St. Anthony's Church Malwani

St. Anthony’s Parish in the former days comprised of four villages namely Marve, Malwani, Rathodi and Kharodi. Today it has grown in length and breadth encompassing the new areas: Jankalyan, Bhoomi Park, Alitalao and the surrounding area.

Marve Village: The people of this sandy village close to the Marve beach were originally farmers and also engaged in fishing activities. Marve is also famous for its Heavy Bridging Training Camp for the Navy.

Malwani Village: Once famous for its tall palm trees, thick jungle and creeks with its acres of land, now thickly populated with migrants. An important landmark of this place is the “All India Radio Station’

Rathodi Village: This village is famous for its vast acreage of paddy fields and mango orchards. This village is replete with East Indian culture with a happy blend of Portuguese. Walk through the village will reveal villagers relaxing in their beautiful cottages.

Kharodi Village: Once famous for its acres and acres of salt pans, now full of manmade mountains that have attracted people from all around to shift and make this place their home. In this ‘Gaothan’ earmarked area, you can witness typical “East Indian’ culture…, sons of the soil in the true sense.

Going back to the history of St. Anthony’s Church, this was constituted as a separate unit sometime around 1630. It was one of the villages that had formed part of the “Magetana

Rectorate” developed into an independent Parish as described by Paulo de Trindade. It is also mentioned that in 1680 it was referred to for the first time in the provincial statutes of that year. (The Franciscan period 1547-1739)

Fr. A. Herman in his book” “The Franciscan in Bombay” has defined the strength of the Church in just a few words. “At present St. Anthony’s Parish of Malwani counts some 1400 Catholics”