Message from the Parish Priest St Sebastian Church, Bendur

St Sebastian Church, Bendur, stands as a living testament to the enduring faith, deep-rooted tradition, and vibrant spiritual life of the Catholic community in Mangalore. Established in 1914, this parish was born from a profound desire to draw people closer to God and to one another. Over the decades, it has grown into a thriving and spiritually enriching home for thousands of faithful.

Built upon the solid foundation laid by our visionary predecessors, we continue to walk in the footsteps of Christ, drawing strength and inspiration from our patron, St Sebastian — a fearless witness to the faith and a shining symbol of courage, resilience, and sacrifice.

Today, the parish flourishes under the pastoral care of a dedicated team of four priests and an enthusiastic Parish Pastoral Council comprising 185 members, who work collaboratively to ensure the parish remains active and vibrant in all dimensions of life.

We are a parish of over 2,000 families, organized into 46 wards or communities. Our spiritual journey is enriched by the dedicated service of the Apostolic Carmel Sisters, the Bethany Sisters, and the Bridgettine Sisters, who contribute immensely to the spiritual and social vibrancy of the parish through their selfless ministry in faith, love, and service.

In a world increasingly marked by division and unrest, we are called more than ever to be ambassadors of love, steadfast witnesses of faith, beacons of hope, and builders of unity. As one parish family, let us renew our commitment to build bridges, deepen our prayer life, care for the marginalized, and grow in holiness together.

Bendur is also renowned for its abundant talents and generosity, especially towards those who turn to us in times of difficulty. Our community’s generosity transcends boundaries of caste, creed, and religion.

The St Sebastian Platinum Jubilee Hall, St Sebastian Centenary Hall, and the Msgr Leslie Shenoy Community Hall stand as welcoming spaces that serve people of all faiths, fostering communal harmony and collaboration.

In the field of education, the Padua Educational Institutions, managed by the parish, continue to render invaluable service by providing quality education, especially to students from economically disadvantaged and lower middle-class backgrounds.

This website is more than a source of information — it is a gateway to communion, collaboration, and continued journeying in faith. May it strengthen our bonds as a parish community and inspire us to live ever more deeply our calling as disciples of Christ.

With prayerful blessings,
Rev. Fr. Walter Dsouza

Parish Priest
St Sebastian Church, Bendur