Kushalnagar: The newly-constructed St. Sebastian Church was recently inaugurated and blessed by Bishop of Mysuru Most Rev. Dr. K.A. William  in the presence of Bishop Emeritus Thomas Antony Vazhapilly, numerous Catholic priests and  devotees.

Built at a cost of Rs. 3 crore, incorporating Portuguese and French architecture, the Church construction lasted for 7 years with contribution from the State Government, elected representatives, devotees and many others from different faiths.

The Roman Catholic Church has been designed by Benny from Kerala and the initial outlay of Rs. 2.5 crore got escalated to Rs. 3 crore by the time it was completed. The Church is constructed on a 1.5 acre-plot atop a hill. With a floor space of  7,500 sq. ft. housing the prayer hall, about 1,000 people can offer prayer at a time including 100 in the balcony.

The alloy made 350-kg church bell has been designed in such a way that its echo can resonate up to a distance of 2 kilometres.

Statues of Infant Jesus at the centre, St.Sebastian and Mother Mary adorn the entrance. Well-maintained lawns, ramp for disabled and elderly and a huge parking lot are among the important features.  

The idol of Jesus Christ is mounted on a 10 ft. tall, 5ft. wide teak wood cross which is placed on a gold-plated pedestal measuring 3 ft. in height and 2ft. wide at the centre behind the altar table. The wood carving works have been made by experts in Thrissur, Kerala and have been assembled in the church.

The State Government has provided a fund of Rs. 40 lakh for the construction of the church with financial support from local MLA and MP Fund. About 1,200 devotees too have contributed their mite.

A panoramic view of Kushalnagar can be had from the top most point of the church.

A special mass was conducted under the guidance of  Rev. Dr. Thomas Antony Vazhapilly. Parish Priest Fr. Michael Marie, Fr. C. Rayappa, MLA M.P. Appachu Ranjan, MLC Veena Achaiah, Municipal President M.M. Charan, BCM Officer K.V. Suresh, Fathima Convent Head Mistress Supriya Jonita, Church Construction Committee Secretary Krejwal Coats, PRO Philip Vas and others were present.