Clara Fernandes

Belgaum, Nov 22: November 14 resonated joy and exuberance at Belgaum as the Diocese shepherded by Bishop Peter Machado celebrated the diamond jubilee of its existence and the closing of the Year of Faith.

60 years is indeed a landmark to take note of God’s fidelity and blessing and a fitting occasion to celebrate.

The diamond  jubilee of the Diocese  started  colorfully and prayerfully with the concelebrated Holy Mass presided over by Apostolic Nuncio to India Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio and concelebrated by Bernard Moras the Archbishop of Bangalore,. Derek Fernandes, the Bishop of Karwar , Robert Miranda, Bishop of Gulbarga, Bishops of Mandya  and Sindhudurg and priests of Belgaum  and neighbouring Dioceses  at the St. Xavier’s School Campus, Belgaum.

The entrance procession moved to the Altar flanked by 60 young girls dressed in white who welcomed the Nuncio and Bishops with flowers.

In a spirit of thanksgiving, lay faithful and  religious  sisters  numbering  nearly 3000 participated in the Mass. Their coming together was a powerful demonstration of their collective strength which in reality is the strength and wealth of  the  diocese  of Belgaum.

Apostolic Nuncio  to  India  Archbishop  Salvatore Pennacchio  in his homily  stated that the Year of Faith has given us the opportunity to contemplate the door of faith as an entryway to faith. We have had the experience of living our faith  in  Jesus  Christ  and now is the time for us to  act, going out the door , living  and proclaiming our faith in the world.

 He said, as we conclude  the Year of Faith, we are all sent forth through the door of Faith for the rest of our lives to go in peace glorifying the Lord by our lives. He congratulated  Bishop Peter Machado for taking the diocese to new heights of achievement in various fields.

Archbishop Bernard  Moras  congratulated the diocese  and its people for their zeal and vigour  in  spreading the Good  News to all .The diocese , he said is blessed with rich resources of  vibrant lay faithful, young priests and dedicated religious sisters who are ever ready to  work in the vineyard of the Lord. 

After  the Eucharist, the gathering was served with snacks . This was  followed   with   a  creatively  prepared  power point  presentation  that  winged  our gaze through 60 years beginning  with  our first  pioneering missionaries who set their foot in the diocese  to the present day. 

It   was  a  journey  that showcased  the slow but steady progress of the diocese .

The   public function that followed was graced  with  the  presence  of  Suresh Angadi, MP, and Feroze  Sait, MLA who lit  the inaugural lamp together with the Nuncio, Archbishop and Bishops.. In his address, Suresh Angadi said, the vibrant Church in Belgaum with the presence of many nuns and priests has made the local people experience the presence of God through their various  works particularly in the areas of education, healthcare and skills training for the young. He stated that the Diocese under the dynamic leadership of Bishop Peter Machado has achieved tremendous progress.  Feroze  Sait   complimented the Catholic Community  for  instilling   good moral  values  and appreciated their selfless service to mankind.

The students of St Joseph’s Convent stole the hearts of all by their beautifully choreographed prayer dance. The boys of St. Paul’s High School were not to be left far behind  and gave a splendid  dance performance bringing forth  the aspect of living in faith.  Then followed the  dance drama enacted by 200 children and choreographed by Fr Irudaya Raj, director of Kalasangam. Students of  Fatima School, St. Mary’s Kannada and English Medium, Sacred Heart Convent, St Michael’s School and Klasangam brought to life the Apparition of Our Lady of Fatima , the patroness of the diocese  and her  guiding light  through 60 years of  missionary work in the diocese. The various works of the diocese was beautifully enacted and creatively presented.

The detailed and painstaking preparation, as well as the smooth and carefully supervised execution of the celebration were ample proof of the capable and caring work that went into it. The celebration won the hearts of everyone  who praised God for the  gift of wonderful 60 years.