Diocesan Mission Year Inaugurated

BALLARI, NOV 1: The Diocesan Mission Year was inaugurated by Bishop Henry D'Souza at a solemn Holy Mass held in St. Anthony's Cathedral today, on the solemnity of All Saints Day in Ballari. In his homily Bishop Henry D'Souza reminded of the missionary mandate given by Jesus to His followers remains just as important, even after two thousand years.

As baptised Christians we too are called to be witnesses; we are strengthened by the Holy Spirit to spread the Gospel of Christ - in season and out of season - and to renew the face of the earth, through selfless service such as caring for the orphans, physically and mentally challenged and imparting quality education to the backward communities, he added.

"The root of all evangelization however, is not to be found in any human plan or strategy of ours. Mission is about wishing to share the extraordinary gift of faith that God has wished to give us, when he made us sharers in his own life. We must share that gift with others, both within the community and to others", insisted Bishop D'Souza.

"There is no better evangelization than to be joyful witnesses to our faith, bringing healing, reconciliation and comfort to the wounded persons and communities", declared Bishop. Begun today, the Diocesan Mission Year will end on Oct. 31, 2020. The Diocesan Pastoral Council had unanimously recommended to celebrate the year 2019-20 as the Mission Year in the Diocese. The inaugural Holy Mass was attended by many priests, religious and lay faithful. A number of Catholic lay persons pledged themselves to promote proclamation with greater enthusiasm and joy.

The opening ceremony was followed by a session animated by Fr. Herald D'Souza, Secretary, KRCBC Proclamation Comn. Many priests, religious and lay persons attended the session and formed teams for future action. The following diocesan team has been formed to plan and implement the relevant programs during the year: Fr. Anthonyraj P. (Convener), Fr. Basil Raj (Secretary), Fr. Chinnappa Yemmi, Sr. Elizabeth Rani FS, (Secretary, DPC), Sr. Thangamma FS (President, CRI), Mr. Joseph Y (VP, DPC), Mr. Innaci Muthu, Mr. Prabhu and Mr. Arogyappa M. All parishes, institutions, CRI and Dn. Commissions have been urged to deepen their own personal God experience, promote formation of laity in mission commitment and double up efforts to share the Good News during the Mission Year.

All church personnel in institutions have been urged to be better witnesses by being more people- friendly, kind and compassionate. All parish priests have been requested to inaugurate the year in their respective parishes solemnly with due preparation and involvement of the faithful.