Media Release

Mangaluru, Nov 27: As part of the annual church feast and in fond remembrance of its rich history, the Kirem church—established 285 years ago, with the present structure completing 82 years—honoured the traditional Guthu families on Wednesday. Betel leaves, arecanuts and banana sheaths were ceremonially offered as a mark of respect.

According to temple tradition, in 1784, when Tipu Sultan launched attacks on the Christian community in Mangaluru and targeted the Holy Rosary Church at Damaskatte near Kinnigoli, members of the local Guthu families—Thalipady Guthu, Angadi Guthu and Aikalabava—played a vital role in protecting both the church and the Christians. In gratitude for their bravery, the practice of honouring these Guthu households continues to this day.

Those present at the ceremony included parish priest Fr Oswald Montero, Shaktinagar church parish priest Fr Apolinaris Crasta, church parish council vice president Rohan D’Costa, secretary James Lobo, coordinator Wilfred Monis, SVD clergy training centre director Fr George Crasta, programme coordinator Paul Miranda, Thalipady Guthu representatives Ramesh Shetty, Sukumar Shetty and Sudeep Shetty, Angadi Guthu representatives Balakrishna Shetty and Shambhu Shetty, Aikalabava representatives Jayapal Shetty and Purandar Shetty, among others.