Brief history of the Church Christ The King Malleshwaram Bangalore
The Maharaja of Mysore donated 24 acres of land (Malleshwaram water works village survey no4) to Bangalore Catholic Church and in that,3acers 20 hints of land in the northern side was allotted to Christ The King Church, Fr.Eward Mathias residing at St.Peter's seminary built a Presbytery at first. Later he also built the church. Archbishop Thomas Pothacamury was very supportive and cooperating in all these works.
Areas of the Parish
Thus the Christ the King Parish was erected on 15th of September 1947. It's boundaries were :-
In South :- From Malleshwaram 8th cross till Cantonment Railway line via pipeline including Guttahalli.
In East:- Through Bellary road to M.S Ramahia institutions.
In North:- M.S.Ramahia institutions to Mathikere village
Since West Rajajinagar 1st block, subramanyanagar, Mahalakshmi layout and Milk colony were on the outskirts of the city included that Too The same Bishop appointed Rev Fr.Edward Mathias as the first parish priest. It was also the responsibility of the Parish priest to cater to the spiritual needs of those who resided in the military camps at Jalahalli . Thus this church was the spiritual center for approximately one thousand Catholics of this areas, furthur on March 11,1953, Our Lady of Fathima church at Jalahalli came into being and later Our Lady Of Assumption church at Rajajinagar started functioning.
During February of the year 1951, a generous benefactor came forward to build a Grotto to Our Lady of Lourdes in the church premises when Fr.Mathias informed Bishop Pothacamury,Bishop suggested opening a school instead of construction of a Grotto, and to convey this message to the donor, but the donor since he had made a vow,If was not permitted he would build the same in Mysore. As a result The Grotto for our Lady of Lourdes was constructed in the church premises .After taking care of the vast property and the construction works Fr.Edward Mathias being tired of journeying by bicycle applied for retirement.
Priests who served the Parish;
Rev Fr.Edward Mathias (1946-1955)
as the first parish priest. It was also the responsibility of the Parish priest to cater to the spiritual needs
Fr.Alexander D'sa (1955-1958)
Served the Parish for 3years
Fr.Susainathan (1958-1959)
Served the Parish for an year
Fr.Anthony Sequeira (1959-1972)
served this Parish for 13 years
Fr.Thomas Fernando (1972-1977)
The church took a new shape. The Blessed sacrament was shifted to the side of the Alter, floor was renewed alter flat was in teakwood it was removed and alter with the symbol of 5 loafs of bread and 2 fish was constructed in granite coconuts were planted in the church premises. He laid the foundation for a community hall, but his dream did not materialize.
Fr.Staney viegas (1977-1980)
who succeeded him also encouraged the youth of the Parish. During his time, a school for boys was started in the church premises. His successor
Fr. Lawrence Noronha, (1980-1984)
was more enthusiastic and worked tirelessly for the overall development of the church. Since he had influence with many important personalities of society, he made use of the office to develop the Church. The first sodium vapour lamp that was manufactured by Mysore Lamps was installed in the church premises. The Mysore Porcelain (BHEL) and Kirloskar company supported to level the second ground. But unfortunately, due to an accident Fr.Lawarance Noronha before completing his tenure was transferred.
Fr. Jerome Lobo (1984-1991)
completed his term
Fr.Rajarathinam (1991-1992)
who succeeded him was here only for few years but worked hard for the growth of the Parish.
Fr. Joseph Menezes, (1992-2005)
his successor,brought a new look to the church. The Christ The King statue in the tower was painted in colour. Till then the 12 feet cement statue was only white in colour.
Fr.Pius D'sa (1999-2005)
The compound wall around the church was constructed. He also beautified the church with a wonderful garden. He strived hard for the progress of the church and completed his full term.
Fr M.Arogya Swamy (2005-2006)
Took over the Parish and stayed here for for only one year.
Fr.Micheal Antony(2006-2012)
Succeeded and worked tireless for the betterment of the church. He started a new ICSE School, strived hard to build a new church and community hall, but could not succeed. He is ever remembered for his selfless service
Fr.Arokia Raj Satis Kumar (2012-2014)
Served the Parish for 2 years
Fr.Bernard (2014- present)
Current Parish priest encouraging the youths of the Parish has layed the foundation stone for the new church to be built by 2020.
At present, the boundary of the Parish covers an area from Mekhri circle to Mathikere, Lagger,Krishnandanagar,Yeshwanthpur,Gorguntepalya, Brindavana Nagar, Subramanyanagar, Sadashivnagar,Palace Guttahalli and Malleshwaram.
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