluded on the third day with the lowering of the Jatra Flag hoisted earlier on the first day of the Novena preceding the Jatra. The three-day event is a well planned and keenly worked out diocesan joint venture of the Bishop, Priests, Nuns and the Faithful.
Priests who served Bhalki Mission from 1983 till 2019
As Directors
1. Fr Benjamin D’Souza 2.Fr Clifford D’Souza 3.Fr Robert Miranda
4. Fr Faustine Lobo 5.Fr Baptist Menezes 6.Fr Victor Machado
7. Fr Leo Veigas 8.Fr John Vas 9.Fr Fredrick D’Souza
10. Fr Antony Lasrado 11.Fr Ronald Lobo 12.Fr Joseph Rodrigues
13.Fr StanyGoveas 14.Fr Stany Lobo 15.Fr Clary D’Souza
As Members of the Mission Team
1. Fr RonaldCutinha 2. Fr Francis Lewis 3. Fr Louis D’Sa
4. Fr Peter D’Souza 5. Fr Gregory D’Souza 6. Fr ApolinarisCrasta
7. Fr Maxim Noronha 8. Fr Felix Monteiro 9. Fr Nelson Olivera
10. Fr Henry Mascarenhas 11. Fr Joseph Martis 12. Fr Peter Aranha
13. Fr Herald Pereira 14. Fr Michael D’Silva 15. Fr Mathias Pereira
16. Fr Stany Pereira 17. Fr Stany Monteiro 18. Fr Santhosh Dias
19. Fr Antony Pinto 20. Fr Edwin D’Souza 21.Fr Blaise Rodrigues OFM
22.Fr Santosh D’Souza 23.Fr Stephen Veigas 24.Fr Vincent Coelho
25.Fr Anil Joel Prasad 26.Fr Cyril Lobo 27.Fr Anil Crasta
28.Fr Wilson Fernandes 29.Fr Alban D’Silva 30.Fr Wilbert V Lobo
31.Fr Sunil Mankare 32.Fr Mathias MSFS 33.Fr Aneesh MSFS
34.Fr David 35.Fr Clevon Gomes 36.Fr Joseph Praveen
37.Fr Thomas D’Souza 38.Fr Lawrence Arun 39.Fr Deepak Furtado 40. Fr Roshan D’Souza
Also, several Regent Seminarians have served at Bhalki.
Six Lay Catechists have rendered their service. They are: Albert Crasta (later on ordained Priest), Prabhudas, Peter, Maruti Hupla, Maruti Mural, and Emmanuel Hanumanth.
Several lay leaders have assisted and are supporting the Mission Team during the times of need and special events. The present Vice President (MrTanaji) and Secretary (MrsSukeertaReshme) are cooperating well.
Todate, Fr Clary D’Souza is the Director of Bhalki Mission. Fr Joseph Praveen works as the Headmaster of the School. Fr Deepak Furtado bears the responsibilities of the House Minister. And Fr Thomas D’Souza takes care of the Shrine and the pilgrims. Besides, each and all of them are involving themselves in the different fields of the Mission, like Worship, Preaching, Teaching, Pastoral care, and Office work, in tune with the wise guidance of the Director.
Enkuru Village
The first catechists of the Catholic Church to arrive in Enkuru village were Mr. N. R. Luke and Mr. Ganapathi Mark. Around the same time, Rev. Fr. Benjamin visited the village to preach the Good News. During that period, elders like Sachittanna and others enthusiastically embraced the faith.
A chapel dedicated to St. Arulappa was later constructed and inaugurated by Bishop Aloysius Paul. The faithful here have remained steadfast in their faith and show deep love and respect toward priests and sisters.
Although there are about 15 Catholic families, many have migrated for work, leaving only a few families in the village. The community maintains harmonious relationships with people of other faiths and also utilizes Panchayat benefits for the upkeep and development of their chapel.
Dawargaon Village
Catholic catechist Emmanuel Hanumant began visiting Dawargaon in 1998. Later, several priests served this community, including Rev. Fr. Victor Machado, Rev. Fr. Anthony Lasrado, and Rev. Fr. Anthony Lobo.
Rev. Fr. Joseph Rodrigues purchased a small piece of land measuring 15 x 22 ft. from Mr. Vaijinath for the Catholic community. In 2017, Rev. Fr. Spany Lobo, with assistance from the Sisters of Charity, built a shed for worship. In 2018, during the tenure of Rev. Fr. Cleary, the place was blessed by Most Rev. Dr. Robert Michael Miranda, Bishop of Gulbarga.
Later, Rev. Fr. Deepak, Rev. Fr. Roshan, and currently Rev. Fr. Abhishek have rendered pastoral service here.
Bajolga Village
Many years ago, the evangelist Mark Ganapathi came to Bajolga to proclaim the Good News; however, no one embraced the Christian faith at that time. Around 1995, Catholic catechist Emmanuel Hanumant from Udde began preaching the Gospel here. For four years, he came alone, conducting prayers at the house of Mr. Nagappa.
Later, teachers from Jesu Nilaya were introduced to the village. Among the first priests to serve were Rev. Fr. John Vaz and Rev. Fr. Anthony Lasrado. Mr. Annappa, the uncle of Bharat Baichi, also helped people understand the faith. Initially, five families accepted the faith, followed by another five.
Mr. Nagappa donated land for the chapel, and in 2003, Our Lady of the Rosary Church was inaugurated and blessed by Most Rev. Aloysius Paul, Bishop of Mangalore. Rev. Fr. Edwin D’Souza, as Assistant Parish Priest, rendered significant service during this period.
Today, though Bajolga remains a small Christian community, the faithful are steadfast and self-reliant. They undertake all chapel maintenance themselves and actively participate in church activities, especially the youth.
Mural Village
In 1984, Rev. Fr. Benjamin first visited Mural at the invitation of Mr. Ismailappa. Elders such as Maruti and Vithal supported Fr. Benjamin in his pastoral work. Initially, prayers were held at Maruti’s house. On October 18, 1993, a chapel was inaugurated and blessed by Most Rev. Basil, Bishop at the time.
Today, there are two Christian communities—the Catholic Church and the New Apostolic Church—living in harmony. The Catholic community consists of 14 families, all actively engaged in faith activities.
Due to the dilapidated state of St. Joseph’s Church, a grant of ₹10,00,000/- was secured in 2020–21 under the Minority Commission for renovation.
Priests who served this village include: Rev. Fr. Benjamin, Rev. Fr. Robert, Rev. Fr. Anthony Lasrado, Rev. Fr. Ronald Lobo, Rev. Fr. Leo Vegas, Rev. Fr. Joseph, Rev. Fr. Wilbert, Rev. Fr. Austin, Rev. Fr. Joseph Praveen, and Rev. Fr. Rock D’Souza.
Beeri (B) Village
Initially, ministers of the New Apostolic Church preached here. In 1984, Rev. Fr. Benjamin and catechist Ray Ekappa introduced Catholic faith to this village. By 1986, a small chapel was built, and weekly prayers began.
On October 9, 2003, a new chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Perpetual Help was inaugurated by Most Rev. Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop of Mangalore. Most Rev. Basil later visited and encouraged the faithful. Development initiatives included education for children and empowerment programs for women.
Over the years, many priests served here, including: Rev. Fr. Benjamin, Rev. Fr. Robert, Rev. Fr. Anthony, Rev. Fr. Edrin, Rev. Fr. Vincent, Rev. Fr. Ronald Lobo, Rev. Fr. Leebo Vegas, Rev. Fr. Santosh Dias, Rev. Fr. Victor Machado, Rev. Fr. Baptist, Rev. Fr. Anthony Lasrado, Rev. Fr. Anil Prasad, Rev. Fr. Joseph Rodrigues, Rev. Fr. John Vaz, Rev. Fr. Spany Govious, Rev. Fr. Eldert, Rev. Fr. Spany Lobo, Rev. Fr. Xeri, Rev. Fr. Deepak, Rev. Fr. Roshan, Rev. Fr. Chan Paul, and Rev. Fr. Abhishek.
Rev. Fr. Gerald Sagar, the first priest from the Bidar region, was born in this village.
Renovation work on the chapel began in 2018 with government assistance. By 2022, a total of ₹10,00,000/- had been received for the project.
Nagrál Village – St. Anthony’s Church
Around 1970, Vasuru Bhimanna and his wife came from Bidar to Nagrál to pray. Elders recall that their prayers brought healing and blessings, even children for childless couples. Later, Kusanur Gundappa and Thomas also preached here.
After 1983, catechist Mr. Ekappa and his wife Satyamma spread the Good News. Priests who served include: Rev. Fr. Baptist, Rev. Fr. Gregory, Rev. Fr. Victor Machado, Rev. Fr. Santosh Dias, Rev. Fr. Wildert, Rev. Fr. Joseph Rodrigues, Rev. Fr. Praveen Joseph, and Rev. Fr. Regi. Sisters who served were Sr. Achizlin Pint, Sr. Victoria, and Sr. Sumi.
Initially, prayers were held in homes, later under a neem tree, and finally in a tin shed. Many boys studied in Bidar boarding schools and now work in Hyderabad and Pune. Rev. Fr. Victor Machado purchased land for the cemetery.
Today, there are 18 Catholic families. The church, dedicated to St. Anthony, remains the center of faith. Though the number of men in the village has declined, the community gathers joyfully every Christmas for celebrations.
Holy Redeemer Church F 272 C 656
Infant Jesus Shrine,
Yesu Nilaya, Nilanga Road, Bhalki, Bidar – 585328
Director : Rev. Fr Rocky D’Souza 9845833657
Shrine Director: Fr. Clary D’Souza 9972540237
Asst Director : Fr. Jhon Paul
Sub – Centres:
1 Our Lady of Succour, Beeri-B F.16 C.101 Cat. 17
2. Our Lady of Rosary, Bajolaga F.16 C.32 Cat. 58
3. St. Theresa, Little Flower, Dadgi F.18 C.39 Cat. 47
4. St. Sebastian, Eklaspurwadi F.8 C.44 Cat. 19
5. St. Thomas, Dawargaon F.1 C.8 Cat. 0
6. Lakangaon F.1 C.8 Cat.0
7. Holy Cross, Nideban F.15 C.57 Cat. 38
8. St. John Baptist, Yenkur F.9 C.34 Cat. 13
9. Anandwadi F.1 C.2 Cat. 4
10. Methi Melkund & Bardapur F.1+1 C.8+4 Cat. 0 + 0
11. St. John Paul II Chapel – Nittoor F.5 C.19 Cat. 0
12. St. Joseph Chapel – Mural F.20 C.75 Cat. 0
13. St. Anthony Chapel – Nagral F.21 C.85 Cat. 0
Institutions:
1.Divya Jyothi Primary School, Bhalki
H.M.: Fr. Rocky D’Souza
2. Divya Jyothi High School, Bhalki
3. Yesu Bala Sadan Boy’s Home
Convents : Sisters of Charity
1. Arogya Matha Convent (1983)
Nilanga Road, Bhalki, Bidar –585328
Superior: Sr. Celestine Pinto SCCG
Institution :
Arogya Matha Kinder Garten (2004)
In-charge: Fr Rocky D’Souza
2. Arogya Matha Seva Kendra
Dongapur Road, Bhalki, Bidar –585328
Superior: Sr. Celestne Pinto SCCG
Institutions:
1. Arogya Matha Seva Kendra Hospital, Bhalki
Sister in-charge: Sr. Celestine Pinto SCCG 8861115109
Doctor: Sr. Dr. Sumi Sarkar 9318391401
2. Arogya Matha Girls Home
Sister in-charge: Sr. Celestine Pinto SCCG 8861115109
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