Media Release

Bellary, Oct 14: The Year of Faith was solemnly inaugurated by Bishop of Bellary, recently at the St Anthony’s Cathedral Church.

The event coincided with launching of the Year of Faith by the Holy Father in the Vatican City the same day.

Bishop in his homily stated: “The Year of Faith invites us to enter more deeply into the mystery of Christ and the Church, and to grow in the apostolic faith.”

“The Year of Faith offers to the Catholic faithful a privileged moment to deepen our Christian commitment, to consolidate the renewal ushered in by the Vatican II, to grow as a worshipping community, to proclaim the good news and to serve the needy better”, he added.

On the occasion, the newly renovated Cathedral Church was rededicated by the Bishop.

To mark the occasion prayer cards and banners meant to popularize the Year of Faith were released.

Also, every parish was presented with a crucifix, which was received by the respective parish priest and parish council officers. These crucifixes would be solemnly received at the respective parish churches next day and thereafter, respectfully received and venerated in every catholic family all through the year.

After touring all the families, the crosses should be brought back to the concluding celebration on the Solemnity of Christ the King 2013, which will include a procession and the thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration.

The Cathedral parish priest, Fr Charles D’Souza thanked all those who worked for the renovation of the about 150-year old church.

The newly renovated St Antony’s Cathedral Church has a history of over 160 years. The parish was started in by late Fr Patrick Doyle, the great missionary and the military chaplain, to cater the spiritual needs of native communities who were connected with the military in cantonment, Bellary.

The Old Lazarus Church was rededicated to St Antony of Padua when Bellary became an independent Mission by the Papal decree in the year
1928.

In 1949, when Bellary became the diocese St Antony’s Church became the Cathedral Church. It was remodeled and was consecrated by Bishop Ambrose Yeddanapalli on October 3, 1968.

The liturgy was meaningfully organized by Fr Chowrappa, Arogyanathan, Charles D’Souza, Chinnappa, Danappa and the Cathedral team.