TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
BELGAUM: The diocese of Belgaum, which was carved out from the archdioceses of Goa and Pune, will observe its diamond jubilee this year, with the Vatican Ambassador to India, Most Rev Salvatore Pennacchio and seven bishops to preside over celebrations on November 14.
The diocese of Belgaum was formed by an order of Pope Pius XII on September 19, 1953 and a Goan, Michael Rodrigues was its first bishop
The Belgaum diocese comprises the districts of Belgaum, Dharwad, Haveri, Gadag, Bagalkot and Chadgad Taluka of Kolhapur district (Maharashtra), with its diocesan headquarters in Belgaum. Two former bishops of Belgaum, late Rev Fortunato da Vega Coutinho and late Rev Ingatius Lobo, hailed from Goa.
“With about 65 churches in the Diocese in the district and taluka headquarters, as also in interior villages, the Belgaum diocese has served in the field of education, health and rural development, benefitting people of all faiths and creeds. About 40,000 students pursue their primary and higher education in 101 educational institutions in the diocese,” said Bishop Peter Machado.
“After the feast Mass, a public function has been organized to mark the occasion.
