Originally part of Bela, Kumbla’s 14 pioneer Catholic families faced severe poverty and a distant ten-kilometer journey for Mass. In 1934, Fr. Joseph M. Menezes purchased land and built a simple thatched chapel blessed by Bishop Victor Fernandes on November 24, 1934. Pastoral care grew rapidly with the arrival of the Sisters of Charity in 1936, who established a convent and school.

Initially dedicated to St. Philomena, the parish was re-dedicated to St. Monica under Fr. Frederick Pinto following Vatican liturgical updates.

Facing immense odds, Fr. Herold G. D’Souza personally funded and built a new church, blessed by Bishop Basil D’Souza on April 8, 1971, before tragically passing away in 1975. At the turn of the millennium, Fr. Gerald Isaac Lobo initiated a major revitalization of the sanctuary, which was completed by Fr. Alfred J. Pinto with the blessing of a renovated church, presbytery, and hall on November 27, 2000. Fr. Alfred also uplifted poor families economically by introducing local jasmine cultivation.

Today, supported by religious sisters and dedicated pastors, St. Monica Church stands as a revitalized, thriving center of faith.