Udupi: Golden Bells Chime at Don Bosco Church, Kelmbet

By Wilson DSouza
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 17 Dec 2013: The Church dedicated to the popular saint of Youth - St John Bosco, situated at Kelmbet – Bola, in Udupi diocese is at the threshold of celebrating its golden jubilee in April 2014.

 
The celebrations will be ushered in with an Inaugural function presided by the Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo of Udupi diocese on Sunday December 22, with a concelebrated Eucharistic Holy Mass at 8.30am followed by a formal programme.  A number of dignitaries, both ecclesiastical and civil will grace the occasion.

 

 
The Church was established on April 11, 1964 under the leadership of Fr Nicholas J Pereira, the then parish priest of Belman.  It was formed from a few parishes out of Belman, Kirem and Paladka.  The first parish priest Fr. Gregory D’Souza who served the parish for 7 years is still remembered by the parishioners for his pioneering work, indefatigable zeal and sanctity.  His keen attention and follow up of youngsters resulted in many vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

  

 
In the undivided Mangalore diocese, Kelmbet parish boasts of a number of vocations coming from a small parish of 130 families.  The Little Flower Primary School situated at Abbanadka, Belman since 1930, was attached to Kelmbet parish in 1964. 

 
In the year 2003, the parish was entrusted to the Salesians of Don Bosco of Konkan Province for Pastoral ministry.  Fr Reginald Pinto, contacted the Salesians to help strengthen the parish, which was slowly beginning to show signs of losing its vibrancy due to the moving out of families for better facilities.  The Salesians have served the parish for the past 10 years.  They paid particular attention to youth, education of children by strengthening Little Flower School and establishing a hostel for boys.

 
In the Golden Jubilee year they have planned to begin an English medium High School in the parish premises.