Together Faithfully For 450 Years in Rome of the East! The Iconic Our Lady of The Holy Rosary Cathedral aka Rosario Cathedral, Mangaluru will celebrate the 450th Anniversary on Sunday, 18 November
Mangaluru: This Cathedral has been here long before India’s independence, and the faithful belonging to this Cathedral have been faithful. Every single one of them is engaged and active, and they’ve been doing this for the last 450 years, and they’re not about to stop now either. The Cathedral, one of the oldest in the Mangaluru that still operates, celebrates its 450th birthday this month, and a big celebration is planned on Sunday, 18 November at the Cathedral ground. And for many families in and around Mangaluru, this Iconic Our Lady of Holy Rosary Cathedral aka Rosario Cathedral has been part of their family stories for a very large portion of that time.
Thomas M V, aged 89, who was praying alone inside the Cathedral, speaking to Team Mangalorean said, “I’ve been coming here for seven decades. This Cathedral is a landmark in this Rome of the East. We live in the history here. That’s why I like history so much. I got married here, but sadly my wife passed away at the age of 84 last year- she would have been happy to join in the 450th celebration if she was still alive. I have attended quite a few wedding ceremonies, and other occasions that have happened at the Cathedral. After mass or any church meetings we used to sit for a while chat and share our views and news, but that’s lacking now among the present parishioners. This is one historic Cathedral existing here, and for the faithful there’s just a natural sense of belonging here. This Cathedral is just too marvelous for words. All of it. Really. I will be there for the 450th celebration right in time”.
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 Roy’s 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.
Rosario Church was desecrated and destroyed by Tipu Sultan’s forces in 1784. After the Catholics returned from Srirangapattana from their captivity, they wanted to rebuild the church. The work started in 1813. The English government gave a grant of Rs 4,000/- to rebuild it and also to build the Milagres church. On April 16, 1850, the church was raised to the rank of a Cathedral. Rev. Fr Urban Stein SJ, a German, was the first parish priest of the Cathedral (1845-1888). Bishop Nicolas Maria Pagani sj was consecrated as the Bishop of Mangalore on October 25, 1885 in this old church.
In 1910, Rev. Fr H.I. Buzzoni SJ, the parish priest, demolished the structure of the old Cathedral and commenced the work of erecting the present day spacious and beautiful church worthy of the status of a Cathedral. Bro. Divo SJ was the architect of the Cathedral. This is the only church in the diocese with a magnificent dome crowning the spacious sanctuary. The Cross on the dome of the Cathedral was lit every night serving as a beacon to the sea-farers. Bishop Paul Perini SJ, the last Jesuit Bishop, was consecrated on December 4, 1910. The main altar was consecrated by Bishop Perini on April 3, 1924 when he was the Administrator Apostolic. Fr H.I. Buzzoni also erected a belfry tower and installed four bells imported from Italy.
The Diocese of Mangalore was ceded to the Secular Clergy on June 25, 1923. Fr Valerian V. DSouza became the first Mangalorean Bishop of the diocese. He was succeeded by Bishops Victor R. Fernandes, Basil Peres, Raymond D’Mello, Basil DSouza and Aloysius Paul D’Souza. The mortal remains of Rt Rev. Mary Ephrem, the last vicar Apostolic before the erection of the Mangalore Diocese and the Rt Rev. Bishop Nicholas Maria Pagani SJ, were interred in this cathedral. The mortal remains of Bishop Basil S. D’Souza were also interred in this Cathedral in 1996. The Cathedral parish was bifurcated into Urva parish in 1865, Kulur in 1888, Bendore in 1914 and Cascia in 1935.
In 1858, Christian (De-la-Salle) Brothers started St Mary’s School later known as Rosario School which is now a Pre-University College. The Sisters of St Joseph opened a school for girls in 1859 at St Ann’s grounds. When this congregation shifted to Cannanore, the Apostolic Carmelite Sisters took-over the charge of the school and the place. The original parish has given rise to several parishes in the course of time perhaps Urva is the first, carved out in 1865, Kulur 1888, Bejai 1912, Bendur 1914, Cascia 1935, Derebail 1939 and Thannirbavi 1950.
A Message from Fr J B Crasta- Rector/Parish Priest
“For the past 450 years Our Lady of The Holy Rosary cathedral has been a worshiping community of Catholic Faith. Weddings, baptisms, and funerals have been celebrated at this iconic Cathedral. For the past 450 years the mission of Rosario Cathedral has remained the same; to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, care for the poor, the sick and the elderly, educate children in the ways of faith, and celebrate the sacraments. This Cathedral served as a beacon of light. Our education institution has remained faithful to its mission of providing a faith based education to thousands of children. As we observe our 450th anniversary, I want to pay tribute to those priests, religious, and parishioners, who came before us. Because of their vision and sacrifices, we have been given this great legacy; we call Rosario Cathedral. May God reward them for their good deeds.
I also want to pay tribute to all those who, with dedication, vision, and sacrifice, continue this great legacy in our day. Congratulations to all of you, for your stewardship, on behalf of the gospel. May God who began this good work 450 years ago, and who in His providence has given it to us to continue, see it to completion. I conclude with the word’s of Jesus addressed to St. Peter, “And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it” (Mt 16:8). Since our Cathedral was founded in 1568, we are giving thanks for the past and remembering the efforts of the founders and builders and those who have made us what we are today. The meaning of our history is not in the past, but what we can bring to lives today and in the future.
We owe who we are to our heritage, to our faith tradition and to the courageous leaders in our past. During this celebration we looked to the history of the congregation – remembering where we have been and who we have become. And at the same time we look to the future, acknowledging what we have yet to do and who God has called us to be in this new world. Our history has brought us here and will guide us forward. Thank You abundantly to everyone who have supported this Cathedral and making an iconic landmark in the City. Let us pray for each other, as we come together to celebrate the sacred mysteries”- Gratefully yours In Christ, Fr John B Crasta
Fr Flavian Lobo, Assistant Parish Priest – Fr Victor D’souza, Principal, Rosario PU College – Fr Rocky Fernandes, Principal, Rosario Degree College
Honorable Chief Minister of Karnataka H. D. Kumaraswamy will inaugurate the Celebration of 450 Years of The Holy Rosary Cathedral, Bolar, Mangaluru on November 18, Sunday. The ceremony will be held at the Rosario Cathedral Grounds at 6.30 pm. Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore Diocese will preside over the ceremony. Most Rev. Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop Emeritus, Diocese of Mangalore, Msgr. Maxim Noronha, Vicar General, Diocese of Mangalore, Rev. Fr. Stanislaus D’Souza SJ, Provincial, Karnataka Province, U.T. Khader, District in-charge Minister and State Minister for Urban Development, Nalin Kumar Kateel, MP of Dakshina Kannada, Oscar Fernandes, Rajya Sabha Member and Dr. Charles Lobo, CPMG, Karnataka Circle will grace the ceremony as chief guests”added Fr Crasta.
Vedavyasa Kamath, MLA of Mangaluru South Constituency, Boje Gowda, Ivan D’Souza, B.M. Farooq, MLCs, Bhasker K, Mayor of Mangaluru, J R Lobo, former MLA of Mangaluru South, Ronald Colaco, entrepreneur and philanthropist, Abdul Latif, Corporator, Port Ward, Rev. Sr Mary Susheela AC, Rev. Sr Susheela Sequeira UFS, Superior Generals, M.P. Noronha, Secretary, Diocesan Pastoral Parishad will be the guests of honour.
Prior to the formal inaugural ceremony, the Eucharistic Celebration to be held at Rosario Cathedral Grounds at 5 pm will be presided over by Most. Rev. Dr Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bengaluru. Most. Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangaluru will deliver the homily while Rev. Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop Emeritus and other Bishops and Priests will be the con-celebrants.
THE FOLLOWING ADDED HISTORY WAS SUBMITTED BY FR J B CRASTA:
Age of Agony:
The period from 1784 to 1799 forms a turbulent and sad page in the history of the Christians in Kanara. On 30th January 1784 the British surrendered to Tippu Sultan’s forces. Tippu Sultan was enraged with the Christian community as he suspected their fidelity, as his subjects and issued orders to his Commanders to arrest all Christians in Kanara, confiscate their lands and valuables and destroy their churches and lead them as captives to Srirangapatnam. This catastrophe took place on the fateful night of Ash Wednesday February 21st 1784. These cruel orders were carried out and several thousands of Christians in his domain were lead as captives to Srirangapatnam. Their fate was sad and gloomy and many perished through starvation and fatigue on the way. The survivors who reached Srirangapatnam were rounded up and by torture forced to embrace Islam.
During this period Tippu’s forces desecrated and destroyed 26 out of the 27 churches in Kanara and Rosario Church was one of them. Thus began their long suffering and bitter lent for 15 years to follow. Srirangapatnam was besieged and fell to the British forces in 1799 commanded by Colonel Arthur Wellesley, the future Duke of Wellington, who was destined to defeat Napoleon Bonaparte at the battle of Waterloo. Colonel Arthur Wellesley was the brother of The English Governor-General of India, Richard Wellesley, Second Earl of Morning ton. Thus ended the torture and captivity of Christians.
Return from Captivity:
After return from the captivity, in 1813 the help of various sources rebuilt Rosario church. The British Government contributed Rs.4,000/- towards the building of Rosario Church and Milagres Church in the same place as they formerly stood before1784. The new Milagres Church was built in the year 1811 and the Rosario Church in the year 1813. The Rosario Church was raised to the rank of a Cathedral on 16th April 1850.
Rev. Fr. Urban Stein S.J. a German (1845-1888) was the first Parish priest of the Cathedral. He introduced the order of Ursuline Franciscan Congregation in the Cathedral in the year 1888. Mother Nymppa Paullina Fernandez daughter of John Francis Fernandez, deputy Collector, South Kanara was the first superior. During this time it was decided that those who would contribute Rs.200/- to Rs.500/- and superintend the work of the Cathedral for one year should be granted the honour of Principals or Founders.
On 12th May 1845 the Holy See appointed Bishop Bernardino of St. Agnes O.C.D. a Carmelite, Pro-Vicar Apostolic of Mangalore. He died at Rome on 13th March 1853. On 15th March 1853 the Vicariate of Mangalore was separated from Verapoly and on the same day Fr. Michel Anthony of St. Louis O.C.D Vicar General of Bombay was appointed Vicar Apostolic of Mangalore. Bishop Michel hailed from San Ramos, Italy. He was consecrated Bishop of Bombay on 15th May 1853. Bishop Michel invited the Christian brothers (known also as De-la-Salle Brothers) who opened St. Mary’s English School on the Cathedral grounds in 1853. The sisters opened a school for girls on St. Ann’s grounds in March 1859 at the behest of the Bishop.
In addition the sister’s managed a large orphanage. After some time their community shifted to Cannanore in the year 1868 at the invitation of Fr. Martello. Bishop Michel then founded a congregation of active Carmelite Sisters in the year 1867. These sisters commenced their work at St. Ann’s school from the time the sisters of St. Joseph left Mangalore. From then onwards these educational institutions have been rendering yeoman service to all the communities, irrespective of caste or creed. The St. Mary’s school started by the De-la-Salle brothers is known as Rosario High School under the management of Catholic Board of Education, Bishop’s House, Mangalore, which is a Registered Body.
The Carmelites too have played a great role in the history of Rosario Church. In the year 1870 the Holy See, asked Bishop Michel Anthony to resign his office, which he did with admirable humility. The Holy See appointed Bishop Mary Ephraim O.C.D. Vicar Apostolic of Mangalore on 3rd January 1870. Bishop Mary Ephraim arrived in Mangalore on 5th November 1870. Bishop Marie Ephraim was Lucian Garrelon in the world, prior to God’s call. He was born in France in the year 1827. When he was 14 he decided to become a priest. He was ordained priest at the age of 23. He was received at Mangalore Port by a large number of Catholics and brought by procession to Rosario Cathedral where a Pontifical High Mass was celebrated and the “Te Deum” was sung. At the Cathedral Bishop Michel Anthony who left Mangalore for good in the year 1871 for Quilon, where he died on 18th December 1878, received him. Bishop Mary Ephraim had a short period as Vicar Apostolic of Mangalore as he died on Maundy Thursday i.e. the 10th April 1873. His mortal remains were buried in the Cathedral.
Later on Most rev. Nicholas Maria Pagani S.J. was consecrated Bishop of Mangalore on 25th October 1885. He had a brief incumbency and died in Mangalore on 30th April 1895 and is buried in the Cathedral. On 2nd December 1895 Mgr. Abundius Cavadini S.J. succeeded to the Holy See of Mangalore. He was consecrated on 28th June 1896 at Bergamo, in Italy. He died on 26th March 1910 and on 17th August the same year Mgr. Paul Perini S.J. was appointed his successor. He was the last Jesuit Bishop of Mangalore. (The diocese of Mangalore was transferred to the secular Clergy on 12th June 1923.)
New Church Building:
In the year 1910 Rev. Fr. H.I. Busoni S.J. the then Parish Priest demolished the old structure and commenced the work on the large and beautiful church worthy of dignity of a Cathedral. Br. Divo S.J. (St. Xavier’s) Bombay Mission was the master architect. Bishop Perini was consecrated here on 4th December 1910 when the sanctuary alone had been completed. This dome is a crowning work of architectural magnificence in the diocese. Fr. Busoni erected a belfry and installed 4 sonorous bells from Italy. Bishop Perini S.J. then Administrative Apostolic of the Diocese consecrated the main altar of the Cathedral on 3rd April 1924. He died in Bangalore on 28th June 1932 and interned at Calicut Cathedral on 30th June 1932.
First Mangalorean Bishop:
On 28th February Fr. Valerian J. D’Souza was appointed as first Mangalorean Bishop of Mangalore. In 1930 when in Rome for his “Ad limina” visit he paid a visit to Ireland, where he died on 14th August 1930. On 16th May 1931 Fr. Victor Rosario Fernandez was appointed and consecrated Bishop of Mangalore. He administered the Diocese as Bishop for 25 years. He was a man of prayer, strength of character and missionary zeal. He died on 4th January 1955. Bishop Basil Perris who died on 27th April 1958 succeeded him. He served a brief period as Bishop of Mangalore. Then Fr. Raymond D’Mello of Allahabad Diocese was appointed Bishop of Mangalore on 5th February 1959. Subsequently on 20th April 1964 he was transferred as Bishop of Allahabad. On 22nd March 1965 Fr. Basil D’Souza was appointed Bishop of Mangalore. This period has seen the blossoming of many humanitarian institutions, Educational institutions, and welfare schemes for the poor and downtrodden in Diocese. Today this church is an official church of the Bishop of South Kanara and called as Cathedral Chair (Bishops Seat).
From the year 1866 territories belonging to the Cathedral have been bifurcated for administrative convenience. Last of all on 1st June 1935 the new Parish of St. Rita of Cascia was formed. The names of the Parish Priests who have served as guardians of the Faith in the Cathedral are recorded in the church chronicles. All the Parish Priests who were also Correspondents of the Rosario High School have given their whole-hearted support and encouragement to the school. They along with the Headmasters of the School have been responsible for the spirit of dedicated service to the Catholic community.
Other Services of the Cathedral:
Rosario High School:
By the blessing of Lord Jesus and Mother of the Most Holy Rosary this more than 100 years old Rosario School has always had dedicated teachers and Headmasters. It is truly Alma Mater of the school “Men’s Sane In Corpora Sano” means a sound mind in a healthy body befits this institution. As we look at the schools academic achievements we can find that the highest percentage secured in S.S.L.C Public examination was 97% in 1963 and this lofty standard has been kept up by the school ever since. The school has recently upgraded to Junior college level (Plus two). This school is especially for boys only, but due to amalgamation of other nearby schools it has absorbed girls from those schools and will be retained until that batch completes education in that school. There are more than 1400 students in the school up to High school standard. The school provides all opportunities for the all round development of its students by introducing various extra curricular activities such as music centre, gymnastic, NCC and also full fledged computer education section.
A new Pre University College/Degree College is also added few years ago.
St. Vincent Paul Society:
This 75 year old an international standard service organization specially meant for taking care and upliftment of poor of community and the society. Dedicated social workers of this society visits many poor and distressed people and help them in all aspect so that the distressed people find solace in their difficulties.
Miscellaneous:
ICYM a Catholic youth organization is also founded in order to bring up the leadership and service qualities of the catholic youths. In 1999 a Rosario Cultural Hall was built for facilitating cultural activities of the community and society.
Mass (prayers) Activity:
Mass performance will be conducted during Sundays and a weekday as Weekdays: Morning 6.30 in Konkani; Evening 5.30 in English; Sundays (Morning only):; 6.00 in Konkani; 7.00 in Malayalam; 8.00 in Konkani; 9.30 in English; On 7th October of each year Feast of Our Lady Rosary shall be celebrated with great enthusiasm and glory.
ROSARIO CATHEDRAL
Hoige Bazar, Mangalore 575 001
Phone: 0824-2420942 (O) 9448724276 (Fr J B Crasta); 8618376495 (Fr Flavian Lobo) Email: cathedral@in.com, cathedralrosario@gmail.com