Kushalnagar: Established in 1966, the tiny parish in Kudige is all set to celebrate the annual feast of ‘Holy Family’ on Jan 7 with religious pomp and spiritual grandeur.
It has been a roller coaster ride for a parish which has withstood the test of times. Catholic faithful, who used to travel miles by foot and bullock carts to partake in Sunday liturgical service prior 1966, finally decided to erect a small structure on their own. Thanks to the few early settlers from Kerala, a small church was inaugurated and blessed by the then Bishop of Mysore Dr. Mathias Fernandez on February 20, 1966 with major contributions from the parish community.
Christian faith was not new to the region as the nearest parish in Kushalnagar established over a century ago before the Holy Family parish in Kudige found its roots. Jesuit Priests from as far as Madikeri,Suntikoppa towns used to frequent this parish and succeeded in instilling the seeds of catholic faith in the small community. Astonishingly, despite manifold increase in population and significant rise in the number of followers among other communities, Kudige parish community has remained miniature, with less than 50 catholic families under its fold, even to this day.
Only in 2004, the parish became full-fledged one and came under the pastoral care of Fr. Angelo Pais, who became the first priest of the newly formed Holy Family parish. Subsequently a young priest, Fr. Stephan Jospeh led the parish community and played pivotal role in constructing the new building to replace the old one in dilapidated condition. The new church building was inaugurated by the then Bishop Rev Dr. Thomas Vazhappilly in mid 2015. Presently Fr. John D’Cunha, who earlier served as the parish priest of St. Sebastian Church in Kushalnagar is in-charge of the small catholic community. Under his devoted leadership and spiritual guidance, the tiny parish is set to celebrate the Annual feast on the First Sunday of the calendar year on January 7, 2018. The parish with its steadfast faith has offered Fr. Micheal, SDB in the service of the Lord, who is currently serving in Kollegal taluk.
The Church in Kudige, dedicated to Holy family at a stone-throw distance from the town centre on the Kushalnagar-Hassan highway is gradually developing into ‘a centre of true devotion’. The People of all faiths stop en route to take a bow at the shrine and offer their supplications to the Infant Jesus statue at the entrance before proceeding further. To the disbelief of many, Holy Family has protected travellers on the highway on few occasions, despite several dangerous road mishaps in the vicinity of the parish.
Liturgical services at the church are held in Kannada with few prayers in Latin, re-introduced recently. Feast day preparations are in full swing at the ‘peoples parish’, which is adorned like a bride. The Christmas season has aptly provided an opportunity for the catholic faithful to experience the overflowing love of Holy family, they hold dear.
On the feast day, January 7, the Eucharistic celebration will begin shortly after 4.30 pm followed by a candle light procession through the main streets in the town. Most priests under Kodagu deanery of Mysore diocese are likely take part in the feast day celebrations along with other religious and laity from nearby parishes
Truly, the annual feast provides a great occasion for the faithful to thank the Holy family for all the favours granted and to draw inspiration and grace in humility.
The small parish community eagerly looks forward to the festal gathering as it marches forward in faith to spread the joy.
