The Diocese of Belthangady was erected by the Papal Bull "CUM AMPLA", dated April 24, 1999 of His Holiness Pope John Paul II as a suffragan of the Archdiocese of Thalasserry. This diocese has been established for the Syro-Malabar Catholics of the three districts of Karnataka state, viz, Kodagu, Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. Till the Diocese of Belthangady was established, this region was under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Thalasserry. As Belthangady is in Karnataka state with a different language and culture, it was difficult to cater to the spiritual needs of the faithful directly from Thalasserry. Hence it was declared a Mission Province of the Archdiocese of Thalasserry and Episcopal Vicar was appointed on November 10, 1979. This Mission grew up and finally the diocese of Belthangady was established on April 24, 1999 and Bp Lawrence Mukkuzhy was nominated as the First Bishop of the new diocese. The inauguration of the diocese and the Episcopal ordination of the bishop took place on August 4, 1999.

Bp LAWRENCE MUKKUZHY
Born: Aug. 31, 1951
Priestly Ordn: Dec. 27, 1978
Episcopal Ordn: Aug. 04, 1999

Address:
Bishop's House                                         
Court Road, Udayanagar
Belthangady P.O. - 574 214
Karnataka.

Tel: (08256) 30 39 62, 30 30 56 (P)
Fax: (08256) 30 30 56
E-mail: bishop@vasnet.co.in 

Area: 12453 Sq.kms
Total Population: 31,77,352
Catholics: 20,000
Languages spoken: Kannada, Tulu, Konkani, Malayalam, Coorgi, English.
Revenue Districts: Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Kodagu.

Statistics
Diocesan Clergy:33
Religious Priests: 10
Religious Women: 156
No. of Parishes: 39
Houses of Women Religious: 34
Houses of Men Religious: 07

Educational institutions
High Schools (10th std): 04, Students: 1,306
Primary Schools: 05, Students: 781
Hospitals: 03, Beds: 65
Dispensaries: 05
Other Institutions: 20