subject: Discovering The Legacy Of South Indias Jesuits [print this page] The colonial powers that were in control of India during the last five centuries left a legacy that is visible all over the country. From the countrys judicial system to the educational system, the European missionary influence is quite apparent. One area of life that was particularly affected by colonialism was religion. India was the birthplace of some of the most widely practiced religions in the world such as Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism but with the advent of the catholic missionaries following the Portuguese invasion of the south, yet another religion was added to this spiritual potpourri.
The St. Aloysius Church in Mangalore is just one example of the legacy of Christianity in India. The architecture of the church is its most distinctive feature and the high domed ceilings are adorned with beautiful frescoes that vividly depict scenes from the Bible. The paintings were done by an Italian artist known as Anthony Moshaini and the style of the paintings and the architecture is comparable with the Sistine Chapel in Rome.
The church is dedicated to the life and work of Aloysius Gonzaga, an Italian Jesuit who was born in to a wealthy aristocratic family. However, after reading about Jesuit pilgrims he gave up his familial wealth and entered the church. He was noted for his devotion to the religion and also for his utmost purity.
The St. Aloysius Church in Mangalore is located extremely close to the towns bus stand and can be easily accessed by many Mangalore hotels. Since this church is part of the towns cultural and religious identity, it is a must-visit attraction for any tourist. A hotel such as the The Gateway Hotel Old Port Road Mangalore offers travelers great access to many attractions in Mangalore, a city with a distinctively different vibe to the rest of India.
