Rt Rev Dr Basil S D’Souza, Bishop of Mangalore was celebrating Holy Eucharist at Bishop’s Chapel, Kodialbail at 5.30 a.m along with his Vicar General Very Rev Msgr A. F. D’Souza and Fr Robert Miranda, Bro. Rony and Bro. Francis whom he had prepared for a mission. While he invoked God’s Blessing on the new mission, the Lord strengthened them all with His own self-gift, the Eucharist those on mission were very well encouraged by the assurance of the Bishop would accompany them to Bidar. With much love and foresight he had personally arranged for all the basic needs of the mission which included some warm clothing, kitchen vessels, mats, etc. It was raining cats and dogs. Driver Jossy was ready with the car. Taking a light breakfast after the Mass, the Bishop, the Vicar General, and the young missionaries boarded the car. The mission left the Bishop’s House, Mangalore at 6.45 a.m. sharp and moved fast northwards to Bidar. A new epoch in the history of the diocese of Mangalore had dawned.
After a long journey of over a thousand k.m. by road, the missionaries entered the frontiers of Bidar at around 5.00 p.m. interestingly a drizzle from the heavens welcomed the missionaries. A welcome sign indeed! A Shower of Blessings from above! The missionaries along with the Bishop alighted at the inspection Bungalow near the Ambedkar Chowk in Bidar city, and a few of Catholics welcomed them warmly. A little later, the Archbishop of Hyderabad – Most Rev Arulappa arrived there along with Fr Marianna and Fr Rayappa. In the informal meeting that followed, Rt Rev Dr Basil S D’Souza, the Bishop of Mangalore, accepted Bidar district for Evangelization from the hands of Most Rev S Arulappa, the Archbishop of Hyderabad to whom the district belonged juridically. “Pray to St Joseph. He will do everything for you” said the Archbishop to Bishop Basil smilingly and in good faith. Trusting in the powerful intercession of St Joseph, Bishop Basil did not have a second thought. He simply agreed and accepted the mission taking St Joseph as the patron of the new mission – THE BIDAR MISSION,
Even though a good room was arranged for the overnight’s stay, at the IB itself Bishop Basil preferred to stay with the young missionaries in a little room on the outskirts of the city. ( near Fateh Darwaza). Mr Prem Kumar of Shoba Nivas, a Methodist Christian, had offered a room for the stay of catholic missionaries. Ex Flt Lt Samuel SS, a Mangolorean by birth who stayed nearby, offered them food. The Bishop stayed in this little room with the driver and the missionaries for the next three days. This single room served all purposes – of prayer, rest, recreation and cooking. all in one! The Bishop slept on a simple mat on the floor, sat on the floor to pray, also to eat and to chat. The young missionaries, who stayed in this room for the next 4 months, would recall later the days they stayed in this room and were the happiest days in the mission life.
Around 4.00 p.m., the little flock of Catholic believers, around 40 in number, had assembled in a primary school class room belonging to the Railways. Among them were Naden, M.D Shah, Samuell SS, M.V Augustine, Stopno, Leon Charles and thier family members. There were also a few Air Force employees. They had prepared themselves joyously for the celebration of the Eucharist that day, as it would be a historic day in the history of the Catholic Church at Bidar. Even though a small community, they were very happy and excited that the Catholic Church at last had come! On this blessed day, a Sunday and the Feast day of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Rt Rev Dr. Basil S D’Souza, Bishop of Mangalore, celebrating the Holy Eucharist along with the guest priests declared the catholic mission formally opened. BIDAR MISSION WAS BORN’
Two days after the Inauguration, the Bishop took us by car to Hyderabad to show us the Archbishop’s House. After introducing us to the place and people over there, he had to leave us and proceed to Mangalore. He reached us to the APSRTC Bus stand at Afzalgunj. We were touched as we saw tears rolling down from’ the eyes of Bishop Basil and driver Jossi as they said, “Good bye” and “God Bless You”. And they left us, we came back to Bidar.
“Faith is a leap in the dark” said Kierkegaard. It was a leap, yes! but a leap with firm faith in the Lord who said, “Behold, I am with you always”. He’ never failed. Our Faith and Hope, Prayers and words of encouragement from our near and dear ones sustained us in those difficult days of our mission life. As we were entirely new to this place, our first task was to know Bidar – the people, society, religious belief and practices andculture, geography, socio economic situation and weather. Wasting no time, we moved out of our little room which we named as ‘Joseph Nilaya’ and make acquaintance with people. We had purchased a bicycle for us for our travel. Brothers were so good and concerned about me and my broken leg that they often took me on their cycle and did not allow me to cycle. When we were cycling, often the wind against us, we remembered the Apostles who were asked by Jesus to take a boat and go ahead and reach on other side of the lake (Mk 6:45). His presence was felt in many ways. As we started off on our quest, we were greeted by many people who greeted and said ‘Jai Christ’ to us. Soon we learnt, Christianity is not new in Bidar. The Good News was first proclaimed to the people of Bidar a hundred years before (1890), by the Methodist Missionaries. The ‘Madiga’ group of people ( a scheduled cast) had accepted the Good News in great numbers. The District Superintendent of the Methodist Church at Bidar and Assistant Pastors, Mesrs. Gyani, Nehemia, Contractor Rajappa, SR Pandit, David Narasappa,a Dr Mrs Sunderraju, Solomon DPPI, George BEO, were some of the people who helped us in the early days. Dr Mrs Sunderraju often received us in her house and treated us as her own sons. With their help we moved to a rented house in the city where the faithful could conveniently assemble for the Sunday Eucharistic celebration. Sufficient land was purchased for the mission on the outskirts of the city at the village Haldkeri in bidar, Hydarbad Road.
Bidar, we had learnt in schools, is the most backward district of Karnataka. To stay here, live with these people and know them was a unique and precious life experience. The villages consisted of a cluster of houses in one place and apart from other such villages by several miles with no habitation in between. The Society sharply divided on the caste basis; People of the same caste live together but away from the other caste even within a small village. While the high caste people, who were also land owners, occupied the central place in the village, the low caste people had to live on the outskirts or even outside the village. The low castes the poorest are often oppressed by the landlords. Their wages were less than Rs 10 for women and Rs 15 – 20 for men folk. Their low earnings even during work seasons or no earnings at all in timeof draught always put them at the mercy of the landlords who squeezed life out of them. Many lived as bonded labourers for generations. Besides this, they had to bear the brunt of the caste system. They were considered ‘untouchables’. They could not enter their landlord’s compound or draw water from the community well.
Poverty at home didnot allow them to send their children to school. Poor educational facility coupled with corruption in every Government Department including Education made the situation deplorable everywhere. As we completed our study of Bidar by the year end, the need of good education being the prime need of the place and a solution to many ailments of this society, we applied for a Kannada Medium School at bidar. We also managed to register the Catholic Diocesan Society at Bidar under which all our future works would run. Both these were accomplished after a patient and persevering struggle with the government officials who would normally not do a thing without money moved into their hands under the table.
Another important task given to us by the Bishop was to find out the most responsive area to start the evangelization work. As we went round the district, we found among the 5 Talukas of Bidar district, Methodist Church was sufficiently well organized in Bidar Taluka. They had contributed much to Bidar in educational and health fields. All other denominations, such as, the Seventh Day Adventists, New Apostolic Church, Hebron Church, Pentecostal Church – were in Bidar already before us spreading Good News to people in their own ways. Often these Church pastors were found wrongly motivated. They cared more for monetary gains than the faith of the people and did nothing to improve the living conditions of the poor. They induced people to join them by the offering ‘Paeti (Harmonium), Tabala and Gudi. offer of a Harmonium, Tabala as music accompaniments for Bhajans
Bhajans a the popular form of devotional songs among to new christians. As new denominations were coming into the villages, and each one working in a competitive spirit rather than ecumenic, people responding to the Word of God, were demoralized. In the absence of committed spiritual leadership from any of the denominations, they were, like sheep without a shepherd. The situation was no better than what we read in Ezk 34:3-6. Many were eager to listen to the Word, but not one to proclaim. ‘The harvest was rich indeed, but the labourers were few. It was in this situation, the catholic Church entered into Bidar
The consecrated life of the Catholic priests and nuns, celibacy, prayer, austere life, simplicity and commitment to God’s work impressed the people of Bidar very much. They had never seen such way of life before. Even the Lingayats and people of other religions were impressed by us and they treated us with love, respect and reverence. None of the Christian denominations except the Methodist Church seemed to have made any impact on people. Under these circumstances we chose Bhalki as the suitable place for starting evangelization work. After several visits, we managed to take a room on rent at Bhalki town in the house of Mr Gurunath Swamy, a Lingayat.
A new batch of Missionaries arrived with the Bishop in June 1983, in the person of Fr Benjamin, Bros. Louis D’Sa and Peter D’Souza. Bhalki Mission was inaugurated on 7th June, 1983, and was dedicated to Christ the Holy Redeemer. Their residence was ‘called ‘ Yesu Nilaya’. Rev Srs. Concetta, Bertille and Maria, Anita, the Apostolic Carmel sisters also, landed in Bidar to serve the people at St Joseph’s Convent School, which was inaugurated on 6th June, 1983. We named their convent Maria Nilaya. They were the first sisters to come and work in this mission. Phenomenal growth of the mission took place then onwards. Even though it is worthwhile recording the growth of every mission centre and apostolate, it is not possible to record it here. It would be no doubt very informative and interesting for readers and those working in this mission to know how the early missionaries started the work of preaching the Word of God.
Fr Benjamin with great enthusiasm went all around, the length and breadth of Bidar, walking, cycling, by truck or bus making acquaintance with people and place. Fast he established contacts with prominent Christian and other leaders. He became popular among the poor in no time as people saw in him a man of God, a man for others. During those days, the New Apostolic Church that had already spread into Bhalki villages, was not functioning well. Both people and the local leaders of this Church were disheartened and disappointed. Touched by the life of priests and sisters in the Catholic Church, N.R Luke, a ‘shepherd’ in rank of the New Apostolic Church, took initiative and met Fr Benjamin with his associates. Fr. Benjamine instructed these enthusiastic men about Catholic Church, its origin and history. Having heard about it, they recognised the Catholic Church as the Mother of all the Churches and called it ‘Tayi Sabhe’. They were now ready to come over to the Catholic Church. Accepting their genuineness Fr Benjamin sent them to Mangalore for an intense formation course at Mangala Jyothi (DBCL). This course was taken up by Fr Mark Veigas who took all pains to instruct them about the Catholic faith and practices. Having completed their course, the Bishop Basil baptized them in the Catholic Church at Kodiyalbail Chapel in Mangalore in May 1984. These the first fruits of the Mission were named Luke, John, Mark and Mathew. It is through the contacts made by these men and a few who later joined, more people in and more villages were contacted as years passed.
But then, we were all young inexperienced people working in this field. Things were not clear in our minds concerning the approach we needed to take in this mission. But our Bishop had clear thoughts in his mind on what we were here for. Therefore by his unfailing visits at least twice a year, he guided the team members continuously unto his last moments of life. He loved to visit people in villages, preach the Word of God, and spend time with people. With concern for their social and economic welfare, as the communities were strengthened in faith, he helped us start development activities in Bidar. ORBIT (Organisation for Bidar Integral Transformation) started in1983 as a sister concern of- CODP, Mangalore, began working in full swing for empowering the marginalised sections of the society. It was the initial plan of the Bishop Basil to start at least one mission centre in all Talukas in five years. We accepted that it was neither possible nor necessary for us to go on with such a speed. However, this dream of his, of reaching out to all Talukas of Bidar was accomplished when ‘Kristashrama’ the centre at Kaudiyal, Basava Kalyan was blessed on 3-12-1996 a few months after his death.
The history of Bidar Mssion began with mission activities in Bidar Taluk itself. The mission was formally inaugurated on the Feast Day of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on 17th June 1982, in the presence of a small congregation gathered in a school class room, near Bidar Railway Station. As the need was felt for a place of worship, a small Church built and dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus was inaugurated by Rt. Rev. Dr. Basil S. D’Souza on 12th February 1985. Frs. Robert Miranda, Baptist Menezes, Mathias Pereira and Jerome D’Souza, Fr. Ivan Michael, Fr Stany Pereira, Fr. Fredrick D’souza, Fr. Praveen Martis, Ferdinand Gonsalves Fr. Stany Lobo Fr. Leo veigas, Fr. Pradeep Mangalgi OFM, Fr. Wilson Fernandes have rendered their services in this Church. Fr. Clevan Gomes is its present chaplain.
The Catholics residing under the jurisdiction of this church is not steady due to the transfer of government officials. Presently, the number of Catholics is increasing with migrant youth studying in different colleges. There were 140 Catholics only with five permanent families.
The Sacred Heart Chapel has not restricted its activities to Catholics alone. but reaches out to people of all denominations in a spirit of love and service. A branch of the All India Christian Forum was inaugurated in the chapel on 6th August, 1995. In 1996. when the road leading to the Sacred Heart Chapel and the adjacent colony was blocked by vested interests, the people of the colony came together irrespective of caste and creed, and successfully fought against the idgah committe. Several poor people have been helped for housing and self-employment. Thanks to the untiring efforts of the various chaplains, the Chapel has truly become a symbol of Christian faith.
All the sisters except invited in the pastoral and school ministry. The sisters, in their usual style., give their selfless service both inside and outside the school. They regularly visit the houses of the students, comfort those who are sick. The convent was started in June 1983. Sisters stayed in Rev Gyanis’s house. Sr. cencetta, Sr. Bertille, Sr. M Anitha were the first nuns to work in Bidar district.
St Joseph’s Higher Primary School : It was the first educational institution started by the Catholic Church in bidar mission in 1983. Perceiving the need for good education, especially for the poor, the permission for a kannada medium school was obtained and the school was opened on 6th June, 1983. This school, which saw its beginning in a small room at Fatch Darwaza, shifted to the present place in 1984, was upgraded into high school in 1990. Today nearly 900 children, irrespective of caste and creed, study in the primary and midldle school section. The school caters to the poorest children from the surrounding areas of Bidar towm and also from the villages of Bidar district, who stay in boarding. The school is rightly acclaimed as the best Kannada medium School in Bidar district. The school authorities have an uphill task controlling the rush for admissions. The school has set a standard for academics and moral values. It strives to bring up students as loyal and responsible citizens.
Jeevan Prakash study Home (for Boys) and Jeevan Jyothi study Home (for girls)
After stating the school at Bidar, it was soon realized that the majority of our poor children in the villages (Mission) from various taluks of Bidar district, could not benefit from the school. The Jeevan Jyothi study Home started in 1986 to help to such poor children. In 1995 the study Home was divided into two sections, for Boys and Girls separately. The objective of this Study Home was to educate the poor, deserving and talented children from our villages and form them into nucleus educators who on completion of their studies will go back to their villages, and help to educate their own village people. These Children are trained with a vision of making them the future leaders of their communities, who would bring solace and liberation to the oppressed people. The High School children, during their holidays would conduct regular literacy classes for the government primary school children in these villages and improve their learning. A homely atmosphere is maintained in the Study Homes and study Home are given for their all-round development. The Warden takes special care in achieving the objectives of these Study Homes with a clear action plan. Due to financial constraints, the average strength of the boarding is restricted to 70 every year.
Mr. Veerappa Moily, the then Education Minister of Karnataka inaugurated the St. Joseph High School (kannada Medium) in the academic year 1990-91. However, it took a long time of two years to obtain the required permission from the department. Though this school is acclaimed as one of the best Schools in Bidar, it is yet to receive the Grant-in-aid from the Government. Apart from having 100 % result in the year 1995-96, the school had an average result of above 90 per cent during the past 28 years. This is all because of the selfless and dedicated service of Correspondents the Fr. Baptist Menezes and the headmaster Fr. Ferdinand Gonsalves and the team of teachers in the school, who worked hard in the beginning. Every year, over 70 children appear for Drawing, Science and Hindi State-level Examinations and all of them pass with distinctions. The school works hard to stop mal-practices during the examinations by educating the students not to indulge in copying. Various club activities like art, craft, dance, music, needle work, and gardening are organized. The students secure District as well as State-level Honours in various competitions.
Moral Values, devotion to God, respect to the country and elders are given importance in the school. The school is preparing the students to live in harmony with all people in the society irrespective of cast and creed..
On the evening of 4th June 1983, after a long journey of about 20 hours, with night halt at Shimoga, the second batch of missionaries arrived at Bidar, along with Rt. Rev. Basil S. D’Souza the Bishop of Mangalore, Fr. Robert Miranda, the pioneer of the Mission, welcomed them warmly . The members in this new batch of missionaries were: Sr. Concetta AC, Sr. Bertille AC, Sr. Maria Anita AC and four Regents- Brothers Albert D’souza, James D’Souza, Peter D’ Souza, Louis D’sa and Fr. Benjamin D’Souza. For the first time Bidar witnessed the presence of Siters. As a convent building was not ready, the sisters stayed in Mr. Samuel Sequeira’s house for the first two days. Later, they shifted to Rev.Gyanis house.
On 6th June 1983, at 11.30 a.m. Maria Nilaya, the A.C. Sisters Convent was inaugurated by the Bishop at Fate Darwaza, in a space provided on rent by a kind Methodist Contactor D. Rajappa. A Carmel Home for the Missions was born in Bidar to be Missionaries in this predominantly a non-Catholic place, working for education, family apostolate and to a certain extent through direct evangelization. The Community: Maria Nilaya Convent moved to the present place on 8th Dec 1984. Unfortunately only two small rooms were available to them of the proposed convent building.
V. Rev. Sr Veronica A.C. the then provincial superior took personal interest in the Mission and prepared the team of Sisters to meet the challenges of the Mission. It was Sister Veronica who saw the hand of God in Bishop’s Invitetionto serve in Bidar Mission and do the pioneering work in the field of education.
The formal inaugural function of St. Joseph’s Convent School took place on 07.06.1983 at 11. 00 a.m. with the DDPI of Bidar presiding over the function. The Bishop of Mangalore blessed the rooms at Fate Darwaza, rented out by the Methodist Contractor D. Rajappa. This modest three room abode served as a residence for the Sisters as well as the class rooms for the students. Mr. B.R Shetty S.P. and a few officials were present for the Inauguration of the Convent. Thus started St. Joseph’s Convent school at Bidar under the management of the Catholic Board of Education, Mangalore. Assisted by AC sisters.
The Superiors of Maria Nilaya Community :
Sister Concetta – Sister – in – charge : June 1983 – May 1986
Sister Stella Mary– Sister-in-charge : May 1986- December 1988
Superior : December 1988 – May 1991
Sister Carmel Rose – Superior : June 1991- May 1994
Sister Evelyn Marie – Superior : June 1994 – May 1997
Sister Christine Noronha – Superior : May 1997 – May 1998
Sister Beatrice Pereira – Superior : May 1998 – June 2004
Sister Celine Vera – Superior : June 2004 – May 2010
Sister Christine Misquih – Superior : May 2010 – May 2016
Sr. Freeda AC ( May 2016-
In June 1987, the Mission Team decided to have a Study Home for the girl children of the villages under Evangelization Programme in the 3 Talukas of Bidar. The aim of the Study Home was to strengthen their Christian faith by providing them a education and to bring up the poor in the villages. The children after being educated would return to their village as good leaders and work for the betterment of their own people. As there was no building to accommodate the children, they were put up in the school building from 1987-91. During the first two years Sister, Carmel Rose supervised their studies and taught them Catechism regularly.
Carmel Vocational Training Institute (Bidar) was inaugurated on 27th April 1999, by the Provincial Superior, Sister Linette AC. This Institute an the extended apostolate of the Apostolic Carmel Convent, Maria Nilaya, Bidar. Sister Christine Misquith the founder Principal carried on the activities of this center with great enthusiasm. This Centre is established after the pattern of Vijay May Technical School, Mangalore, with boarding facilities and academic and technical courses of study. The institute has proved to be a blessing for the empowerment of the poor, timid and diffident girls, who join here to seek a better life. The courses offered are Computer Education, Accountancy, Typewriting, Secretarial Practice, Tailoring, Spoken English and Education for Life.
The NIOS, New Delhi, has recognized Carmel Vocational Training Institute (CVTI) as a Study Center for Vocational Courses mentioned above. The students of CVTI have the facility to pursue a Two-Year Vocational Course after SSLC. Until now over 2000 students have passed out from this Center, obtaining a certificate from the NIOS, Government of India, New Delhi and every one of them has secured a job.
The CVTI, Bidar, gives not only Vocational training, but also academic education to the students who are dropouts and short courses to others. Tuition classes are arranged for the trainees who have failed in SSLC and to those who have passed seventh or eighth class and were unable to continue their studies and have been helped to pass SSLC . Besides academic studies, the CVTI trainees are given special inputs, to equip them to enter the world of work and also to be good house wives and responsible citizens. Faith in God, healthy friendships, leadership, office etiquette, adjustment in married life, bank transaction, postal services, time management, community dynamics, first aid and home nursing, AIDS awareness, and personality development form the part of the curriculum for the senior students. These equip them to enter the world of family, work and society with greater confidence. Through the training they receive they grow into responsible, socially conscious, confident and committed individuals and citizens. They imbibe leadership qualities mainly through their socially oriented activities and extracurricular programmes.
Not only do the students get empowered to live their own life, but it is worth recording that Carmel Vocational Training Institute has contributed much to help the people around, through the staff and students. Because of the presence of this institute, poor women of 25 villages are organized into 80 Self Help Groups (SHGs) under ORBIT. Sister Freeda AC is the Local Co-ordinator. Nearly 480 men underwent the de-addiction programme and their 486 children are sponsored by Caritas, Czech Republic.
Social Apostolate : Carmel Vocational Training Institute has Sponsorship Programme under Caritas Prague, Czech Republic and many poor children sre able to study and get jobs and look after their families well. Through Sponsorship programme many programmes are undertaken. Every year Remedial classes are taken up in six villages, 10 days camp is organized with short courses such as Machine Embroidery, Candle Making, Tailoring, Computer Hardware and Doll making, Funds for Goat rearing are made available. Computer Labs is provided 6 handicap children in their villages they can work and earn their livelyhood.
Carmel Vocational Training Institute also helped poor children to go to Mangalore and stay in four Children’s Homes for their study, and they have done very well in SSLC exam and all have passed.
Micro Credit for staff members of CVTI : Our Teachers have the benefit of taking loan from CVTI Micro Credit Scheme in urgent need and pay back in 10 months.
Micro Credit Scheme for Small Scale Businesses : Caritas Prague, Mrs. And Mr. Jason Fernandes from USA and Mr. Piere and Mrs. Tiny from Holand donated to this fund and till today we have given (until 2017) loan for goat rearing to the 113 women, Buffaloe loan to 245 women, Small Business loan to 62 women. This has contributed to women’s empowerment a lot.
Carmel Community College: In 2006, Carmel Community College was started on the 2nd floor funded by Manos Unidas, Spain through the initiative taken by Fr. Xavier Alphonse SJ the founder of Community College in Tamil Nadu. Carmel Community College is affiliated to ICRDC and this was inaugurated by Sister Olivia AC, the then Provincial Superior, Karnataka Province and blessed by Bishop Robert Miranda, Bishop of Gulbarga. This College offers Nursery Training Course and so far it has trained 552 teachers and all are employed in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharastra, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
Carmel D.Ed. College : The Bishop Rev. Robert Michael Miranda had requested Sister Olivia to consider starting a D.Ed. College, so as to give an opportunity to the deprived youth of the Diocese and Bidar Mission to become trained teachers and find a respectable profession in life. It was a mutual gift that the Bishop of Gulbarga and the AC Province of Karnataka made. The Province purchased a 2-acre land from the Bishop to start the D.Ed. College for a nominal price while the Bishop made a gift deed of the property, on which the Convent and the CVTI are constructed. Carmel D.Ed. College got permission the order from National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) on 26.06.2009 and the Govt. of Karnataka granted permission to have Kannada as the medium of instruction.
The Day, 28th July 2009 was a red letter day for the Sisters of Maria Nilaya. At 3.00 p.m., the invitees were welcomed with the blessing of a mild shower. Sister Olivia A.C., Provincial Superior, inaugurated the College Building. Bishop Robert Miranda, Bishop of Gulbarga blessed the building. Sister Celine Vera was the Superior. Sri Harsha Gupta, DC, Sri Suryavamshi, the M.P. and Sr. Lydia Educational Secretary were the Chief Guests.
Sister Noelle Marie was appointed as the Principal and Sister Jyothi, as the Vice -Principal.
The D.Ed. College caters to the faith formation of Catholics as well as Christians. Values are inculcated and English language is given importance. They are trained to value the manual work, outreach programmes are conducted and placement for the passed outstudents is provided. In all, they are trained to be responsible persons and serve the Society through good education.
Carmel Play School : It was started in 2012. It was started mainly for the children of poor parents who go for job/work and have no one to look after their children. The all round development and the growth of the tiny children is taken care. (2½ to 3½ years age). There is good staff to take care, and also sufficient place for children.
Rescue Home : On June 1st, 2012 Maria Nilaya Started a Rescue Home for women in distress. So far we have accommodated 2 families and after counseling sent them back to their homes. Three women were in the Home for 2 years they too got a better future. Three girls were rescued and got education in Carmel Vocational Training Institute and got jobs.
Children’s Home : On November 1st, 2012, Children’s Home was started to give faith –formation and good education to Jamgi colony Children. The children of this colony are given admissions in the school and accommodation in the children’s Home. Special care and attention is given to them, for their Spiritual, Physical and Emotional growth.
Activities of Maria Nilaya:- The Sisters of Maria Nilaya are actively involved in Educational, Vocational, Professional and Social Apostolate. Sisters give full Co-operation in the Parish by teaching Sunday Catechism, preparing for the Liturgy, attending SCC Meetings, visiting the families, attending PPC meetings, Team meetings, Co-operating in Parish programmes, visiting catholic families Jamgi Colony, helping in settling disputes in the families and showing compassion to the sick and suffering, also offering financial help to the poor. Sisters also give dedicated service at St. Joseph’s Institutions. Sisters have been in-charge of different Commissions at the Local level such as Liturgy, Bible, Catechetic, Youth, Development, Peace, Justice, Labour, Family, Health, Vocation and Formation, Prison and Education. Etc.
Through the A.C. Associates- our partners, sisters have strengthened the members in their faith by motivating them to have prayer in their families, desire for sacraments, specially the Eucharist, have a Compassionate heart towards the poor and the sick. Sisters have good relationship with the Parish Priest and the Assistant Parish Priest, Sisters of St. Joseph’s Chambery, with civic authorities and also the public.
The Superior and the Community is ever grateful to the Diocese of Gulbarga headed by inspiring, dynamic, enthusiastic and hardworking Bishop Robert Miranda for encouraging, supporting, loving, motivating all of us to live our consecrated life in a very meaningful way, very specially we are greatly indebted to him for helping us to work always as a Team which is an unique experience.
St. Joseph Church F 136 C 645 Cat 15Nr. Shahapur Railway Gate,Hyderabad Rd, Bidar 585 103
Parish Priest : Fr. Wilson Fernandes 8970497960
Sacred Heart Chapel 1983
Opp. NEKRTC Bus Station
P.B No 40, Bidar -585401
Chaplain: Fr. Cleavan Gomes 8861091762
Jamagi Colony
Institutions :
1. St. Joseph Comp. P.U. College (2008)
Principal: Fr. Wilson Fernandes 8970497960
2. St. Joseph Eng. Med. School (2008)
3. St. Joseph High School (English Med)
H.M: Sr. Therese Shanthi AC 9972019519
4. St. Joseph Convent School (Kannada Med.) (2012)
H.M: Sr. Shanthi Priya AC 9663431795
5. Sacred Heart Pry. School (2005)
H.M: Sr. Antony Mary CSJ 9511687346
6. Jeevan Prakash Boy’s Home, Bidar (1986)
Director: Fr. Vijayaraju S.J 9591385005
Convents : Sisters Of Apostolic Carmel
Mariya Nilaya Convent (1983)
Bidar-Hyderabad Road, Halladkeri P.O
Bidar- 585403
Superior: Sr. Freeda A.C 9632603105
Institutions:
1. Carmel Vocational Training Institute CVTI (1999)
Principal: Sr. Vinutha AC 9481214418
2. Carmel Seva Trust (2006)
In-Charge: Sr. Christine Misquith AC 9663128952
3. Carmel D.Ed. College (2009)
Principal: Sr. Prima Shirin AC 9481511021
4. Carmel Play Home (2012)
In-charge: Sr. Maria Sanisha AC 8050574205
B. Carmel Nikethan Convent (2017)
H.No 17-1-466, Shasthri Nagar
Near Jamagi Colony, Mailoor, Bidar 585403
Institution: Carmel Seva Trust
Sr. Christine Misquith A.C 9663128952
St. Joseph of Chambery Sisters (CSJ)
C. St. Joseph’s Convent
C/o Sacred Heart Church, Bidar
Opp NEKRTC Bus Station, Bidar 585 401
Superior: Sr. Pooja Irudayaswamy CSJ 7760673925/ 8310726518
On the auspicious day of August 5, 2024, the Bidar District Prison witnessed the grand inauguration of a computer training program, a noble initiative jointly organized by Don Bosco Fathers and Carmel Seva Trust, Bidar. The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Superintendent of Prisons, Dattatreya Medh, and Jailer T. B. Bajentri, who, […]
Bidar, June 19, 2024 In a display of solidarity and determination, hundreds of domestic workers thronged the streets of Bidar on 19 June 2023, participating in a fervent rally organized by the Karnataka Domestic Workers Union in concert with various other unions. The demonstrators embarked on their march from Ambedkar Circle, culminating their journey at […]
On June 15, 2024, the Prison Ministry India, Aurad zone, marked Environment Day with an inspiring program at Subjail Aurad, dedicated to raising awareness about ecological preservation and the importance of nurturing our planet. Fr. Anil Crasta delivered an enlightening address to the inmates, underscoring the critical need to protect our environment and to take […]
A distinguished teachers’ training program was held at St. Joseph’s PU College in Bidar, thoughtfully organized by the Gulbarga Diocesan Education Society for their dedicated school teachers. Fr. Joyson Vas SJ graced the event as the resource person, delivering profoundly heartfelt and inspiring sessions. His innovative approach included dancing, playing, and laughing, effectively using practical […]
The Bicentennial birth anniversary celebration of Venerable Mother Veronica, the foundress of the Apostolic Carmel was celebrated on 1 October 2023 on Sunday. A solemn mass was celebrated by the Bishop of Gulbarga, Most Reverend Dr. Robert Michael Miranda, and concelebrated by Fr Wilson Fernandes, the parish priest of St Joseph Church, Bidar, as well […]
During the period of 29-31 August 2023, the Archdiocese of Caritas Prague made a visit to the Gulbarga diocese. A warm welcome was extended by the Bishop and his team to Dr. Jaroslav, Mrs. Paula, Ms. Barbara, and Economa, as well as Fr Edwardo, the Vice Chairman, as they met the privileged children from the […]
Kristhana Anukarane Sevege Prerane: On this theme, a Laity Convention for Pastoral Council Members of Bidar Deanery was organized on 5 and 6 August at Don Bosco Centre Chikpet Bidar. As part of the program, the Most Reverend Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi, and Bishop Robert Miranda, Bishop of Gulbarga Diocese, were present […]
As part of the World Anti-Human Trafficking Day, an awareness program was organized for Catholic women of Bidar Deanery on 30 July 2023 at Holy Cross Church Santpur, to bring social awareness among women. The women of Bidar Parish led the group in the prayer service. This was followed by a welcome address by Sr. […]
The Decennial Celebration of St Joseph Church Bidar took place on the 19th Sunday of 2023. The holy Eucharist was celebrated by Rev Fr Stany Lobo, the Vicar General of the Gulbarga Diocese. Priests from the Bidar deanery, religious, and lay faithful participated and thanked the Lord for the gift of the Bidar Mission at […]
On the occasion of Bhalki Jathrostav 2022, the cultural committee under the able leadership of Fr Wilson Fernandez organized various competitions for MCAChildren, Youth, Men, and women held on 24 October 2022 at St. Joseph High School, Bidar. All participants from all of the mission centers presented their well-prepared items on the stage, and the […]
Sacred Heart Church, Bidar was declared an independent Parish on 25 September 2022 by the Bishop of Gulbarga. On this day, the bishop celebrated Holy Eucharist and thanked God for giving Sacred Heart Church. This is the Mother Church of the Bidar Mission, where it all began 40 years ago. Fr John Paul is appointed […]
Ruby Jubilee celebration of Bidar Mission celebrated in a grand manner at St. Joseph’s Church, Bidar. Thanking the Lord, the celebration began with Adoration followed by the solemn Eucharist. Most Rev Dr. Robert Miranda, Bishop of the Diocese celebrated the Holy Eucharist and proclaimed the Word of God. Symbols of the Ruby Jubilee were carried […]
Mission Orientation Program for the newly arrived priests, sisters, and brothers for the Bidar Mission was held at Sacred Heart Church, Bidar on Thursday, 16 June 2022. Most Rev Dr. Robert Miranda, the Bishop of the Diocese, has described the Diocese’s beginnings and rapid growth. Rev Fr Stany Lobo, Vicar General gave insight into the pastoral plan of […]
Santhpur: International women’s day celebration on 21.3.2022 at Dupath Mahagaon Church. It was a well-organized program, both by Euphrasie Nilaya Convent and by the youth. The theme of the program was ” Gender equality today for a better tomorrow .After the inaugural speech by PSI Tana Kushnoor Mrs. Renuka the two courageous women spoke about […]
The golden jubilee celebration of Sr Christine Misquith AC in the vineyard of the Lord was held on 17 January 2022 at St. Joseph’s Church, Bidar. The occasion was enriched by the solemn Eucharistic celebration by Most Rev. Robert Miranda, and concelebrated by many priests from near and far. The jubilee spirit heightened and enriched […]
St. Joseph Nivas: The newly put up residence for the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chambery was inaugurated and blessed on 11 January, 2022 by Most Rev. Robert Michael Miranda, Bishop of Gulbarga. The whole ceremony began with a prayer service led by Bishop Robert Miranda during which Rev. Sr Cecile Coutinho, the Provincial Superior […]
The celebration of the 150th year of the establishment of the Apostolic Carmel of India, Mangaluru was held in the Mother of Divine Grace Cathedral on Sunday, 9 February 2020. Bishop of Gulbarga inaugurated it by unveiling the picture of Mother Veronica, the foundress of the Apostolic Carmel, and celebrated the Holy Eucharist with other […]
The newly built Marian Grotto and the Catholic Enquiry Center was blessed and inaugurated on 6th October 2019 at Sacred Heart Church Bidar by the Bishop. Rev. Fr Wilson Fernandes the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Clevan Gomes, the Chaplain and the faithful of Bidar were present on the occasion.
Feast of the Nativity of B.V.M and Girl Child Day was celebrated very meaningfully in all the parishes and centres of Gulbarga Diocese on 8th September 2019. Flower offering, Blessing of the new corn and Sharing and eating the family meals were commonly followed in every centre.
The inauguration and Blessing of Renovated Sacred Heart Church, Bidar was held on Saturday, 7th September 2019, Bishop Robert Miranda, Bishop of Gulbarga inaugurated the church along with the members of first catholic families when the mission started in 1982. They are M.D Shah, Samuel, Topna and Noel. The New Church was blessed during the solemn Eucharistic celebration. […]
Independence Day was celebrated at the Bidar District Jail and Sub Jail at Aurad by the CRI members of Bidar Deanery along with the members of Prison Ministry India . Short Cultural programme and outdoor games were conducted and eatables were distributed to the inmates. The prison inmates were happy and remained grateful.
Bishop of Gulbarga announced and invited all the Youth, Parish Priests, and Religious to inaugurate the year of Youth on 9th June, on Pentecost Sunday. All over the diocese the Year of Youth was inaugurated very meaningfully displaying the Logo. Thanks to Fr. Clevan Gomes, The secretary for the commission of Youth.
Bishop was on Pastoral visit to St. Joseph Church, Bidar on 31 March – 1 April 2019. Fr Vijayaraju S.J the parish Priest solemnly welcomed the bishop along with all parishioners. Bishop met the Priests, Religious and Lay Faithful at Bidar and received a report of the pastoral life of the parish. He met groups of people, […]
CRI Bidar, Labour Commission and Youth Commission jointly organized a day of Seminar on Strengthening the Democracy and constitution of India at Sacred heart Church, Bidar on Sunday, 10 March 2019. Rev Fr Francis Guntippilly SJ was the resource person. Priests, Religious , PPC Members and Youth participated in good numbers.
Training of Parish Pastoral Committee members was held at Mary Mother of Divine Grace Cathedral for the Gulbarga Deanery and at sacred Heart Church, Bidar for Bidar deanery on 9-10th March. There was a very good attendance of PPC members along with the Parish Priests and superiors of the communities. Fr. Vincent Thoras, the secretary of […]
St. Joseph Church, Bidar organised three days retreat on 1,2,3 March 2019 as part of spiritual preparation for the lent. Yesu Sparsh Team, led by Rev Fr Roman Pinto, Bro. T K George, Mrs. Manjula Joy preached this retreat and Bro. William D’Souza helped people to sing the praises. Preaching was mainly consisted on Ten […]
St. Joseph church Bidar celebrated MCA Annual day on 10 -2-2019. Children from three units gathered along with their parents for the Eucharistic Celebration. Children danced for the Entrance Hymn and entered the alter with lighted candles to offer their life and their service to Infant Jesus. The purpose of MCA was brought out well […]