BELLARY, OCT 02: The newly formed Bellary Diocesan Pastoral Council was inaugurated Oct. 2 at the Bishop’s House. 36 members attended the first meeting.
Samuel Saladin of Gangavathi was elected Vice President of the Council. Ms. Sagaya Rani of Lingsugur was elected as Secretary and Ms. Regina mary as Joint Secretary.
Bishop Henry D’Souza is the President of the Council and Vicar General Fr. Chowrappa Y. is the ex-officio First Vice President.
In his inaugural address Bishop D’Souza explained the understanding of the Church as a “people of God” and as a Community of Faithful”.
“The Dogmatic Constitution Church (LG), with its focus on the Mystery of the Church and the People of God, emphasized on the fact that the basic reality of the Church is the mystery of God's presence within the entire community of the people of God”, added Bishop.
“The Church as a communion, which ... has its roots in the biblical notion of koinonia… is rooted in the very life of God who is a Trinity. It invites all the Faithful to serve the community according to each ones charism”, Bishop declared.
“In the Church community, the Lay faithful are not second class citizens, rather they are equal collaborators in the service of the church”, Bishop insisted.
Bishop D’Souza called upon all the members to rise to the occasion and work unitedly for the all round development of Christian life in the diocese.
Later all the members took oath and the Secretaries of the Diocesan Commissions and Councils presented highlights of their activities.
The members suggested to have training programmes for the newly elected Parish Pastoral Council members and to organize an association of lay faithful to foster leadership among the laity.
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