TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
BELGAUM: Apostolic Nuncio to India and Vatican Ambassador Salvatore Pennacchio has hoped that the faith and enthusiasm of Christians in the Diocese of Belgaum during the past six decades should be continued for the next 60 years as well.
The Nuncio was presiding at the high mass on the occasion of diamond jubilee celebrations of the Belgaum diocese at the St Xavier’s High School, Belgaum.
“Live your faith with enthusiasm and continue the work of God with vigour and courage fixing your gaze on Jesus Christ for the next 60 years,” said the Nuncio, while also extending special greetings from Pope Francis to the Diocese of Belgaum.
The prelates participating in the celebrations included Archbishop of Bangalore Bernard Moras, Belgaum Bishop Peter Machado, Karwar Bishop Derek Fernandes, Gulbarga Bishop Robert Michael Miranda and Sindhudurg Bishop Allwyn Baretto, while a large number of priests, nuns and Christians from different parts of north Karnataka, Goa and Kolhapur took part in the Eucharistic celebrations.
Priests and musicians from Goa graced the occasion by being the part of the choir that was conducted by Fr Fidelino Araujo, who hails from Goa. The choir presented Konkani, Kanada and English hymns during the mass.
A special function was organized after the mass to commemorate the diamond jubilee. Archbishop of Bangalore Bernard Moras, who is also the former Bishop of Belgaum, presided over the function that emphasized on the service rendered by the Catholic Community of Belgaum.
“The Diocese of Belgaum, which is spread across five districts of north Karnataka, has a Catholic population of only 30,000. However, priests and nuns in the diocese have been working selflessly for the welfare of all the people in the diocese irrespective of caste and creed,” Archbishop Moras said.
Belgaum MP Suresh Angadi and Belgaum North MLA Feroz Sait were among those who congratulated Bishop Peter Machado and the Catholics of the Belgaum diocese on the occasion.
