CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION URWA

The Urwa Parish lies in a valley bounded in the East by hills, in the West by the Arabian Sea in the North by the Kulur River and the Netravathi Tributory in the South. In the 18th century Tippu Sultan had taken many Catholics of this area as captives and their families got scattered. After the death of Tippu, many returned, but found all their lands were occupied by others and they took to cultivation and fishing. Thier faith was strong. They united together and got a Parish sanctioned at Urwa.

In 1865 Fr.M.Vas took charge as the first Parish Priest. In 1874, Rev.Fr.F.B.Rebello a young priest took charge. The Parish progressed in different dimensions under the various priests. The Parish priests were finding ways and means to collect funds.

Fr.John assumed charge as Parish priest on 17-05-1985. He happened to be the moving spirit of service. The idea of constructing a new church gained support of the entire Parish. Generous donations and contributions poured in . Finally on 07-01-1990 the foundation stone for the new church was laid by Bishop Rt.Rev.Dr.Basil D’Souza who was the beacon light in the project.
With the co-operation and joint efforts of the Parishioners, Carmelite Sisters, donors, benefactors, well wishers, friends, artists and all those who have helped directly or indirectly have helped to complete the big monument the House of Lord in a minimum period and now it has gained the world wide fame of a historic monument and the feast being is celebrated on13th December every year with great pomp and splendour.