“Like Diamond, Be Strong in Faith”: Cardinal Toppo at Bellary Diocese Diamond Jubilee
(January 6, 2010) “Like a diamond, be strong and united in your faith”, urged Cardinal
Telsphore Toppo, Archbishop of Ranchi. He was addressing a large gathering of Bishops,
priests, religious and Catholic faithful of Bellary Diocese, gathered for the celebration
of Diocese’s Diamond Jubilee in Bellary on Janyuary 3rd. 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. Before the Mass 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. In the morning the priests 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”.