Events
Cardinal Ferrao to dedicate Mount Calvary in Bellary Diocese

BELLARY, 13 FEB 2026

Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, Archbishop of Goa and President of CCBI, will bless and dedicate Mount Calvary Shrine Church and Kalvary Udyana (Garden) at T. B. Dam – Hosapete in Bellary Diocese on 15 February 2026.

The event coincides with the annual celebration of Hampi Utsava at the historic world heritage site at Hampi.

This significant event marks an important mile stone for the community and reflects the rich spiritual heritage of the region.

The Calvary Shrine Church building, a Diocesan Platinum Jubilee memorial was launched by Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations on 28 November, 2024.

Many eminent leaders Bishop Duming Dias- Bishop of Karwar, Bishop Johannes Gorantla OCD- Bishop of Kurnool, Sri Basavalinga Swamiji of Kottur Mutt, Sri Kalyana Swami of Bellary Kayana Mutt, Minister for Energy, Mr. KJ George, businessman and philanthropist Mr. Cedric Fernandez and many priests, religious men and women lay faithful and well- wishers are expected to participate in the important event.

On January 1510, Friar Louis De Salvadore came to the Capital of Vijayanagara Kingdom/Hampi was sent by the Governor of Goa Albuquerque, as a Ambassador. Probably he represented the rulers of Goa as an Ambassador and attended the coronation of Maharaja Krishana Devaraya of Tuluva dynasty which took place on January 24, 1510. Friar Louis De Salvadore met the emperor and sought his permission to build a Catholic church and to preach the Good News. Emperor gladly granted the request and showed much interest in farming skills and ammunition from Goa. Prior to his official visit as guest, he was sent to Vijayanagara Kingdom in 1505 to make friendly contacts with the King of Vijayanagara. While at Vijayanagara kingdom, he made contacts, preached the Word of God and there were some Christians. There is a Calvert depicting the fact in the basement of Vitala Temple of Hampi.

Being Ambassador of the Portuguese, through his mediation, a treaty was made with regard to trade, agriculture, arms and foreign horses. That was to have advantage over Sultan of Bijapur, whose eyes were set on the wealth of Hampi. After the Friar, who was probably murdered in 1511, Fr Antonio Padrao came to Vijayanagara empire (1530-49) he baptised and built churches in the empire. It is recorded that there was a Christian chief minister in 1543 in the Vijayanagara Kingdom. Patrao Antony (1530-49) was succeeded by Fr Joannes De Sario (1570). Fr Antonio De Franciscan (1594). Kings of Vijayanagara were friendly with Christians. Diego de Kutho (1580) refers many Christians lived and served in the kingdom of Krishnadevaraya. From 1733 to 1837 Bellary was under the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of Goa.

People of TB Dam parish and its surrounding area gather in large number particularly during Lenten season and Holy Week and other similar occasions to venerate the holy Cross and make Way of Cross etc.

Now Hosapete is the district headquarters of the newly formed Vijayanagara district. In the Calvary Shrine there exists Abhaya home for destitute poor and La Verna Monastery of Sisters of Poor Clare.

Miss Sagayam
Bishop’s House
Diocese of Bellary