The Church and its Development

In 1890, the statue of St Joseph and the canopy was built under the supervision of Fr Diamanti SJ, at St Joseph Industrial Workshop. The entire structure is made of wood, with some parts having marble and concrete in order to give it some strength. It has undergone a few renovations with the installing of lights and aluminum sheets on top and inside the tabernacle. The statues of the angels on the altar are made of marble and even some relics are kept on the structure. It is very much similar to the structure at St Aloysius Chapel, Mangalore. The entire church was blessed on 8th December, 1891 and given to the seminarians for use. The entire inner structure is very much similar to the other Jesuit built churches with huge walls, columns, pillars, stained windows, and doors for proper ventilation and light. Although the church has undergone changes and renovations over time, the entire structure is still unchanged. 

On either side of the church, there are beautiful fresco paintings done by Br Antonio Moscheini. The paintings on the left side of the Church behind the statue of St Ignatius containing Jesuit saints was completed in 1893, while the right side paintings were completed in 1901 around the statue of the Immaculate Conception. Popular folk believe that he died on the way back while he went to get paint in order to cover the entire church in frescos, but we do not know up to what extent is it true.

Similar kind of paintings can be found in St Aloysius Chapel and they were done by the same individual. It is believed that Br Moscheini died of lead poisoning which was caused by the presence of lead in the paint.

The Ceiling of the Church is made of strong teakwood which is covered in pale blue color. It has also employed the use of coffers, which reduced the strain on the ceilings. It also has intricate carvings made of Christian symbols and motifs which were painted in white in order to make it look like a relief work when light is shined on it. The pale blue and white colors are an influence of Neoclassical and Baroque styles of architecture, which mimics stucco and ornamental plasterwork which was common in European Churches of the time.

The Frieze of the Church also has paintings of the Twelve Apostles, Four Evangelists, Instances from the life of Jesus and the Mysteries (Joyous, Sorrowful, Glorious, Luminous), along with the statues of various saints made in the Workshop. The example is derived from the portraits of Popes located in the upper frieze of the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls at Vatican City.

The roofing of both the Church and the Seminary is tiled, with Mangalore Tiles being used. The tiling company has provided tiles for various buildings and houses of Mangalore during the British Era. Prior to the electrification of the seminary and the church, small chandeliers were used to provide light in the building.

The Church celebrates various feasts as per the liturgical calendar, but there are three major feasts. Patron’s Day on March 19th, Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes on February 11th and the Parish Day on May 1st. March 19th is considered a major feast because it is a feast that is celebrated across the Catholic Church and St Joseph is the patron of the Parish, Church, Seminary, Workshop and the Convent. Hence people would gather in huge numbers for the Holy Mass and later celebrate with country and pork. May 1st, which is known as Labour Day, was instituted because most of the parishioners were employed in the Workshop and the day was dedicated to St Joseph the Worker. As a part of this celebration, there would be a Eucharistic Procession on the Sunday before the feast and on the day, there used to be dramas and plays, enacted after the Holy Mass. 

The Translation of the Page: 

Hindustan. — The Reverend Father P. Godet, of the Society of Jesus, a missionary in Mangalore, writes to us from this city:

"This year, the feast of Saint Joseph had a very special charm and an exceptional brilliance for our Christians. The French Carmelites, established in the mission for twelve years already, took solemn possession of the new convent which, thanks to the munificence of M. de Nedonchel, was built on one of the hills of the city. A large crowd of Catholics had been waiting since morning around the monastery for the hour of the ceremony. It was not curiosity alone that brought them; they wanted, on this day, to give, by their presence and their piety, a public testimony of their sympathy and their admiration for these good Sisters, who came from so far away to pray and suffer in their midst. Groups of pagans looked on, with astonishment, at a spectacle so new to them.

At seven o'clock, the Reverend Father Pagani, pro-vicar, began the ceremony of the blessing of the church. Nothing was neglected to enhance the splendor of the feast. All the students of the college were present; our musicians sang the beautiful mass by Mercadante. At the Gospel, the Reverend Father Superior delivered a speech in English appropriate for the occasion. At Communion, the students and almost all the faithful present approached the holy table. It was not until half-past ten that everything was finished. It was a bit long, especially for our fasting children. The good Sisters had anticipated this. Therefore, a breakfast had been prepared for these 200 children. Here indeed is French generosity with its proverbial delicacy even in these distant lands. Fruits and cakes were then distributed at discretion. The children, thus refreshed, returned happily to their families.