Seeds of Faith in Mangalore

In 1521, Franciscan priests visited Mangalore under the protection of the Vijayanagara King Krishna Devaraya. This mission led to the establishment of the earliest churches in the region, including Rosario, Ullal, and Arkula.

Dedication of St. Francis of Assisi Church

In 1568, the church at Arkula. near the site of today’s Nitya Sahaya Maatha High School was established and dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi. During this period, Catholic families from Meremajal belonged to the Church at Arkula. Families from Omzoor (present‑day), Arkula, Farangipet, Bantwal, Agrar, Mogarnad, Neermarga, Kelarai, Kulshekar, Bondanthila, and Bellore were part of this parish.

The Vow under the Banyan Tree

At the beginning of the 17th century, Franciscan priests arrived from Goa carrying an idol of the Holy Family, intending to establish a church dedicated to the Holy Family. They reached Meremajal, where a bell structure had already been erected.

The priests rested under a banyan tree, but when they attempted to lift the idol again, they found it impossible to move. In astonishment, they exclaimed, “Vow Om‑Zoor.” From this incident, the place came to be known as Omzoor, and the church is believed to have been established between 1601 and 1630.

The Years of Destruction

In 1784, the Mysore king Tippu Sultan invaded Canara and destroyed local churches, including Holy Family Church, Omzoor. The Catholic community was imprisoned at Sriranganapattana (Seringapatam), Mysore, for 15 years.

Liberation and Rebuilding

Following Tippu Sultan’s death on May 4, 1799, the Catholic people returned from their imprisonment. They immediately began the work of renovating the church in Omzoor.

Formal Leadership under Fr. Joachim Mendis

In 1801, Fr. Joachim Manvel Mendis was appointed as the first parish priest by the bishop and formally took charge of the parish, marking the beginning of recorded pastoral leadership.

Strategic Growth under Fr. Joachim Gomes

From 1814 to 1822, Fr. Joachim Vincent Marian Gomes served as the parish priest. During his tenure, he was instrumental in carrying out several developmental works, which included a major renovation of the existing church building to better serve the returning community.

Stewardship and Expansion

Between 1822 and 1834, the parish was served by four different priests. In 1834, under the leadership of Parish Priest Fr. John Manual Lewis, the church successfully purchased property at Neermarga. This strategic acquisition was a vital step in the physical expansion of the parish’s assets during the early 19th century.

Structural Growth under Fr. Peter Kastodio

In 1852, under the leadership of the then parish priest Fr. Peter Kastodio, the physical infrastructure of the church was expanded. He oversaw the construction of an additional building attached to the main church structure, providing necessary space for the parish’s activities and growing congregation.

Enhancing the Sanctuary

Under the administration of Fr. John Salvador Abrew, significant structural elements were added to the church, including the portico, the choir floor, and the central arch.

St. Joseph’s Higher Primary School

In 1900, St. Joseph’s Higher Primary School received government permission and began educating the local community. The building was later reconstructed in 1909 to accommodate more students.

In 1908, St. Thomas Higher Primary School was opened at Bondanthila.

St. Michael’s Church, Bellore

In 1920, Fr. M.S. Fernandes of Omzoor built a thatched-roof chapel in nearby Belloor. On 16 May 1920 Bishop Victor Fernandes formally erected Belloor (St. Michael’s) as an independent parish, with Belloor having formerly been part of Omzoor (and Bantwal)

Separation of Ammembal and Kelarai

In 1933, Ammembal Church was inaugurated after separating from Omzoor. Two years later, in 1935, Kelarai Church was also separated for the benefit of the local community.

Construction of the Presbytery

Fr. Aloysius F. D’Silva led the construction of the church presbytery building in 1943. The first permanent church structure was constructed through the generous contributions and dedicated labour of parishioners. This period also saw the addition of permanent sacristy facilities through parishioner contributions.

Birth of Neermarga Parish

In 1967, the Merlapadav–Neermarga Church came into existence as more wards were separated from the mother parish of Omzoor to form a new spiritual center.

Arrival of St. Charles Convent

In 1971, the Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo came to Omzoor, establishing St. Charles Convent and starting the Nithya Sahaya Matha High School to provide secondary education.

The New Church Portico

In 1986, a new church portico was constructed under the leadership of Fr. Isidore Noronha. This project was part of a broader effort during the 1980s and 1990s to undertake major renovations and the strengthening of the church building. During this period, the parish also saw the construction of parish halls and catechism classrooms, alongside the further development of the church campus and approach roads.

Strengthening Parish Associations

During the 1990s and 2000s, several parish associations were formed and strengthened, including the St. Vincent de Paul Sabha, Catholic Sabha, ICYM, YCS, Women’s Association, and the Choir. This era saw social and charitable initiatives expand significantly, with the annual parish feast and novenas becoming vital community events that fostered greater service among parishioners.

Formation of Small Christian Communities

Under the leadership of Fr. Xavier Pinto, Small Christian Communities (SCCs) were formed in all wards in 1993. To support this new structure, training camps were held for ward leaders to facilitate developmental work and spiritual growth through these localized communities.

Foundation of Holy Family School

In 1998, Holy Family School was officially started, beginning with LKG and UKG sections. This educational milestone was achieved during Fr. Andrew D’Souza’s tenure as a parish priest, marking a new chapter in the parish’s commitment to early childhood education.

Erection of St. Antony Church, Fermai

Construction of St. Antony Church in Fermai began in 1998 during Fr. Andrew D’Souza’s tenure and was officially erected as a church in 1999.

Renovation and the Sabha Bhavan

During the 2010s, the church underwent major renovation and interior beautification. The Church Sabha Bhavan was constructed under Fr. Cyril Pinto with the help of parishioner and government funds. Facilities for catechism, meetings, and parish gatherings were upgraded. 

Modern Outreach and Participation

During the 2020s, the church strengthened its outreach to the elderly, sick, and marginalized. Infrastructure improvements continued, and digital communication methods were introduced for better coordination of parish mission and announcements.