Church of Holy Cross of Hospet in South Kannada is one of the ancient churches in the Mangalore Diocese of India. This Roman Catholic Church was built in the gothic Cruciform for which it was named the "Holy Cross Church". The Hospet church is situated in Hosabettu and therefore it is also known as "Hosabettu Church". This was the only church that escaped the drive for the demolition of churches by Tipu Sultan during the Captivity of Mangalorean Catholics at Seringapatam. The church is located at a distance of 41km to the north-east of the city of Mangalore and is in close proximity to Moodbidri town.
History of Hospet Church
Hospet Church is said to have existed well before 17th Century. According to official documents available to the Mangalore Diocese, this church was established in the year 1761. The church was under the rule of Jain kings for many centuries. This was the only church that escaped destruction owing to the friendly offices of the Chauta Raja of Moodbidri. It was initially known as "Bidrem Church". The name Hospet was given post death of Tipu Sultan. In 1865 the old church was repaired by Fr Jerome Paul Carvalho. Under the Goa jurisdiction, 11 vicars had served this church. Fr Jacob Sequeira (1901-1904) was the first diocesan vicar. The foundation stone for the present church was designed by Fr A. Diamanti SJ that was laid on October 1, 1905 by V. Rev. Frachetti sj, the Vicar General.
This church is one of the first in the diocese built in Cruciform and in gothic style. The earlier edifice was built in 1854. Moodbidri, Shirthady, Ferar, Paladka and Taccode are carved out of this parish. The present building was built by Fr Cyprian Coelho in 2000. There are 9 wards in Hospet parish. Around 285 catholic families are living in this parish and total Catholic population is at around 1500. Currently around 40% of populations have migrated to the city of Mumbai and Middle East counties.
Fr Asissi Rebello is the 21St diocesan vicar of the parish.
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