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Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (RJP)
By Archibald Furtado and Kishoo Barkur
Udupi, Dec 14: Barkur was the capital city during the rule of Alupa dynasty. It was also fortunate to enjoy a place of strategic importance under Hoysala and Vijayanagara rulers. It had a cosmopolitan culture since long and people from different religions lived happily here. Barkur is a beautiful place known for its people who are friendly, educated and cultured. Its scenic beauty is appreciated by people from all over.
The legend has it that in the year 72 AD, two apostles of Jesus Christ, St Thomas and Bartholomew arrived here to spread the good news. Bartholomew preferred to stay over here and the place was eventually named after him. Bartholomew and ooru, meaning town, together eventually became Barkur.
Most of the Catholics presently living in coastal Karnataka, including Barkur, are from Goa who migrated in 16th and 17th centuries. There were churches in Kallianpur, Barkur, Petre and other places of present Udupi district. A substantial Christian population was eliminated during the infamous captivity in the hands of Tipu Sultan during 1784 – 1799. His soldiers damaged and destroyed many of the churches of that time including Barkur.
After the death of Tipu in 1799, those who returned to Barkur, built a small Church near the present Maryknoll High School in 1801 and dedicated to Our Lady of Holy Rosary, which went into decay during the Pedroado- Verapoly conflict in 1835.
The present plot where the church stands was procured in 1850, and a chapel was built in 1854, dedicated to Apostle St Peter as patron. The miraculous wooden statue of the Apostle, carefully brought from Petre, which was dislocated and hidden during the captivity of Catholics in 1784 to Halekody and then placed at the Milagres Church Kallianpur till 1854, was also brought and installed here.
The chapel was served by the Milagres Church Kallianpur in the initial days. ThetThen assistant parish priest Fr Caetano Joao Fernandes would come every Sunday to Barkur to celebrate Mass and sacraments.
Barkur was promoted as an independent parish on April 29, 1861, with Fr Cosmos Damian Rebello as the first resident vicar. Most of the primary facilities were put in place by August 1863.
There was a genuine need for a spacious church, but resources were scarce as people were financially poor. From 1854 to 1923, for almost 69 long years, the tiny chapel was the only prayer house for the faithful. There were attempts and plans to extend the prayer house. But due to chain of political uncertainties, First World War, and mainly the lack of monetary resources, people were discouraged from going for a new, bigger church.
Today’s gothic-style church, an attractive architectural marvel, built by Monsignor Denis Jerome D’Souza, was inaugurated on May 28, 1923. Till the year 1921, when Airody St Anthony Church was opened, and till 1934, when Holy Family Church in Brahmavar was erected, Barkur Church catered the religious needs of the huge geographical area ranging almost from Kota to parts of Brahmavar.
The much needed repair, restoration and maintenance of almost a century-old Barkur Church building commenced in October 2018 and the renovated Church will be inaugurated on December 15.
Monsignor Denis Jerome D’Souza – the architect of artistic Church
Young, farsighted, devout Fr Denis Jerome D’Souza, who was the assistant vicar of Milagres Church Kallianpur, was handpicked by the then Bishop of Mangalore to be the parish priest of Barkur Church with a mission, on September 11, 1915. Milagres Church treasury and the diocese donated an initial fund to start the much needed new church building. The enthusiastic parishioners sacrificed more than what they could afford by way of free labour, material etc.
Non-Catholic well-wishers were very generous by donating trees, tiles, lateral stones etc and also by offering free transportation by their bullock carts and boats. It is said that the whole town was involved in this noble act, irrespective of caste, creed or religion, in whatever way they could afford, as it was ‘Devara Kelasa’ meaning work of God.
The late Didwac Sequeira, father of famed John P Sequeira, was the then administrator of the church. Masons and carpenters were brought from Goa, supported by local artisans. Gothic designers from Spain and Portugal were brought. A few marble stones for sanctuary were procured from Italy. High Altar of Apostle St Peter was donated by Joseph Mingel D’Souza. Mahabaleshwar Shetty from Mabukal donated tiles free of cost.
An attractive architectural marvel was inaugurated on May 28, 1923 by the bishop of Mangalore Dr Paul Perini, SJ (Visual) and the whole town celebrated the event.
St Peter Church Barkur is a marvelous heritage structure. It is a perfect example for Gothic-style of architecture in the region, often identified with such constructional devices as pointed arches, ribbed vaults, flying buttresses etc. Most of the other historic churches in the diocese are a mixture of Basque and Gothic style including the present Milagres Cathedral in Kallianpur.
The skill of designers and the technical ability of carvers of those days can be witnessed in the wood works with elaborate decorations. One can observe the extended piers into the roof area and then curved out the individual columns like ribs of an open umbrella. An aerial view of this immense size and height of the Church, gives a Cross shape from above.
The present portico was rebuilt by Fr J N Lobo in 1981. The two side wings were extended a little, the left side by Fr Marian Castelino in 1940 and the right side by Fr Thomas Aquinas Lobo in 1947.
As per needs, many changes have been incorporated in the past years. But the same original century-old, most attractive statue of Apostle St Peter, the patron of the church, holding keys of heaven stand high on the wooden cum marble high Altar has remained center of attraction all the time.
Fr Valerian Mendonca constructed the adjacent solid state-of-the art parochial house as a memorial of post centenary Golden Jubilee, in 2016.
Altar
An altar is a raised place that serves as the central point of religious worship. In 1964, Vatican issued a directive that altars, normally the Eucharistic table used to break the bread, symbolizing the last Supper and Christ’s supreme sacrifice on the Cross for mankind, to see, involve and to enable the congregation to participate, the altar moved away from the back, so that Priest will face them. All the new built Churches after 1965 had only a large Holy Cross behind the celebrant and all statues of saints, including Mother Mary are now placed in the side wings.
Barkurians also played it safe to retain one of the greatest High Altar of Apostle St Peter intact, till today! It is one of the most attractive and beautiful in the surrounding, next only to Milagres Cathedral, among the historical churches.
Only the top part of this altar is now retained as it is. Round shaped four wooden poles to support the canopy and the artwork on the top of it with the writing on the ribbon reading ‘Pasce Agnos Meos, Pasce Oves Meos’ (meaning Feed My Lambs, Feed My Sheep People) are now happy to observe, that this High altar will be retained with its unique holiness and beauty.
The artistic belfry of Barkur Church
The height of the tower is divided in three platforms, each about 20 feet, with the total height of about 32 meters from the ground. The foundation is as deep as 18 feet, built on solid rock. A strong steel ladder is placed 90 degree to climb to the top of the tower.
Many churches are rebuilt, and have replaced the bells and towers, but not like the Barkur bells. For almost 30 years not even painting was felt necessary for these triune melodious sounding bells neither to its structure since it is built of unique granite stones. Stone walls are untouched. Steps and concrete window panes only painted once in a while as felt necessary.
The day the belfry was blessed on November 25, 1963, Fr Aloysius Rosario, the most contented man of the moment, rightly then on occupied a permanent place in the hearts of Barkurians, composed a meaningful hymn to thank Almighty Lord, through our Patron St Peter, as a great monument stood up to awaken, unite, guide and guard all the Barkurians to be in His blessed arms.
Priests who served at Barkur
Barkur parish was fortunate to have been served by 28 parish priests and the same number of assistant parish priests with rich talents and administrative skills, who not only took care of religious needs for more than 157 years but also material well-being of the society at large.
Their contributions with coordination from the laity leadership are noteworthy in making this parish to reach the present level. Barkur parish fondly remembers their services. Their details are given below:
Fr Cosmos Damian Rebello: 28-04-1861 to 19-04-1870
Fr Basil J C Baretto: 20-04-1870 to 19-06-1872
Fr Benedict Rosario Pereira: 20-06-1872 to 28-12-1884
Fr Louis Cajetan Cutinho: 29-12-1884 to 18-01-1888
Fr Julius A Torrado: 19-01-1888 to 08-11-1908. Earlier served at Milagres Church, Kallianpur as assistant parish priest and was in Barkur for a record number of 20 long years as vicar. His special assignment was to win back the lost sheep.
Fr Francis S D’Souza: 08-11-1908 to 05-03-1911
Fr Sebastian Vincent Rebello: 05- 03-1911 to 11-09-1915
Msgr Denis Jerome D’Souza: 11-09-1915 to 27-04-1929. A great builder, who constructed today’s Gothic-style church dedicated to St Peter the Apostle, was instrumental to have local fund hospital near NJC Barkur, constructed a new parochial house for resident priests.
Fr Julian L D’Souza: 27-04-1929 to 30-10-1929
Fr David S F Coelho: 30-10-1929 to 13-09-1931
Fr Francis X. Aranha: 13-09-1931 to 30-12-1935
Fr Sabas S Fernandes: 30-12-1935 to 16-02-1936
Fr Joe A Noronha: 16-02-1936 to 08-09-1936
Msgr Marian F C Castelino: 08-09-1936 to 27-05-1944. Responsible for educational revolution with the starting of Maryknoll Primary School, Hosala Barkur, in May, 1940, Founder of St Peter’s Association Barkur, to encourage, social, cultural activities in the parish on May 16, 1937.
Fr John M Menezes: 28-05-1944 to 28-01-1947
Fr Thomas A Lobo: 29-01-1947 to 31-12-1949
Fr Charles Nazareth: 01-01-1950 to 23-04-1957. Celebrated Centenary Celebrations of the Church on April 8, 1954 with all pomp and splendor. Completed electrification of the Church Building. St Peter’s Association Bombay joins their hands to put mosaic tiles for the main body of the church floor. He added a new block to MHPS.
Fr Lawrence Monteiro: 23-04-1957 to 6-05-1959
Fr Aloysius Rosario: 06-05-1959 to 30-01-1972. Invited Sisters of Charity to start their Convent and Maryknoll Girls High School in May 1966. Formed Barkur unit of the Secular Franciscan Society – Tertiary in 1961. Constructed artistic belfry with three gigantic bells in 1962 which was once a landmark clock tower of Barkur.
Fr Joseph D’Souza: 31-01-1972 to 16-04-1980. Founded Catholic Youth Movement (CYM) of Barkur in September 1976. Leveled the ground and improved the Coconut garden and constructed Open Stage in May 1978. Poor Brides Monthly Saving Scheme was started in May 1973.
Fr Joseph Nicholas Lobo: 16-05-1980 to 20-05-1987. Constructed new portico in 1982. Started Vincent De Paul Society Barkur on April 17, 1983 and inaugurated SPCYA Barkur-Mumbai on December 1, 1985. CYM of Barkur celebrated its decennial in December 1986.
Fr Mark D’Sa: 20-05-1987 to 30-05-1994. Inaugurated hostel constructed by SPA Barkur - Mumbai at Naigaum, Vasai West, for Barkurians, January 1990.
Fr Benjamin D’Souza: 30-05-1994 to 5-06-2001. Small Christian Communities formed in Barkur in 1995. Stree Sanghatan was started in the parish on October 16, 1999. ‘Pedruchi Chavi’, the parish magazine took its birth in the year 2000.
Fr Sylvester D’Souza: 05-06-2001 to 28-05-2004. Compound wall of boarding school and cemetery was reconstructed in June 2003. YCS - Young Christian Students federation was formed in 2003. Historical three day Silver Jubilee of the ICYM celebrated on December 18, 22 and 25, 2002.
Fr Remigious C M Aranha: 28-05-2004 to 30-05-2011. Sauharda Community Hall was constructed and opened for public use on June 29, 2007. New entrance Arc with new gate inaugurated.
Fr Alban D’Souza: 30-05-2011 to 03-06-2012. New Adoration Chapel for private prayers was opened on May 11, 2012.
Fr Valerian Mendonca: 03-06-2012 to 09-06-2017. Parish celebrated Post Centenary Golden Jubilee (150 year) in December, 2013. As a memorial of the Jubilee, a spacious, New, Parochial House was constructed and is in use since November 29, 2014.
Fr Philip Neri Aranha: Present parish priest serving the parish from 09-06-2017. One of the younger priests to take over the reins of Barkur Church. Earlier served at Mount Rosary Church Kallianpur. Renovated and restored present St Peter Church with great care, dedication and professionalism.
Present parish priest Fr Philip Neri Aranha
Fr Philip Neri Aranha, who built the new and modern Mount Rosary church at Kallianpur - Santekatte is the present parish priest of Barkur Church, who planned and executed the repair and restoration of this historical church. He led the team from the front. He also succeeded in getting a sanction of Rs 50 lac from the government of Karnataka for this project.
Barkuronline.com, started in the year 2000 by Kishore Gonsalves and team and ‘Pedruchi Chavi’, the parish bulletin started by Fr Benjamin D’Souza are the two eyes through which global Barkurians can see their hometown on a day-to-day basis.
Parishioners, far and near, have joined their hands in this noble work with generous contributions and sacrifices. The true concern, passion and enthusiasm of every parishioner is reflected in this beautiful project, a magnificent edifice.
No doubt, constructing altogether a new building is easier than repairing and restoring the old, without compromising the original architectural values.
Barkur parishioners are happy to see their great Gothic-style church renovated. Their faith which has been always strong will remain the same in days to come.
About the inaugural ceremony on Sunday, December 15
The inauguration and blessing of the renovated church will be held at 3.30 pm on Sunday, December 15 by Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, bishop, diocese of Udupi. This will be followed by the solemn thanks giving Eucharistic celebration.
In the felicitation programme, Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, bishop, diocese of Udupi will preside over the function, while Msgr Dr Baptist Menezes, vicar general, diocese of Udupi, Fr Stany B Lobo, chancellor, diocese of Udupi, Fr Lawrence D’Souza, dean, Kallianpur deanery, Sr Matilda Monteiro, provincial superior, Sisters of Charity, Shobha Karandlaje, member of Parliament, Udupi-Chikmagaluru constituency, Oscar Fernandes, member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, Halady Srinivas Shetty, MLA Kundapur, K J George, former minister and MLA, Ivan D’Souza, member of Legislative Council, J R L obo, former MLA, Shaila D’Souza, president of Barkur gram panchayat, B Shantaram Shetty, Karnataka State Rajyotsava awardee will be present. They will be accompanied by Fr Philip Neri Aranha, parish priest, St Peter Church, Barkur, Jerald M Gonsalves, vice-president, Vivet Lewis, secretary and Dolphy D’Souza, co-coordinator of commissions.
Daijiworld.com will bring live web streaming of the programme on Sunday, December 15 from 3.15 pm onwards.