BELLARY, SEP. 17 (Fr. Archibald Correa): Catechist Rayappa of Bellary Diocese was given a tearful farewell by hundreds of Catholics on Sep. 16 at Sindhanoor parish.
Bishop Henry D’Souza visited the house and paid rich tributes to the departed soul and consoled the bereaved family.
The funeral was attended by large crowd of people from different villages and parishes. 9 priests joined the celebration. This shows how much he was loved and appreciated for his service.
He died on 15th September, at his home in Sindhanoor and his funeral took place on 16th, and was laid to rest in the parish cemetery. He was about 80 years.
Rayappa worked as a catechist for years and retired. He did continue to help the Sindhanur parish even after his retirement, till his health failed.
Rayappa was born in Udbal village of Manvi Taluk, Raichur District. Udbal once part of Jawalgera and now is of Pothnal Parish. Rayappa studied at Adoni School and Boarding. Hence he knew Kannada and Telugu.
He was married to Susheelamma of Pannur and they had 8 children – 5 boys and 3 girls. One of his daughters has become a religious nun of SMMI congregation and her name is Sr. Ruth Maria.
Rayappa worked in Jawalgera parish which comprised of Manvi, Pannur, Sindhanur and part of Harapur parish of the present time.
As a catechist he is always regular and faithful to his duty. He used to try to follow all the guidance and instruction given by the Parish Priest. He was a person who used to deal with others with respect. He was a quiet worker. He had deep love and respect for the church and the faith. If a person disobeyed or went out of the community he used to get disturbed and felt sad.
His personal life – though a large family, he brought them up well. All of his children are educated in our school. He is a soft spoken person. He used to dress clean and neatly. He has been of great help in the work of evangelization. May his soul rest in peace!
The Shrine of Bellary Arogya Mathe was blessed and dedicated on 8th September 2000 on the feast of the Nativity of our Blessed Mother Mary in memory of the great jubilee 2000 and the Golden Jubilee of the Diocese of Bellary