TIPTUR, December 1, 2023 — The Catholic faithful of Tiptur, Karnataka, witnessed a historic moment as the newly constructed Sacred Heart Church was inaugurated by His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado, Metropolitan Archbishop of Bangalore. The inauguration ceremony was especially significant as it coincided with the Diamond Jubilee celebration of the establishment of the Parish.
Established by His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Pothacamury, the then Archbishop of Bangalore, Sacred Heart Church in Tiptur Taluk of Tumkur district had been a spiritual home for the faithful for seventy-five years. The culmination of the Diamond Jubilee saw the construction of the new church, a project spearheaded by Rev. Fr. Jesuraj, SCJ, the Parish Priest, who faced financial challenges but overcame them through the generosity of benefactors.
The consecration of the new church was marked by a concelebrated solemn Eucharist, with more than thirty priests participating alongside religious and a large number of lay faithful. In his homily, Archbishop Machado emphasized the importance of unity among the parishioners, likening it to the unity of the Body of Christ within the Church.
"The Church is the identity of the Catholics and is an integral part of our faith and life," remarked Archbishop Machado. He commended the relentless commitment and zeal of Rev. Fr. Jesuraj, SCJ, in overseeing the construction of the church despite various challenges. The Archbishop extended his congratulations to the parishioners and the parish priest, expressing his best wishes for their continued journey.
Sacred Heart Church in Tiptur holds a significant place as one of the oldest parishes in the Archdiocese of Bangalore. The inauguration ceremony was graced by the presence of former parish priests, including Rev. Fr. J. Sandyagu, Rev. Fr. Joseph Menezes, and Rev. Fr. Benedict Monteiro, SAC. Besides, many Archdiocesan and religious priests belonging to the Congregation of Society of Catholic Apostolate (Pallottines), and Society of Scared Heart of Jesus of Betharram (Betharram Fathers) have rendered their yeomen services for the spiritual and social development of the Tiptur parish.
The faithful of Tiptur now look forward to a new chapter in their spiritual journey as they gather in their newly consecrated Sacred Heart Church, a testament to the enduring strength of their faith and unity.