Located about 45 kms from Belagavi, the village has just 7 Catholics and priests travel once a month for Mass celebrated at homes
Fr Lourdswamy from the St Michael’s Parish at Hidkal Dam area celebrates Mass for the seven Catholics and their guests at one home in Daddi village near Belagavi.
PANAJI
It is not uncommon to find large congregations of Goans in churches across Goa and beyond, but it is not often that one finds a Catholic community where parishioners can be counted on the fingers of one’s hands.
The quiet village of Daddi, which is nestled about 45 kms from Belagavi-Karnataka, has a tiny but tightly knit Goan Catholic community which has quietly but ardently sustained its faith for over six decades.
Far from the bustling cities and grand churches, just seven Catholics in three families live in Daddi, yet their faith shines brightly.
“Our Goan Catholic community does not have a formal church, nor do we have the typical infrastructure many may associate with an organised religion. But what we do have is something far more precious — a deep-rooted connection to our faith and a remarkable sense of togetherness,” said Cynthia Fernandes, who resides in Daddi.
This small Goan Catholic community at Daddi forms part of the St Michael’s Parish at the Hidkal Dam area, which is about 30 kms away.
Over the past 60 years, various priests from a nearby town have travelled to Daddi about once a month, gathering the community in one of the three different homes for Mass.
Fr Lourdswamy from the St Michael’s Parish at Hidkal Dam area celebrates Mass for the seven Catholics and their guests at one home in Daddi village near Belagavi.
It’s a tradition that began with their forefathers, a group of Goan settlers who brought their faith with them when they arrived in this remote part of Karnataka.
“With no church in sight, we made our homes a place of worship, turning living rooms into sanctuaries, where an altar is set up, and Mass is celebrated with the same reverence as in any grand cathedral,” informed Cynthia.
“In fact, celebrating Mass at home is a novelty. When we are told a week in advance that a priest will come to celebrate Mass on a particular day and time, we invite guests to come for Mass and after Mass, we offer them tea and biscuits.”
Cynthia, who traces her roots to Nerul in Goa, was born and brought up in Mumbai. She then moved to Dubai where she worked for 30 years, before retiring and relocating to Daddi in 2014.
“It was a complete contrast from a fast life in Dubai to a remote life in Daddi village,” admits Cynthia.
Despite being a small group, the Goan community in Daddi embodies the spirit of resilience and devotion.
“Over the years, we have faced challenges: the distance to the nearest church, limited access to religious services, and the natural isolation of living in a rural area. Yet, none of these obstacles have diminished our dedication and faith. In fact, it has only deepened our connection to one another, as we come together not just for worship but to support each other in all aspects of life,” explained Cynthia.
Fr Lourdswamy along with the seven Catholics and a relative after Mass in one home in Daddi village near Belagavi.
For Cynthia, each Mass is more than just a religious ceremony.
“It is a time for fellowship, where stories of old Goa are shared, meals are prepared together, and prayers are said not only for our small village but for the wider world,” said Cynthia.
“Over time, we have built a spiritual heritage that younger generations now inherit, passing on our faith like a treasured heirloom.”
Their Goan identity is still alive in Daddi, expressed through their traditions, language, and most importantly, through their enduring sense of community. The three families are proud to speak Konkani and celebrate Goan feasts and traditions.
“Here at Daddi, faith transcends physical buildings. It’s found in the hearts of the people, in the simple but profound act of coming together to worship,” said Cynthia.
“This is our story of Daddi’s Goan Catholic community, a reminder that faith, when nurtured with love and perseverance, can flourish in the most unexpected places. We are keen to honour our Goan heritage and our steadfast commitment to our faith, offering people a glimpse into a unique part of our history.”
