History Of Church

For over 25 years, Farla Church has been a source of spiritual guidance and blessings to those who have sought the care of Our Lady of Vailankanni Church, Farla. The church's establishment is a testament to the dedication of Fr. Benedict Monteiro, SAC, a Pallottine Priest who began his service in the Diocese of Mangalore in 1988, contributing to various parishes. His journey in Farla began in June 1992, when he resided in a rented house while assisting the Agrar Parish.

Through Fr. Benedict’s tireless efforts, the vision for a new parish in Farla came to fruition. The Most Rev. Basil D’Souza, Bishop of Mangalore, recognised the need for a separate parish and decided to bifurcate Agrar Parish, entrusting the new parish in Farla to the Pallottines. On February 2, 1993, a three-acre plot was purchased in Farla, marking the beginning of this spiritual journey.

The Shrine of Our Lady of Vailankanni, built by Fr. Benedict, was blessed by Bishop Basil D’Souza on May 31, 1993. This significant milestone was followed by the blessing and inauguration of a newly constructed priest’s house on January 18, 1994. The same day, the parish was canonically erected by the Bishop’s decree. Later that year, on October 7, the foundation stone for the new church was blessed.

The formal decree establishing Farla as an independent parish took effect on December 8, 1994, initially serving 130 families from Agrar and six families from Allipade. The newly constructed church and its belfry were blessed by Most Rev. Aloysius Paul D’Souza, the new Bishop of Mangalore, on May 1, 1997, and inaugurated by the Provincial Superior, Very Rev. Fr. Christudhas SAC.

Parish Priests Who Have Served Farla Church:

• Fr. Benedict Monteiro, SAC (1994-1999)

• Fr. Valerian Fernandes, SAC

• Fr. Jacob Alvares, SAC

• Fr. Charles Fernandes, SAC

• Fr. Walter Menezes, SAC

• Fr. Manohar Joshly Noronha, SAC (until 2015)

• Fr. Paul Francis Coutinha, SAC (2015-2018)

• Fr. Claudy Stany Vas, SAC (2018-2020)

• Fr. John Prakash Pereira, SAC (2020-2024)

• Fr. Mark Dsouza, SAC (2024 onwards)

Milestones in Farla Church’s History:

• May 1, 1993: Inauguration of the small Vailankanni statue, initiating the devotion of the Rosary.

• May 31, 1993: Inauguration of the larger Vailankanni statue and grotto.

• January 18, 1994: Inauguration of the Pallottine priests' residence by Bishop Basil Salvadore D'Souza.

• May 31, 1994: First annual celebration of the Vailankanni Shrine.

• October 7, 1994: Blessing of the cornerstone for Farla Church by Bishop Basil Salvadore D'Souza.

• December 8, 1994: Official decree granting parish status to Farla Church.

• December 8, 1995: First annual parish feast.

• January 14, 1996: Blessing of the new cemetery.

• October 25, 1996: Transfer of St. Jacob's Primary School from Agrar Church to Farla Church.

• May 1, 1997: Inauguration of Farla Church by Bishop Aloysius Paul D'Souza.

• December 8, 2010: Blessing of the cornerstone for the mini hall.

• May 1, 2012: Inauguration of the mini hall.

• June 2, 2013: Inauguration of Vailankanni Hall.

Farla Church continues to celebrate its annual feast on December 8, commemorating the day it received its official decree as a parish. The church stands as a beacon of faith, serving the spiritual needs of the community and upholding the legacy of its founders and devoted parish priests.

More History