Events
Religious leaders Open Calvary Garden, thousands rejoice over dedication of Calvary Shrine at Bellary

TB DAM-HOSPET, FEB 15, 2026:

Thousands of pilgrims witnessed the opening of the Calvary Garen and dedication of Calvary Shrine at TB Dam-Hosapete on February the 15, 2026.

Eminent leaders who included Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, Archbishop of Goa, Bishop Derick Fernandes, Bishop Duming Dias, Bishop Johannes Gorantla, Sri Basavalinga Mahaswami of Kottur Mutt. Sri Kalyana Swami of Kalyana Mutt of Ballari, prominent industrialist Cedric Fernandes and Aneurin Fernandes, Roy Castelino, President of KRCBC Think Tank, and Bishop Henry D’Souza, Bishop of Bellary and others bishops declared the Calvary Garden open.

Addressing at the large gathering Sri Basavalinga Mahaswami of Kottur Mutt, declared that religions are not enemies of each other. They only inspire people to lead upright and ethical life. People belonging to many religious can respect each other and live in harmony. Sri Kalyana Swami of Kalaya Mutt of Ballari, stated that Vijayanagara – Ballari area as a “garden of inter-faith harmony”. He urged upon everyone to shed religious bigotry and be heralds of peace and harmony as we are all citizens of this great motherland.

Bishop Henry D’Souza insisted on the need of greater cooperation and collaboration for common good. He urged all religious followers to strengthen fraternal bonds and safe-guard ecology.

Later the dignitaries watered the newly planted saplings in the calvary garden.

The event coincided with the annual celebration of Hampi Utsava at the historic world heritage site of Hampi – (UNESCO World Heritage site) as well as Mahashivaratri festival celebrated by Hindus with great devotion.

The serene and picturesque beauty of Mount Calvary Shrine and Kalvary Udhyana at the top of the Amaravathi Hillock fills souls of the visitors as well as the passers on the N.H. 67 with peace and grace.

Cedric Fernandez, the principal donor of the shrine unveiled the plaque of Mount Calvary Shrine.

Thereafter Cardinal Filip Neri Ferrao, Archbishop of Goa and Daman and President of CCBI & FABC, solemnly opened the Calvary Shrine. Bishop Derick Fernandes, Bishop of Belgaum, lighted the ceremonial lamp. Bishop Duming Dias, Bishop of Karwar and Bishop Johannes Gorantla OCD, Bishop of Kurnool, unveiled the stations of the cross.

Bishop Henry D’Souza, Bishop of Bellary officially installed the Reliquary of the Holy Cross for public veneration.

In his homily Cardinal Ferrao said, “Mount Calvary Shrine Church is a magnificent edifice dedicated to the glory of God and the humanity, reminding us about the everlasting love of God in saving us from sin and death”. He further highlighted that the compassionate and forgiving love of Jesus, the Son of God, encourages us to look at our own suffering and moments of despair, as having with salvific significance.

Fr Lourdusamy T, President CLS India translated the homily of Cardinal into Kannada. Fr Maxim Dias and Rev. Fr Jai Prakash of Bellary were the main presenters.

At that occasion Bishop Henry D’Souza, Bishop of Bellary was congratulated and felicitated by Cardinal Ferrao, other Bishops, priests, religious and people of God on the golden jubilee of priesthood. He was the force, architect behind this memorable Mount Calvary Shrine Church of Bellary Diocese.

Calvary Prathnamrutha prayer book prepared by Fr Gnanapragasam T, and Fr Devane Sam was released by the Cardinal. Then every family head present were given a copy.

The bishops present presented a calvary cross all children who participated in the dedication ceremony.

Chief guests, engineers, and contractors were honoured with a wooden crucifix.

Five Bishops, over 125 priests and religious from all over four thousand pilgrims joyfully witnessed the occasion.

This significant event marks an important mile stone for the community and reflects the rich spiritual heritage of the region. The Calvary Shrine is the memorial of the Platinum Jubilee of the Bellary Diocese and the project was launched by Archbishop LeopoldoGirelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal.

Ms Sagayam
Bishop’s House, Bellary