Sunday, February 14, 2016

Infant Jesus Nivas, Chikmangagalur


  • The first coffee plantation took place at Chikmagalur. Baba Budan Giri,brought it from West Asia, whose shrine is on top of the hills in that region. Back in 1670 the Muslim saint, Baba Budan brought coffee seeds from Yemen while on his pilgrimage to Mecca.
The headquarters of the district is situated on a valley to the south of the Baba-Budan hill range. The town today is a major centre of education, trade and commerce. The salubrious climate and has venerated monuments in the town attracts tourists of all kinds, all year round.

The harmonious environment of the place is depicted in the temples of all religions here. The  Kodandarama temple, which is a synthesis of 
Hoysala and Dravidian styles of architecture, the Jamia Mosque and the new St.Joseph's Cathedral consisting of an attractive shell shaped portico are some examples of the diversified existence in the town.


The Capuchins were invited to look after a small parish which was later on converted into a shrine of Infant Jesus. The friars later on began a school which became very popular....since the school was growing and the place where they were conducting it was small. The province purchased a plot of land and built a beautiful school. The friars have worked hard here. Brother Victor Crasta and Br. Dilraj and others have really brought up the school....today Brothers Dancy, Deepak, Andrew, George and Antony are working.....


The Capuchins have been very active in this region. They have many vocations too. The Catholic population is also very good. The diocese is called Chikmangalur and the faith of the people is very strong too. There are Catholics who have settled from Mangalore and also local Catholics. Both blend together....the common language of the church is Kannada.

No comments: