Bellary Diocese launches Year of Faith

October 15, 2012 - As Pope Benedict ushered in the Catholic Church’s Year of Faith on Oct. 11, the year-long celebration was inaugurated in southern India’s Bellary Diocese by Bishop Henry D’Souza. “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,” said Bishop D’Souza at the inaugural Mass in St. Anthony’s Cathedral. “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 said. 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 would be received and venerated in every catholic family through the year. All the crucifixes would be brought back to the concluding ceremony of the Year of Faith on the feast of Christ the King on Nov. 24, 2013.