Holy Cross Students’ Home, Katapadi, in the state of Karnataka, has its beginnings when a formation house was established at Shirva, Udupi District, in 1977 for the formation of Konkani-speaking candidates coming from this region. Later the present community house was built. Fr. Maurice D’Souza, c.s.c. was the pioneer of this venture from its humble beginnings when the members stayed in a renovated farm-house. The new building was inaugurated on May 5, 1982.

Katapadi is situated just 500 meters away from National Highway No.17 on the Udupi-Mangalore Road. It is seven kilometers away from Udupi, the District headquarters and well-known internationally for its temples, beaches and restaurants. It is also famous for its facilities in education, health-care and banking.

Holy Cross candidates here undertake their pre-university studies and, like in other students’ homes, are introduced to the Holy Cross way of community-life, and to the all-round development of their personalities.

The Katapadi parish itself has been entrusted to Holy Cross for its administration. Holy Cross priests and candidates are actively engaged in Retreat-direction, seminars for students, Youth camps, Vocation camps and a variety of spiritual ministries.