During his visit to Murdeshwar, Most Rev. Dr. Ignatius Lobo, the Bishop of Belgaum, looking at the devotional enthusiasm and spiritual needs of the people, decided to raise it to an independent church. Thus, in 1956, the four missionary substations of Manki Parish, namely Bailur, Murdeshwar, Ternamakki and Shirali, were established as independent parishes.

The Catholic community was fortunate to be ministered by saintly Fr. Vincent Pereira as the first parish priest. It was he who built a small church with a tiled roof. He was also looking after the spiritual needs of the Ternamakki, Shirali and Bailur. He served the parish from 1956 to 1975. It was his interest and vigour that made so many people come closer to the church and spiritual life.

The Bishop then entrusted the pastoral care of the parish to the OFM Franciscans in 1975. Fr. Nicholas D’Souza OFM was the first Franciscan to be appointed in Murdeshwar. Looking at the increasing number of people, Fr. Nicholas D’Souza OFM repaired the existing Church and constructed the portico of the present church. The Franciscans continued to serve even after Karwar was bifurcated from the Diocese of Belgaum and made a separate diocese in 1977. They served the Parish from 1975 to 1993. With their systematic family visits and catechesis, they deepened the faith of the people and gave them a sense of belonging to the parish and the diocese. The elders remember with gratitude the hardships and sacrifices of these saintly priests.

Presently, the parish is pastorally taken care of by the diocesan clergy. Due to their witness and perseverance, the enlightened laity has been forming itself into a worshipping and serving community.