St. Rock’s Church, Chellikere, Bangalore, Inaugurated After Major Renovation

Bangalore, May 23, 2025: With joyful hearts, the faithful of St. Rock’s Church, Chellikere, came together to celebrate the inauguration of their newly renovated church—a long-awaited dream finally fulfilled through prayer, sacrifice, and the grace of God.

The celebration began with a solemn Eucharistic Mass, led by His Grace Archbishop Peter Machado and concelebrated by Auxiliary Bishops Rt. Rev. Arokiaraj Satis Kumar and Rt. Rev. Joseph Susainathan, along with parish priest Fr. Arun Balraj and several other priests.

Archbishop Peter, blessing the church, said, “We are not just reopening a building—we are rededicating a home for God's people. May this church be a source of strength and love for generations to come.”

Over time, the church had aged and was in desperate need of restoration. Led by Fr. Arun Balraj, the parish stepped forward with courage and unity. “This wasn’t easy,” Fr. Arun shared. “We faced delays, rising funds, and moments of doubt. But we always believed that God would see us through—and He did.”

Many faithful pitched in, offering their time, savings, and skills. “It was a test of faith,” said one parishioner. “But every prayer was answered.”

In his homily, Bishop Satis reminded the faithful, “A church is not made of stone, but of hearts turned to God. Let this church be filled with love and service.” Bishop Susainathan added, “This journey has made you stronger. Your faith has given this church new life.”

As the faithful entered the renovated church for the first time, emotions overflowed. “We thank Fr. Arun Balraj from the bottom of our hearts,” said one family. “He stood with us through everything. This church is a blessing.”

The new church features a bright, peaceful sanctuary, new facilities, and space for children, youth, and outreach programmes. But more than anything, it now stands as a symbol of God's faithfulness and the dedication of His people.

“This is the house where we met God in our struggles and where we will praise Him in our joys,” said an elderly parishioner. “All glory to God.” 

Fr. Arun Balraj, filled with deep emotion, extended his heartfelt gratitude to all who made the renovation of St. Rock’s Church possible. “I thank each and every one of you— our Archbishop, auxiliaries, priests and religious, and especially from the smallest child who dropped a coin into the donation box to the families who gave sacrificially and the generous donors who stood by us through every stage of this journey. This church was not built by money alone but by your faith, your love, and your prayers. Every brick carries your blessing. Together, we have raised not just a building, but a living testimony of God’s grace and our unity as one faithful family.”

“This is the day the Lord has made”—the faithful of St. Rock’s knew one thing for sure: their church is not only restored in stone but renewed in spirit.

Source: Archdiocese of Bangalore website