St.. Anne Church, Kelarai
Kelarai Parish, part of the Mangalore Diocese's City Deanery, is situated approximately a kilometer from Kelarai Circle on the road from Mangalore to Neermarga. The parish is surrounded by the parishes of Paldane, Vamanjoor, and Neermarga. Initially starting as a small community gathering under a thatched roof, Kelarai Parish has grown significantly over the years, thanks to the dedication of various pastors and the active participation of its parishioners. Today, Kelarai Parish comprises numerous wards, reflecting the dynamic growth of its church community.

Early Beginnings (1931 - 1937)

Before 1935, the faithful at Kelarai had to travel long distances to either Omzoor or Kulshekar churches for their spiritual needs. Recognizing this challenge, Rev. Fr. F. S. D'Souza, the Parish Priest of Kulshekar, and Rev. Fr. M. S. Fernandes, the Parish Priest of Omzoor, decided to establish a chapel at Kelarai in 1931. A meeting was held at Omzoor Church for the families from Katinja, Bindigala, Keliye, and surrounding areas, during which it was decided to construct a chapel near the bungalow of Lawyer Caithan L. Lobo. After careful consideration, the Diocese approved this decision in 1934, marking the Parish boundaries. Lawyer Lobo generously donated five acres of land and constructed a chapel with a thatched roof near his residence. The chapel, dedicated to St Anne, was inaugurated on February 6, 1935. Rev. Fr. Gracian Goveas, the Assistant Parish Priest of Omzoor Church, was appointed as the first chaplain of the Kelarai Chapel. During his two-and-a-half-year tenure, Fr Goveas worked tirelessly to meet the religious needs of the community and foster unity among the laity. He also erected a cross at a rocky site known as Kiliye, where people continue to gather for the Way of the Cross and Mass during Lent.

Growth & Development (1937 - 1957)

On September 5, 1937, Rev. Fr. Goveas handed over the charge to Rev. Fr Joseph D'Souza. Recognizing the need for a larger chapel, Fr. Joseph, in consultation with the Bishop, identified a new location for its construction. On August 30, 1937, Fr. Joseph established a primary school attached to the chapel, dedicated to St. Joachim, to meet the lack of educational facilities for local children. The first titular feast was celebrated on December 25, 1937, with the contributions from the parishioners. Initially, the parish had only four wards: Kudupu, Katinja, Upper Kelarai, and Lower Kelarai. The first official visit by the Bishop took place in February 1938. During his tenure, Fr Joseph focused on peace-building and spiritual growth in the area. In February 1939, a new school building, chapel, and clergy house with a tiled roof were blessed and inaugurated by Bishop Victor Fernandes. Fr. Joseph served until June 2, 1943, after which Rev. Fr William Rebello, briefly took charge until January 1944. Following this, Rev. Fr Joachim Fernandes, the Assistant Parish Priest of the Cathedral, became the first Parish Priest of Kelarai on February 9, 1944. He incorporated Moodjeppu ward into the parish and during his 13 years of service, he played a key role in building two grottos (Lady of Lourdes and Fatima), one of which still exists. Although he faced challenges in continuing the school, which was attached to the church building, he initiated plans for a separate school. However, due to health issues, he left the project and was transferred to Taccode Church.

Foundation and Development (1957 - 1974)

In 1957, Rev. Fr. J. B. Alvares, who had served as the Parish Priest of Taccode, succeeded Fr Joachim. To address the educational challenges, Fr Alvares laid the foundation for a new school, which was completed in October 1958. He sought the assistance of Ursuline Nuns to enhance the quality of education and provide religious support. Temporarily, he accommodated the nuns in Mr. J. S. Alvares' house, located next to the church compound. In May 1959, the Ursuline Nuns established Fathima Convent with the leadership of Fr. Alvares and the Ursuline Mother General at Jeppu, on the land provided by the Diocese,. The clergy house was located behind the chapel. On July 25, 1959, during the eve of St Anne's feast, the walls of the clergy house were found sinking due to rainwater. It was temporarily repaired, and a decision was made to build a new church on the hilltop(darkast). In 1959, there were 99 Catholic families in the parish, organized into six wards. The entire parish community, along with youth volunteers, provided physical and financial support for the Church's construction. Contributions also came from outsiders, including Bishop Rev. Peris and Mr. J. S. Alvares. The project began in January 1960, and during this time, the Church's boundaries were officially revised. The construction of a new clergy house was also included in the project since the existing house was in poor condition. Finally, the new Church was inaugurated on May 24, 1967, by Most Rev. B. S. D'Souza (Bishop), Most Rev. A. V. D'Souza (Archbishop of Calcutta), and Mgr W. A. Lewis (Vicar General). The family members of late Caithan. L. Lobo (Advocate) were honoured for their significant contributions to the church. Following the completion of the church, Fr. Alvares worked to secure electricity for the church and successfully executed the lighting project. In 1969, he initiated the construction of a belfry (bell tower), with church bells procured from Italy through a Jesuit priest. The 54-foot-high bell tower, featuring three bells, was blessed and inaugurated by the Bishop on May 28, 1972. Fr. Alvares also embarked on a project to establish Amruthlalji (St. Joachim in Hindi) High School. He initially started 8th Standard classes in a small hall within the Church in 1972. The management of the school was handed over to the Ursuline Nuns, with Sr. Innocence serving as the first headmistress. During the construction of the high school building, Fr. Alvares fractured his leg and went to Bombay for treatment. In his absence in 1973, Fr. B. A. Pinto from Madurai temporarily took charge of the Church. The new high school building and an open well were officially inaugurated on July 6, 1974, by the Bishop of Mangalore. On May 11, 1974, Fr. J. B. Alvares was appointed as the Episcopal Vicar with additional responsibilities as the Estate Manager of the Diocese. He became the first Episcopal Vicar in the history of the Diocese with the title of V. Rev. Monsignor. After serving in various capacities within the Diocese, he passed away on August 19, 1995, and his mortal remains were laid to rest at the portico of St Anne Church, Kelarai.

Expansion and Milestones (1974 - 2013)

Fr J. A. P. Miranda, Parish Priest of Valencia taken charge as Parish Priest of  Kelarai on 15-05-1974.  Fr Miranda had improved the Church with certain developmental works during his tenure of 1974 to 1982.

He broadened the Church road from 8 ft to 20 ft bearing the expenses by himself.  Sixty benches were added to the Church, as prior to that, people would sit on the floor during the Mass.  Church compound was incorporated with metal gates at the entrance of the Church.  Tailoring Classes started for the ladies.  St Joseph ward was created from St Sebastina and Keliye wards on 17-03-1975.  Novena of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour started on Saturdays (15-10-1977) after the evening Mass.  Church Doors and Windows were painted.  Mini Hall near the Parochial Hall  was widened  and renovated.  Road towards Primary School was widened from 8 ft to 20 ft.  15 new wells were dug for the Parishioners and 10 old wells of Parishioners were deepened.  He solved many disputes of Parishioners by acting as an intermediary through discussions.  Sound System for the Church was introduced.  Saplings were planted in a barren land of the Church near the Cemetary.  Helped tenants to get their right as per the Land Act.  

Rev. Fr. Pascal F. Lobo, who had served as the Parish Priest of Kemmannu, took charge as the Parish Priest of Kelarai on May 6, 1983, following the transfer of Fr. Miranda to Alangar Church. Fr. Lobo served the parish from 1983 to 1991. During his tenure, the parish celebrated its Golden Jubilee, marking this significant milestone by laying the foundation for a new hall, named the Golden Jubilee Hall. Additionally, in 1983, the parish adapted to the changes introduced by the new Canon Law, which allowed parishioners to fulfil their Sunday obligation by attending Mass on Saturday evenings.

On January 1, 1991, the youngest priest at that time, Rev. Fr. Francis D'Souza from Panja Church, assumed the role of Parish Priest. During his tenure from 1991 to 1998, the parish saw significant development, especially in youth engagement. The St. Anne Youth Club was established on October 6, 1991. New wards, namely Lourds Ward and Holy Cross B Ward, were also formed. A new stage was constructed on the open ground of the Church, and legal awareness sessions were organized by Lawyer Shirthady William Pinto. The Small Christian Community (SCC) was officially launched on February 12, 1995. Fr. D'Souza also undertook painting and polishing work on the Church, acquired a diesel generator for backup power, and organized a "Wilfy Nite" to raise funds for the church. Under his leadership, the construction of the Golden Jubilee Hall began in 1996, and it was inaugurated on May 10, 1998, after extensive efforts by both the Parish Priest and the church community. Bishop Dr. A. P. D'Souza blessed and inaugurated the Hall, which also included shops.

On May 28, 1998, Rev. Fr. Peter Fernandes, the Parish Priest of Borimar Church, took over as Parish Priest, while Fr. Francis was transferred to Kodialbail Press as Assistant Manager. During Fr. Peter’s tenure from 1998 to 2002, he focused on strengthening the faith of the community and maintaining unity. He also verified the parish’s legal records and installed land boundaries. The church hall was upgraded with the installation of glass doors, new furniture, and a fresh coat of paint. On June 6, 2000, Sacred Heart Ward was established as a new ward from St Sebastian Ward.

Rev. Dr Mark Castelino from Derebail Church took charge as Parish Priest on May 31, 2002, after Fr. Peter was transferred to the Bishop's House as the Estate Manager of the Diocese. From 2002 to 2009, Fr Castelino initiated several developments within the parish. He formed a central committee at the church level and ward committees at the ward level for the SCC. The damaged desks and benches at St. Joachim School were replaced with new ones. On June 1, 2003, he established St Anne English Medium School, which included a playground. He also started a church magazine named “Kelaraiche Sheth”. Additionally, Fr Castelino renovated the clergy house, improved the parish’s borewell facility, and introduced a rainwater harvesting system. He wrote and directed a popular Konkani play titled “Jentilaso Apostle”. Rev Dr Castelino served until 2009 before being transferred to Taccode Parish.

Recent Developments (2009 - 2024)
Rev. Fr. John Vas, formerly the Parish Priest of Uppinangady, served as the Parish Priest of Kelarai from 2009 to 2013. Known for his friendly and soft-spoken nature, he oversaw the grand celebration of the parish's Diamond Jubilee on January 31, 2010. He also initiated the construction of a new extension block for the church and a kindergarten block for St. Anne English Medium School. He served until 2013 and was then transferred to the Bishop's House as Procurator.

Rev. Fr. Joachim Fernandes, previously a professor at St. Joseph's Seminary in Jeppu, took over as Parish Priest of St. Anne Church Kelarai in 2013. During his tenure, he made several improvements, including the renovation of the clergy house, the installation of a new sound system, and the instalment of new furniture that included kneeling rests. He also ensured the continued activity of the SCC and facilitated the construction of a new house for a poor family in Mother Teresa of Calcutta Ward.

In 2014, Rev. Fr Vishal Monis, who was the Assistant Parish Priest of Holy Cross Church in Kulshekar, was appointed as the first Assistant Parish Priest of Kelarai Parish. He served as the Administrator of St Anne English Medium School from 2014 to 2019, overseeing various improvements such as the renovation of the office, the playground, and the borewell. Under his administration, the school achieved a 100% pass rate in the 10th standard. Fr. Monis also installed a flagpole, a victory stand, and interlocking tiles on the school premises, and relocated electric poles to the corner of the property. He introduced the popular event Gadyanth Gammath, which involved playing traditional games in the fields during the rainy season. In 2018, Fr. Vishal Monis was transferred to Peruvai Church in Vittal as Parish Priest.

Modern Era (from 2018 onward)
Rev. Fr Joseph Mascarenhas was transferred from Ujire to Kelarai and took over as Parish Priest in 2018. During his tenure from 2018 to 2024, the church experienced significant developments. His contributions earned him the title "Model Sculpture" for his efforts in the church's growth. He renovated the Church, constructed a compound wall, and installed interlocking pavement on the premises. He also renovated the Church Hall, improved the church grounds, and named them St Anne Ground/St  Joachim Ground. Fr Mascarenhas oversaw the construction of houses for the needy, increased the number of wards, and renamed some of them. Special attention was given to the annual Catechism Day celebration. He also renovated the cemetery and constructed a road connecting the church to the cemetery. Additionally, he installed an LCD projector screen and a camera to display hymns and liturgical prayers during the Mass. He started  “Media Team” to monitor church events and manage liturgical displays during the Mass. A small hall was built behind the Parochial Hall for meetings, and Sunday classes were organized within the church compound by renovating the terrace space of the clergy house. He also improved the Hall facilities and arranged a separate generator for the Hall.

In 2024, Rev. Fr Sylvester D’Costa, who had served as the Parish Priest of Mulki Church, took over as Parish Priest of Kelarai Church, continuing the legacy of growth and community service at St Anne Church, Kelarai.