Indrakeeladri’s Bala Yesu

The Infant Jesus Catholic Church in Vijayawada, located in the heart of Andhra Pradesh, is a historic and significant church that has withstood the test of time. Founded in 1903 by Catholic missionaries, it started as a small church in a town of just a few thousand people. The story of the Infant Jesus Catholic Church is one of resilience and perseverance, serving as a symbol of hope and faith in the community. It will continue to be a testament to the enduring power of faith and the human spirit.

The Infant Jesus Catholic Church, Vijayawada. Source: Wikipedia

Imagine a bustling temple town in the geographic centre of Andhra Pradesh. Built on a river bank, this temple town served as the biggest hub of Hindus in the Krishna District- the town of Vijayawada. This very town also emerged as the largest Roman Catholic Diocese in all of the Archdiocese of Visakhapatnam, becoming a symbol of religious inclusivity and harmony in India. However, things were not always like this. Today’s largest Roman Catholic Diocese once began with a small Jesuit mission with the  Infant Jesus Catholic Church as its founding stone.

Infant Jesus Catholic Church in Vijayawada is a beautiful and historic church that has stood the test of time. Overlooked by the holy Indrakeeladri hills, the story of this church is one that is steeped in history and tradition, and its origins date back over a century.

The church was founded in 1903 by a group of Catholic missionaries who were sent to the city of Vijayawada to spread the teachings of the Catholic faith. At that time, Vijayawada was a small town with a population of just a few thousand people. The missionaries worked tirelessly to build a small church in the heart of the town, and they named it Infant Jesus Catholic Church.

However as the Catholic community in Vijayawada grew, so did the need for a larger church. In the 1950s, a new church was built to replace the original one. This new church was much larger and more elaborate, with beautiful stained glass windows and intricate decorations.

Despite its growth and popularity, the Infant Jesus Catholic Church faced many challenges over the years. During the 1970s and 1980s, the church was targeted by anti-Catholic groups who wanted to destroy it. The church was vandalized several times, and many of its priceless artefacts were destroyed.

Despite these challenges, the church persevered. The Catholic community in Vijayawada rallied around the church, and they worked together to repair the damage that had been done. The church was restored to its former glory, and it remains a symbol of hope and faith in the community.

The architectural design of the Church reflects these very values aimed at evoking a sense of spirituality and reverence, providing a sacred space for worshipers to reignite their faith through the perils of human suffering.

The church features a blend of contemporary and traditional architectural styles, showcasing a unique fusion of European and Indian influences. The structure combines elements like arches, domes, and spires, creating an aesthetically pleasing and visually striking edifice while catering to an ambience of serenity.

The church's facade displays intricate details and ornamentation, including stained glass windows depicting religious scenes, statues of saints, and decorative motifs reminiscent of the central tales of the faith. The interior of the church features a spacious nave, with the altar as the focal point. The use of natural light through stained glass windows creates a serene and uplifting atmosphere within the space providing the worshipers, with a deeply spiritual experience.

In many ways, the story of the Infant Jesus Catholic Church is a story of resilience and perseverance. Despite the many challenges that it has faced over the years, the church has remained a steadfast symbol of hope and faith in the community. It is a testament to the power of faith and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

Today the story of Infant Jesus Catholic Church will continue to remain as the symbol of religious grit and harmony for generations to come. It will remain a story of faith, love, and the enduring power of the human spirit.

The interiors of the church. Source: Wikipedia