Immaculate Heart of Mary Church – Kalena Agrahara

Kalena Agrahara, once a small village about 16 km south of Bengaluru, has grown in importance through the pastoral presence of the Jesuits. In 1955, the Jesuits acquired 46 acres of land to establish the Novitiate at Mount St. Joseph. The region was entrusted to their care by Archbishop Thomas Pothacamury.

As the faithful found it difficult to travel to St. Francis Xavier Church in nearby Chikkakammanahalli, a small chapel was established in Kalena Agrahara in 1956. At that time, the Catholic population was small, and the chapel served as a center for Sunday worship and community gathering.

With the establishment of Mount St. Joseph in 1959, the chapel was dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and functioned as a substation. Over the years, the Jesuits contributed not only to the spiritual growth of the community but also to its social development through education, mid-day meal programs, and basic healthcare services.

As the population gradually increased, the need for a larger place of worship became evident. In 1998, the present church was constructed and blessed, marking a significant milestone in the life of the parish. The growth of the parish continued with the formation of Basic Christian Communities, catechetical programs, and various devotional practices.

In recent decades, rapid development and migration have transformed the area, bringing in families from different regions. This has led to a vibrant and diverse parish community, with increased participation in liturgy, catechism, and youth activities. Infrastructure and parish facilities have also been steadily improved to meet the growing needs.

From a humble chapel to a flourishing parish, Immaculate Heart of Mary Church stands today as a testimony to faith, community spirit, and the dedicated service of the Jesuits and the faithful over the years.

Contact Us

Fr. Balaraju A. SJ (Parish Priest)

Immaculate Heart of Mary Church
Mt St Joseph Campus, Kalena Agrahara, SOS Post,
Bannerghatta Road,
Bengaluru, Karnataka – 560076