Bishop
Mar Lawrence Mukkuzhy

The Diocese of Belthangady was erected by the Papal Bull "CUM AMPLA", dated 24th April 1999, of His Holiness Pope John Paul II as a suffragan of the Archdiocese of Tellicherry. This diocese has been established for the Syro-Malabar Catholics of the three civil districts of Karnataka State, viz., Kodagu, Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. Till the Diocese of Belthangady was established, this region was under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Tellicherry. As Belthngady is in Karnataka State with a different language and culture, it was difficult to cater to the spiritual needs of the faithful directly from Tellicherry. Hence it was declared a Misssion Province of the Archdiocese of Tellicherry and an Episcopal Vicar was appointed on 10th November 1979. This Mission grew up and finally THE DIOCESE OF BELTHANGADY was established on 24th April 1999. The Diocese was inaugurated on 4th August 1999.