Immaculate Conception Church (city Church)

In 1879, during his missionary expedition to the Nilgiri areas. Fr. L’Hetmitte S.J. found a small community of Christians, living in Kuarpur village near Mitrapur. Those were, for long, not having access to any Catholic Priests and hence, were leading almost a neglected Christian life. Fr. L’Hermitte began to be solicitous about them and began to take special care of them. This can be said to be the orgin of Christianity in Mitrapur. They continued to be without a resident Priest until 1972, when Fr. Joseph Kizharam CM started residing at Mitrapur and building up the christian Community. He built the present church and the presbytery and got it blessed by Msgr. Jacob Vadakeveetil, Apostolic Administrator of Balasore on 19th December 1973. The present Grotto of Mitrapur was also built by Fr. Joseph Kizharam. In 1977, a hostel for the High School boys was started in Mitrapur. In 1978, Fr. Chacko Palyathil CM, replaced Fr. Kizharam at Mitrapur when the latter was transferred to Rangiam. In 1981, a vocational training centre (carpentry) was started in Mitrapur for the poor and school drop-out boys from the rural areas. However, that could not continue for long because the boys were not so much interested in learning carpentry as a decent trade. In 1982, Fr. Chacko Palyathil was transferred to Kusudia and Fr. Jacob Kallupurakal replaced him at Mitrpur. In 1982, the DC Sisters of Balasore started an out-station at Balgopalpur, near Mitrapur to render better medical service to the people of that locality. In 1984, Balgopalpur was recognised as a full-fledged community of DC with 3 Sisters. In 1986, Fr Joseph Kureekal replaced Fr. Jacob as Parish Priest and continued to be there until 1991 when Fr. Daniel Kishore was appointed Parish Priest of Mitrapur. A Type-writing Institute has been started in Mitrapur since 1992 for the welfare of the youth.In 1995 Fr. Daniel Kishore was transferred to Joda and Fr. Jojo Vadyakaran was appointed as the Parish Priest of Mitrapur.After year of his service he was assingned as the Prish Priest of Barbil Fr. George Mattathilany succeeded him. In 1997 he was transferred to Jaleswar and Fr. Roy Kochupurackel became the Parish Priest.Fr. Varghese Pudumattam releaved him in 1998 when Fr. Roy Kochupurackel was transferred to K.C.Pur. Fr. Varghese served the parish upto 2002 when Fr. Antony succeeded him. Fr. Kuriakose re-leaved him in 2003. In 2005 Fr. Anil succeeded him and continues to be the parish priest. In 2006 the parish was renovated.

Catholic Church Mitrapur, Balasore Pin - 756020