Our Lady of Mercy Church is one of the 124 Parishes of Catholic Diocese of Mangalore. Until 1919, it was sub-station under Panir Parish, from where the priests used to come to take care of the spiritual needs of the Christians of the Manjeshwar. A chapel was built at Manjeshwar by Rev. Fr Pascal Mascarenhas, the Parish Priest of Panir with the help of Mr Joseph Monteiro a port officer from Rosario, Mangalore. Late Mr John Monteiro was the first Administrator of the Chapel. Subsequently this chapel was declared an independent Parish on 19.6.1919 and Rev. Fr J.M Menezes was its first Parish Priest.

This Parish situated in the Manjeshwa Taluk of Kasaragod District of the Kerala State. Manjeshwar being the business hub of Portughese, it was said there existed Christian families of fishermen folk, because of Franciscan Missionaries. But there was no prayer hall or chapel, and hence priests could not reside here.

The people here are poor, daily wage winners. Fishing and working in dockyard is their occupation. Some even roll beedies and grow vegetables once the rainy season is over. Today as the living standards are raised people move to the cities for education and work. They also moved to the foreign countries. Thus people have come to the main stream in the society.

This parish locality provides a beautiful panoramic view, as the one side is covered by roaring vast Arabian sea with fishing boating activity. On the other side it is covered by the natural beauty of the nature. The vastness of Parish abot 12 K.Ms and surrounded by the places Badaje, Kunjatthur, Udyawar, Hosabettu, Bangra Manjeshwar, Majibail, Hosangady and Kedambady. In the West there lies Arabean sea, at the North Mariashram Parish, Pavur in the East and Vorkady and Miyapadav to the South. People of all religions live here. Approximately 50% are Hindus, 45% Mulims and 5% are Christians. Yet place is known for religious harmony and co-existence.

The parish celebrated its centenary with great joy and devotion on May 1, 2019. Shortly after, on May 27, 2019, Fr Valerian Lewis was transferred to Katipalla Parish, concluding a successful tenure of seven years. On the same day, Fr Vincent Vinod Saldanha assumed charge as the new parish priest.

Under Fr Vincent’s leadership, significant developments were made in the parish and its associated institutions. A new block was added to Infant Jesus School, along with toilets on each floor, enhancing the facilities for students. Fr Vincent served the parish diligently for three years and was transferred on May 19, 2022. On the same day, Fr Edwin Francis Pinto took over as the parish priest.

During Fr Edwin’s tenure, further progress was achieved. In August 2022, during the pastoral visit of the bishop, the new school block was inaugurated, marking a milestone for the parish's educational endeavors. Additionally, an automatic pulsator was installed for the church bell, modernizing its functionality. Construction of a new church complex is currently underway, reflecting the parish's commitment to provide residential facilities to school staff and to generate income to the parish for its sustenance.

The various parish commissions have been working harmoniously, contributing significantly to the pastoral growth and unity of the community. In November 2023, the parish celebrated the silver jubilee of Infant Jesus School, commemorating 25 years of dedicated service to education.

The parish housing program has also made remarkable strides, with seven new houses built for needy families. This project is ongoing, aiming to support more families in the future. The atmosphere of discipline and cooperation in all parish activities has been a hallmark of its functioning.

These events highlight the continuous growth and vibrant spirit of Our Lady of Mercy Church, Manjeshwar, as it moves forward in faith and community service.

Parish Priests who have served in the parish :

1. Rev. Fr J.M.Menezes  (1919 -1932)

2. Rev. Fr Ligory A.J.Lobo  (1932 -1935)

3. Rev. Fr Raphael Pinto  (1935 -1936)

4. Rev. Fr Peter Valerine Gonsalves  (1936 -1937)

5. Rev. Fr Peter Desa  (1938 -1945)

6. Rev. Fr J.P.Nazareth  (1946 -1956)

7. Rev. Fr Avelin D'silva  (1956 -1957)

8. Rev. Fr A.Mathias  (1957 -1959)

9. Rev. Fr A.C.Aranha (1959 -1965)

10. Rev. Fr Aloysius Furtado  (1965 -1965)

11. Rev. Fr Joseph Nicholas Lobo  (1965 -1966)

12. Rev. Fr Andrew Pinto  (1966 -1969)

13. Rev. Fr Julian D'mello  (1969 -1979)

14. Rev. Fr Leo.A. Cutinho  (1979 -1989)

15. Rev. Fr Harry Tauro  (1989 -1995)

16. Rev. Fr Baptist Menezes  (1995 -1996)

17. Rev. Fr Robert Miranda  (1996 -1997)

18. Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D'souza  (1997 -2004)

19. Rev. Fr Archibald Albuquerque  (2004 -2005)

20. Rev. Fr Herald Mascarenhas  (2005 -2012)

21. Rev. Fr Valerian Lewis  (2012 -2019)

22. Rev. Fr Vincent Vinod Saldanha  (2019 -2022)

23. Rev. Fr Edwin Francis Pinto (2022 - present)

Source: With reference from Parish Souvenir Books