Mangalore: On the occassion of 250 years of formation a grand celebration was held in the Lady of Mercy Church, Panir.The celebration began when the parish priest Fr. Vincent Dsouza welcomed the Bishop of Mangalore Dr. Aloysius Paul Dsouza at deralakatte. He was escorted to the church in a grand procession by the people of Panir Church.

Bishop later inagurated the newly built portico of the church and the grottos of “Lady of mercy” and St. Antony. And soon after the inaguration the solemn mass was offered as the main part of the celebration. Bisop Aloysius Paul Dsouza was the main celebrant of the Mass along with many priests from different parishes.

Soon after the mass a stage programme was organised which began with a prayer dance, was presided over by the Bishop.The bishop handed over the Letter of Pope Francis, to parish priest Fr. Vincent Dsouza. Bishop, in the presidential address told youth of the church to offer their life to christ. And later he honoured the people who contributed to the celebration.

After the stage programme a special presentaion of the history of panir was held which lasted for an hour. Grand meal was arranged for all the people gathered in the function which was followed by Wilfy night.

The history of panir church:
Panir is believed to be the mission place of Blessed Joseph Vaz. It is said that he was the parish priest of the Panir chuch and during this time the Miracle of Mudipu happened.

As per the official records availible, the church of Panir came into existence in the year 1759.Then the church was demolished when Tippus soldiers attacked the surrounding churches. After tippu died in the final battle of Srirangapattana, the captive catholics of Karanataka returned to their native places and settled down. And hence the church of Panir was re-built.