Bellary Diocesan Diamond Jubilee Celebrated; “Like Diamond, Be Strong in Faith”: Cardinal Toppo

BELLARY, Jan. 04, 2010, 10.00 Hrs (CBCI News):

“Like a diamond, be strong and united in your faith”, urged Cardinal Telsphore Toppo, Archbishop of Ranchi, here at Bellary on Jan. 03.

Cardinal Toppo was addressing a large gathering of Bishops, priests, religious and Catholic faithful of Bellary Diocese, gathered for the celebration of Diocese’s Diamond Jubilee.

The celebration was held at the local popular Marian Shrine – Bellary Arogya Mathe shrine.

“The Catholic Church, be it in Bellary, Bangalore or Ranchi is the same Catholic Church, one in faith, united in Christ and animated by the Holy Spirit”, affirmed the seventy-year prelate.

“Faith is life and faith brings life to the faithful. Also, faith unites and that unity has to be manifested through witness of life,” said the first tribal Cardinal of India.

“Be united with your shepherd. That will make you stronger like a diamond and your witness to your faith, more meaningful”, declared Cardinal Toppo.

“Open a new chapter; begin a new phase of your faith life, manifested by deeper faith and united service to all”, exhorted the former President of CBCI.

Earlier, Archbishop of Bangalore Bernard Moras presided over the solemn thanksgiving Holy Eucharist and Bishop of Shimoga Gerald Lobo preached the homily.

Earlier Cardinal Toppo blessed the 20 newly erected grottos of the Mysteries of the Holy Rosary and the foundation stones for the new ventures initiated by the diocese, such a launching of ANUGRAHA (Providence) school for physically challenged persons, Pritibhalaya (talents), a school for arts and culture, Christalaya, Diocesan Pastoral Institute, Sarvodaya (Progress of all) and Navodaya (New Dawn), diocesan Community Centres.

The plaques were unveiled by Archbishop of Bangalore Bernard Moras, Archbishop of Madrsa-Mylapore M. Chinnapa, Bishop of Belgaum Peter Machado, Bishop of Shimoga Gerald Lobo and Bishop of Mysore Thomas Vazappilly.

In the morning the priets of the diocese, the religious and the members of the parish pastoral councils had a half-day animation programme on the theme: “Called to grow, to share and to witness”.

The programme concluded with a colourful and impressive multi-media presentation entitled “Over the Diamond Years” directed by Fr. Arokianathan and Fr. Thomas Santhosh.