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History of Our Lady of Fatima Church Pernal

Our Lady of Fatima Church is about 3 Miles away from Shirva-Manchakal and it is placed in the Hills of Pernal – Sooda Cross Road surrounded by beautiful scenery’s such as forest, paddy fields, coconut trees, areca-nut trees, Banana Plants and Sooda River. It is a parish of around 270 Catholic Families with almost 1200 Parishioners.  It is a part of  Shirva Varado and serving under the Diocese of Udupi.

The Our Lady of Fatima Church in Pernal, a small village in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka, India, is a well-known Roman Catholic church dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima, one of the titles given to the Blessed Virgin Mary in relation to the Marian apparitions reported in 1917 by three shepherd children in Fátima, Portugal.

History and Significance

This church in Pernal has a deep spiritual and cultural significance for the local Catholic community. The parish was founded to cater to the spiritual needs of the local population, and it has since become a center for devotion to Our Lady of Fatima. The church plays a key role in the religious life of the area, and it is known for its vibrant community and active involvement in various social and religious activities.

The Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, celebrated annually on May 13, is a major event for the parish and attracts numerous devotees. This feast commemorates the apparitions of the Virgin Mary to the children in Fátima and is marked by special prayers, processions, and celebrations.

Architecture and Features

The architecture of the Fatima Church in Pernal reflects traditional Catholic church designs, with a blend of local architectural influences. The church has a serene and peaceful ambiance, making it an ideal place for worship and reflection. Inside, it likely features a statue of Our Lady of Fatima, a key symbol of devotion for the parishioners.

Over the years, the church has grown not only as a place of worship but also as a center for community building, offering educational and charitable services to the local population. Its role in promoting the spiritual life of the community is highly valued, making it a significant landmark in the region.

Very Rev.Fr. H. Gonsalves Parish Priest of Shirva conceived the idea of opening an elementary school and church at Pernal, about three miles away from Shirva and eventually establishing an official parish church in that same locality. On 20th June 1949 Rt. Rev. Dr. V. R. Fernandes Bishop of Mangalore purchased a plot of land about 2.20 acres in extent, from Venkataraja Udpa, for the purchase of constructing a church. On the 27th June 1950, Messer’s Salvador Mendonca and six others generously donated a plot measuring about 2.65 acres quite adjacent to the one purchased previously. Very Rev. Fr. H. Gonsalves with his, indomitable courage left no stone unturned till the sanction for the opening of an elementary was obtained on 1st September 1951 and immediately the school was opened with 60 children on the rolls distributed in standard 1 to 4 and two members of the teaching staff. The school at its very inception was deeply indebted to Mr. Salvador Babi Mendonca of Pernal.

On 8th September 1951, the feast of Nativity of our Lady the foundation stone for the new church was laid by very Rev. Fr. H. Gonsalves.  With the kind and generous help of Parishioners, friends and well-wishers abroad, the new church was roofed by the end of May 1952. The school so far conducted in the pandal was now shifted to the new building on 1st June 1952, on which memorable day it become a full pledged elementary school with the introduction of Standard 5th. 15th September 1952 was marked by the laying of the foundation stone for the presbytery which was roofed by the end of May 1953.

          While granting permanent recognition for the elementary School with effect from 1st June 1953, the Educational authorities granted permission to raise the school to the status of higher elementary school and accordingly standard 6th was opened on 4th June 1953 with 33 pupils.

          A small plot measuring 0.53 acres quite adjustment to ours was purchased from Mr. Baptist Mendonca of Pangala on 22nd November 1954. With the down of the Marian year permission was granted to celebrate Holy mass on Sundays from 1st June 1954. The new parish of our lady of Fatima was officially erected on 20th March 1955 when very Rev.Fr. H. Gonsalves installed Rev.Fr. G.B. D’Souza as the first parish priest of this newly erected our Lady of Fatima Church Pernal.

                    On 21st October 1955 the foundation stone was laid for the new school building along the road side. By the end of May 1956 the magnificent building was completed. On 15th September 1956 the foundation stone laid for an additional block to the school and it was completed by the end of May 1957 thus enabling the management to house all the eight standards of the higher elementary school in a separate and spacious school building. On 15th September 1958 the foundation stone was laid for an additional of three rooms for the school. On 24-07-1957 a plot measuring 0.39 acres and again on 17-1-1958 another plot 1.37 acres quite adjacent to ours was given to us on Kumuki rights by the government. The D.C. of South Kanara in his proceedings handed over 2.19 acres’ land for playground and once again Asst. Commissioner of Kundapur allotted 2.79 land as playground for the school.

          Constructing the Alter in white and colored mosaic and flooring the sanctuary with mosaic etc. and other part of the work was completed by Simon & Company Mangalore. The Church was blessed on 10-11-1959 and the first Parish Feast was celebrated on the following day by Rt. Rev. Dr. R. D’Mello Bishop of Mangalore. Now the school building was sufficient to accommodate all the classes. In the 1950 when Education Department was unwilling to give permission to open the Elementary school on the Pernal Hill where the school now stands as it was too near to the Sooda Board school, but willing to open two more furlongs away, a plot donating S.No.104/1 of the Pilar Village was brought in the name of very Rev. Fr. H. Gonsalves vicar of Shirva from Sri Lawrence Andrade of Sooda who surrendered it willingly in favour of the church to be started for a nominal price of Rs.25/=.

The Asst. Commissioner of Kundapur in his N.D is 5173/60 dated 7-6-1963 has transferred to pernal burial ground S.No. 110/2C measuring One Acre in extent in response to as application made by the secretary Parish Union of Mangalore Diocese for granting the land for the burial ground for Our Lady of Fatima Church.

Foundation stone for a hospital on S.No.104/1 of Pilar Village by the roadside was laid by the Vicar on 31-10-1961. It has cost as about Rs.55000/= including the will Diocese has donated Rs.5627/= at the Franciscan missionary of Mary sisters contribute Rs.5780/= for constructing etc. It was blessed by the Rev. W, Lewis on 11-2-1965 and named as “Pilar Hospital”. Dispensary was opened by the sisters immediately in one of the rooms. The sisters occupied the rest of the building as their temporary residence. Foundation for another building for the hospital was laid by Fr. N. F. Pereira of Belman on 8-9-1965. A plot measuring 1.51 acres denoting S.No.112 of Pilar Village was brought from Vasudeva Nayak for Rs.650 and was given to Ignatius Mendonca son of Balthazar Mendonca for a yearly rent of Rs.50 with effect from 1-9-1966. The opening ceremony of the other building of the hospital of our Lady of Pilar (Pilar Hospital as its name goes) was held on Sunday the 12th of May 1960 at 9.30 am by two honored Bishops, the RT. Rev. B. S. D’Souza Bishop of Mangalore and Bishop Mathias of Chic Mangalore arrived with Mgr. W. Lewis, the Vicar general of Mangalore. They were welcomed and garlanded by the Parish Priest Rev. Fr. G.B.D’Souza and escorted to the hospital with Band and a large crowd of  Parishioners. After speeches from Bishops and Parish history read by Parish Priest they opened the hospital by cutting the ribbon and they blessed the hospital. Fr. G.B. D’Souza and Franciscan Mission Sisters were praised by the Bishops and Dr. Achar of Shirva for good work they are doing in Pernal.

As the founding priest, Rev. Fr. G. B. D’Souza, was transferred to Bondel Church on 15th May 1968, Rev. Fr. John Cornelio took charge as the second priest of our parish on the same day. He was transferred from Siddakatte Church, where he had served for nearly 15 years and 10 months.

Fr. John Cornelio was welcomed by Fr. G. B. D’Souza, parish officials, and parishioners. After a brief ceremony, he officially took charge from the outgoing priest, Rev. Fr. G. B. D’Souza.

A farewell party was held for Rev. Fr. G. B. D’Souza on 16th May 1968, presided over by Rev. Fr. John Cornelio. During the event, a Thanksgiving address was delivered, and a token of love—a purse—was presented to Fr. G. B. D’Souza by the parishioners. However, Fr. Gabriel graciously returned the purse to be used as financial aid for the hospital.

Rev. Fr. John Cornelio served the parish from 15th May 1968 to 29th January 1972. During his tenure, he developed a close rapport with the parishioners, especially with the young children, to whom he taught valuable lessons and instilled Catholic teachings and spirituality.

He also undertook repairs of the church building and constructed a stage at the school to host cultural programs. Later, he was hospitalized at Fr. Muller Hospital in Mangalore. Due to ongoing health issues and to reduce his workload, he was subsequently transferred to Mount Rosary Church as a chaplain.

During his absence, church activities were temporarily managed by Rev. Fr. Richard Saldanha, Assistant Priest of Belman, and Rev. Fr. Alex Aranha.

Rev. Fr. Raymond D’Cunha took charge as the 3rd Parish Priest of our parish on 29th January. Before his appointment in Pernal, he served as the Chaplain at Fr. Muller’s Hospital, Kankanady, Mangalore.

He was warmly welcomed by Rev. Fr. Richard Saldanha, Assistant Priest of Belman, along with the parishioners.

As the outgoing priest, Rev. Fr. John Cornelio, was unwell and hospitalized at the time, a farewell could not be organized for him.

Rev. Fr. Raymond D’Cunha served the parish as the 3rd Parish Priest for a brief period of just two months. During that time, he efficiently managed the day-to-day administrative activities of the parish.

Unfortunately, due to deteriorating health, he was admitted to Fr. Muller’s Hospital, Mangalore. He passed away and entered his heavenly abode on 19th August 1972, six months later.

Rev. Fr. Raymond D’Cunha’s successor, Rev. Fr. Henry Castelino, who had been associated with St. Philomena College, Puttur from 1962 to 1972, arrived at our parish on 2nd May 1972 to take charge as the 4th Parish Priest.

He was warmly welcomed by Rev. Fr. A. Rosario, Parish Priest of Shirva, along with the parishioners.

In preparation for the Parish Feast, the entire church was whitewashed and painted at a cost of Rs. 1,200, which was fully contributed by the generous parishioners. The Un plastered portion of the presbytery was also plastered and whitewashed for Rs. 1,000.

Additionally:

  • A wall was constructed beside the cemetery, where there was no boundary wall.
  • Two pillars and an iron gate were installed at the cemetery entrance.

In preparation for the Pastoral Visit of 1973, the priest’s burial site and the parish school were again whitewashed and painted, costing Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 1,400 respectively. The pillars of the main entrance were completed, plastered, and whitewashed. The main gate, which was in poor condition, was repaired and painted.

A water tank and sink were installed in the church kitchen.

As a memorial of the 1973 Pastoral Visit, efforts were made to ensure that a copy of the Four Gospels in Konkani was distributed to every Catholic family in the parish.

The St. Vincent de Paul Society was established in July 1973.

On 21st April 1974, the Udupi Particular Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul celebrated its Cannery Feast at Pernal. Around 100 delegates from across the Mangalore Diocese attended the Mass, which was celebrated by the Bishop. After the Mass, lunch was hosted by the members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Pernal Unit, for all the delegates.

The short but meaningful tenure of Rev. Fr. Henry Castelino came to an end on 5th May 1974. He handed over the charge to the newly arrived parish priest, Rev. Fr. Norbert D’Souza, and returned to St. Philomena College, Puttur, to resume his teaching duties.

Rev. Fr. Norbert D’Souza took charge as the 5th Parish Priest on 5th May 1974. He was warmly received by the parishioners.

Under his leadership, he realized that the existing church was insufficient to accommodate all the devotees, especially during Sunday and festival Masses. He decided to build a new, larger church to reduce overcrowding and immediately secured approval from the Parish Council. They planned a five-year project and made every effort to complete the new church building in time for the church’s Silver Jubilee.

To raise funds, he traveled to Gulf countries, particularly reaching out to parishioners working abroad who supported their families back home. He was well received by parishioners and well-wishers of Pernal and returned with a substantial collection. Every family in the parish also contributed to this major project.

Soon after returning from the Gulf, he celebrated his Priestly Silver Jubilee with the parishioners. As planned, the new church building was inaugurated and blessed on 18th November. The inauguration, the parish’s Silver Jubilee, and the parish feast were celebrated together as a grand event spanning four days — 16th, 17th, 18th, and 19th November — attended by three bishops and many priests from the vicariate and neighboring areas.

On this occasion, a commemorative Silver Jubilee memorial book was released and distributed among parishioners and guests.

In 1981, the parish installed a Carillon church bell, cleaned the surrounding areas, and planted new greenery around the church. A new high-rise water tank with an electric pump was built to supply water for the plants.

Under the dynamic leadership of Rev. Fr. Norbert, the parish witnessed all-around development.

When his term ended on 24th May 1982, he was transferred to St. Joseph Church, Pezar, Mangalore.

Rev. Fr. Aloysius Sera took charge of our parish as the 6th Parish Priest on 24th May 1982. He was a qualified priest with an M.A. in Journalism and dedicated his time to the growth of education, economy, and spirituality in our parish. He served for just one year. Due to his old age, he was transferred to Kumbla Parish on 21st May 1983.

Rev. Fr. V. G. F. Rego, transferred from St. Anna Parish, Thottam, took charge as the 7th Parish Priest on 21st May 1983. He was warmly received by the parishioners.

As a well-known Headmaster, he dedicated his efforts to improving the education system of our parish school. When the government reduced the number of teachers, he created a special fund with the help of parishioners to appoint a private teacher, whose salary was paid from this fund. He also established a scholarship fund and entrusted it to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, which supports students who have passed SSLC and are pursuing higher education in PUC.

Fr. Rego collaborated with the CODP institution to help poor families build houses. He surveyed the SVDP Society and provided financial assistance to economically backward families using funds received from Canada.

Our convent was originally run by the FMM Sisters, but after their transfer to Shirva Convent, Fr. Rego invited the Holy Family Sisters to take over. They assumed charge of the convent on 1st August 1989 and have been providing continuous support to the parish and parishioners ever since.

After the closure of the Pernal parish institution in Mumbai, he secured funds from them and installed a new church bell.

Fr. Rego completed his term and was transferred to Kemmanu Church on 28th May 1990.

Rev. Fr. Alexander Aranha took charge as the 8th Parish Priest on 27th May 1990. Before arriving at our parish, he served as the Parish Priest of Shirtadi Carmel Church. After serving just one year, he was transferred to Kanajar Church as Parish Priest on 27th May 1991.

Rev. Fr. Charles Moras took charge as the 9th Parish Priest of our parish on 25th May 1991. He created the Teachers’ Protector Union and contributed to the growth of the church-run school. He celebrated his Silver Jubilee of Priesthood in December 1992. After serving for two years, he was transferred on 31st May 1993.

Rev. Fr. Vincent V. Menezes took charge as the 10th Parish Priest of our parish on 30th May 1993. Prior to his arrival in Pernal, he served as the Editor and Director of Rakno Magazine in the Diocese of Mangalore.

His tenure was marked by significant growth and numerous developments in the parish.

Fr. Vincent was a well-known speaker, debater, religious hymns singer, writer, and Biblical orator. He was never afraid to engage in religious discussions or debates. He worked tirelessly to promote unity within the church and introduced regular ward gatherings, which began with prayer and included both religious and cultural activities.

Some of his key contributions during his tenure include:

  • Categorization of land records related to parish property by frequently visiting government offices such as DC office, Taluk, and Panchayat Office.
  • Digging of a well and installation of a water pump to resolve water shortages
  • Purchase of a permanent diesel generator for use during power outages.
  • Construction of a boundary wall for the new cemetery, with the help of parishioners, especially through contributions from Ezak Mathias of Infant Jesus Ward

He also established several social initiatives institutions, including:

  • Old Students’ Association
  • Citizens’ Forum
  • Abstaining from Alcoholism campaign

During the renovation of the priest’s residence, he built a large hall for social gatherings and church functions, with a seating capacity of 400 people, and also purchased 400 wooden chairs for the hall.

In addition, he built a Grotto for Lourdes Mai, with generous contributions from Mr. Marian D’Souza and his family.

Fr. Vincent celebrated his Silver Jubilee of priesthood in a grand manner on 24th October 1999.

After seven years of fruitful service, he was transferred to Miyar Church on 17th May 2000.

Rev. Fr. Valerian D’Souza took charge as the 11th Parish Priest on 16th May 2000. He was transferred from Miyar Church and was warmly received by Fr. Lawrence Gomes, along with the outgoing parish priest, Rev. Fr. Vincent V. Menezes.

During his seven years of service, the parish witnessed many developments.

He introduced charismatic prayer services and the Blessing of the Holy Spirit every Friday evening. He upgraded the Fatima Mai Shrine with financial support from Mr. Anthony D’Souza and family of St. Joseph Ward. With help from Mr. David D’Souza of Majalbet Lower Ward, he built a Grotto for Vailankanni Mai. He also constructed a Mahadwara (grand entrance arch), funded by a donor from Pangla Church in gratitude for blessings he and his family received from Fatima Mai.

The first parish magazine, “Fatimaso Talo – 2000”, was released during his tenure, edited by Mr. Alwyn Danthy and published on the feast of Monti Fest.

Fr. Valerian encouraged parishioners working in Mumbai and the Gulf countries to form Our Lady of Fatima Associations in those regions to have a close bond among the parishioners.

He celebrated the Golden Jubilee of the church-run Fatima Higher Primary School and installed a memorial statue of our founder, Rev. Fr. Gabriel D’Souza, on top of the priest’s house.

He also:

  • Created an education fund to support students
  • Purchased a high-capacity diesel generator for the church
  • Upgraded the lighting system with energy-efficient lights
  • Replaced the church fans
  • Improved the sound system by installing a new amplifier and speakers

On 13th May 2004, he celebrated a grand “three-in-one” function:

  • Golden Jubilee of the Church
  • Parish Day
  • His own Silver Jubilee as a priest

Various programs were conducted from 7th May to 13th May as part of the celebration. A commemorative souvenir titled “Ankar” was released to mark the Golden Jubilee of the Church.

Fr. Valerian was known for being approachable and well-connected with all generations in the parish. He received wholehearted support from the parishioners throughout his tenure.

After completing seven years, he was transferred to St. Patrick Parish on 7th June 2007 by the Bishop.

Rev. Fr. Gregory Serao took charge of the parish as the 12th Parish Priest on 7th June 2007.

On 11th October, he established the Women’s Organization of our parish unit and appointed Mrs. Irine Mendonca as its first president. He also inaugurated the newly built Cemetery Entrance Arch (Dwara), which was financed by Mr. Valerian Rodrigues and family of Fatima Ward.

During the 2009 Monti Fest, he released the book “Fatimaso Talo”. On 11th October 2009, he formed the Catholic Sabha Pernal Unit, electing Mr. David Correa as its first president.

On 13th May 2010, he released “Fatimaso Ulo”, the Parish Telephone Directory, sponsored by Lorna and Lavie D’Souza of St. Joseph Ward.

In the second week of January 2011, he began the renovation work of the church. The major projects undertaken included:

  • A newly designed Calvary scene depicting the crucifixion of Jesus
  • New tiles, paintings, and lighting on both side walls of the main altar
  • Installation of the Statue of Nityadhar Mai and the Sacred Heart of Jesus
  • New granite reading stands
  • New ceilings above the altar
  • Complete painting of the church and the interior work done
  • Renovation of the parish priest’s residence
  • Installation of a new stage in the church hall
  • Full painting of the church hall

The renovated church was inaugurated on 4th May 2012 by SVD Bishop Rev. Dr. Leo Cornelio of the Bhopal Diocese.

On the day of the inauguration, three SVD Deacons were ordained as priests by the Bishop. Among them were two deacons from our parish — Deacon Evan Gomes and Deacon Rajesh D’Souza, along with Deacon Maxim Pinto from Nirude Parish.

As expected, a new diocese named Udupi was formed on 16th July 2012, and Shivamogga Bishop Dr. Jerald Isaac Lobo was appointed as the first Bishop of the Udupi Diocese.

On 2nd February 2013, Bishop Jerald Isaac Lobo inaugurated and blessed the newly built presbytery.

Following the division of dioceses, all priests were given the option to choose where they wished to serve. Since Fr. Gregory Serao was born in the Mangalore Diocese, he chose to continue his service there.

He was transferred to Pompei Mai Church, Gurpur, on 2nd June 2013.

Rev. Fr. Arthur Pereira took charge of our parish on 2nd June 2013 as the 13th Parish Priest. He was transferred from St. Lawrence Church, Attur, Karkala. Upon taking over, his priority was to complete the remaining work of the church renovation project.

He laid new tiles across the entire church floor and modified all the existing benches by adding kneeling support for the devotees. This entire project was generously financed by Mr. Simon Machado and family of Infant Jesus Ward. To actively participate during Mass, he also printed hymn books specifically for our Church.

On 7th July 2013, to promote unity and active involvement among Catholic families, he initiated monthly ward gatherings on the first Sunday evening of each month, under the concept of the Small Christian Community (SCC). He personally attended these gatherings, monitored their progress, and offered valuable guidance. He also distributed copies of the Parish Priest’s letter during these meetings to ensure communication to be reaches every family in the ward.

On 26th November 2013, Miss Bibiyana from South Korea visited our church. Under Fr. Arthur’s leadership, a one-hour gathering was organized in her honor on the church premises, during which she shared her insights with the participants. That evening, she visited St. Lawrence Church, Attur, along with the Parish Priest. On 27th November, she visited the Small Christian Community of St. Joseph Ward, where she was warmly welcomed. She expressed her deep appreciation for the members of the ward and the parishioners.

Fr. Arthur also conducted a 20-day leadership training program for parishioners, teaching them how to take leadership roles within the Christian community and serve with commitment.

On 5th January 2015, Deacon Michael D’Souza from Koraje Ward was ordained as a priest by Bishop Dr. Jerald Isaac Lobo.

To address power outages and delays in generator startup, Fr. Arthur installed an inverter to ensure an uninterrupted power supply for the sound system.

He was recognized as one of the 10 full-fledged members of the Small Christian Community of Asia. In this capacity, he visited various places, including international trips to the Far East, Sri Lanka, Thailand etc to train and serve local communities. He also visited Mysore Prabodini, bringing honor and laurels to our parish.

Fr. Arthur initiated the thoughtful practice of wishing parishioners on their birthdays a day in advance, helping to build a stronger sense of community and belonging.

After seven years of dedicated service in Pernal, he was transferred to Nakre Parish on 30th May 2019.

Rev. Fr. Jerome Monteiro took charge as the 14th Parish Priest of our church on 31st May 2019. As soon as he assumed responsibility, he upgraded the church’s sound system to ensure audibility across all corners of the church. He installed new high watts speakers and interconnected wiring in a presentable and efficient manner.

He also installed 14 outdoor Stations of the Cross around the church compound, which were generously sponsored by our own parishioners. Additionally, he constructed an open hall stage with two side stages to facilitate outdoor functions. These stages were also sponsored by parishioners.

Two projectors were installed on the right and left sides of the church to display hymns during Mass. He laid interlock tiles around the church premises and built a boundary wall for the old cemetery. Both the old and new cemeteries were cleaned, painted, and made neat and presentable, creating a respectful space to remember our departed loved ones.

Rev. Fr. Pascal Menezes joined as a Resident Priest alongside the Parish Priest. He was assisting him in all the church’s religious activities. He renovated the main altar by increasing its height and added a beautiful painting of the Last Supper on its front. The surrounding area was also repainted, and the exterior of the church received a fresh coat of paint. He also planted 1200 plus areca nut plants across the church and school compound.

On 25th December 2023, he laid the foundation stone for the renovation of the church. The scope of work included:

  • A new portico
  • A choir room
  • An extra room for parents with infants
  • Statues of saints
  • An uplifted front altar with new paintings
  • Replacement of old roofing sheets with new Mangalore tiles

During his tenure, the Senior Citizens’ Club of the Pernal Unit was inaugurated in our church to recognize and encourage interaction among our elderly parishioners.

The renovated church was inaugurated on 22nd December 2024 by Bishop Jerald Isaac Lobo.

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