Bela Church: Simple church in Kasargode

 


Around 10kms away from the Kasagode town within coconut groves is this beautiful Bela church which as any typical old church arrangements invites all its devotees along a long corridor. Built in 1890 the church considered to be the oldest church in Kasargode has been a place of worship to all people around for over a century & its rustic view still invites many more.

The church managed by the Mangalore Diocese is a Roman Catholic Church. It is also known as the Our Lady of Sorrows & is dedicated to the Mother of Dolours. The church prays to Virgin Mary who is referred to have felt all the sorrows in life. The church is built in Gothic architecture & has a convent within its expanse. The church built in the old style of architecture has terracotta tiles as its roof & the wide prayer hall is flanked by a simple altar with not much decoration. The large wood cross on the wall is a great work of craftsmanship. Outside the church on the façade one can find a fine work of art in clay which shows Mother Mary soothing the body of Jesus Christ after crucifixion.

The history of the church is quite simple as missionaries are said to have built this church when they travelled north from Kodungaloor. The response to their initial preaching’s did not find many followers, but later there came forward a small set of people who raised funds to build this church. The local language spoken by people around is Konkani which gives one the taste of Tulunad which was what these parts of South India were known earlier. The church mass is also conducted in Konkani along with Malayalam. The church celebrates its annual festival or feast to Mother Mary with all its grandeur & pomp. Christians from all over Kasargode come to the church for the celebrations & is a beautiful sight with lights.

The church has a very normal history & one has to come to the place to know better.

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