Kasargod: Experience divinity in Bela Church

Bellevision Media Network

Bela, Kasaragod, 16 December 2010: Our Lady of Dolours Church, which is popularly known as Bela Church, at Bela near Kumble in Kasaragod district is one of the prominent historic places in the region. 

 

 

The Church, which was built in 1892, is not only a tourist destination but also is a serene prayer centre for those who have faith in God.

 

Devotees and tourists visit the place as the Church has already been in the world tourism map. The pre-British period Church and the Parochial House, which is situated near Seethangoli, has its own glory to tell the visitors.

 

The story behind the origin of the Church unfolds the historical background of the region and society. According to history, thousands of Konkani Catholics migrated from Goa to South Canara when Portuguese arrived. Meanwhile, a portion of the migrated Catholics settled in many parts of Kasaragod district.

 

Migrated Catholics, who settled at Kudrepady near Bela village built a small Church of thatched roof and started offering prayers. Later, the Church was shifted to the present location in Bela.

 

 

The Bela Parish, which was established in 1880, earlier belonged to the Ullal-Panir Parish. Fr Pascal Mascarenhas was the first Parish Priest of Bela Church. The second Parish Priest John D’Souza identified the land and constructed the beautiful Church and it was blessed on January 10, 1892.

 

The statue of Mother of Sorrows, which was worshiped at Kudrepady was brought to the new Church in a procession and it was blessed by the first Bishop of Mangalore Diocese Fr Dr Pagani.

 

New Church

The Church was renovated during the tenure of Fr Mathew in 2001. The new Church, which has the seating capacity of 1,000 people, was designed elegantly.

 

 

Fr Vincent D’Souza is at present serving in the Church as the Parish Priest. His predecessor Fr Basil Vas, had taken several initiatives to develop the Church.

 

Shrine inside cave

 

A 300-meter-long cave dug near the Church is another holy place, where devotees and tourists can get peace of mind and serenity.

 

The cave was dug during the period of Fr Basil Vas three years ago. Inside the cave there is a Sepulchre. Deep inside the tunnel, one can see the model of resurrected Jesus and at the end of the cave there is a pond. The water taken from the pond is considered as holy water.

 

The entire stretch of the cave has been provided with electricity connection and the interiors have also been decorated aesthetically. Antiques and artifacts found in the region were displayed at the exit of the cave.

 

How to reach

 

Those who come from Mangalore should alight at Kumble to go to Bela. All buses on Kumble - Badiadka route pass through Bela, which is situated about 15 kilometres away from Kumble town.

 - Courtesy : DHNS