Events
Bellary Ecumenical Meet Warmly Welcomes Pope Francis' "Fratelli Tutti"

BELLARY, DEC 10: All Christians ecumenical meet held today at Bishop's House, Bellary, enthusiastically welcomed the Pope Francis’s recent encyclical “Fratelli Tutti” (All Brothers and Sisters).

The meet was organized by United Christian Forum and Catholic Association of Bellary to prepare for Christian ecumenically. Over sixty priests and pastors attended the session of prayer, reflection and fellowship meal.

Reverend Alphonse George of the clergy of Bellary presented the highlights of the encyclical which proclaims universal brotherhood and sisterhood. Using power point presentation he summarized all the eight chapters of the encyclical to the delight of the participants.

Addressing the gathering Bishop of Bellary Henry D'Souza stated, "Pope Francis has powerfully presented in his encyclical the very biblical tenet which declares – God created man in his image and likes, man and woman he created them – equal in dignity and respect" (Gen 1:27).

Bishop reminded what Jesus himself stated to his disciples, "You have one Master and all of you are brothers" (Lk 23:8). "All human beings, especially those in need are brothers and sisters. Jesus said – ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of mine, even the least of them, you did it to me'" stated Bishop Henry D’Souza.

Bishop D’Souza urged all pastors and priests to exhort their congregations giving them the message of Pope Francis, which is eminently relevant to today’s world.

"Christmas is the outpouring of Divine Love unconditionally to all human beings – men and women. It offers peace to all men and women of goodwill", added Bishop D’Souza.

Senior pastor of Church of South India Rev. BR Sarvade said, "Pope Francis' message is the most relvant for today’s time and it is much needed. All religious leaders need to sensitize their congregations to the message of the Pope."

Pastor Puttaswamy of St. Thomas Evangelcal Church of India expressing his appreciation over Pope’s encyclical said, "Pope's reflections on the parable of the Good Samaritan are truly profound. All priests and pastors need to be good Samaritans to our brothers and sisters in need."

Area chairman of CSI Church, Rev. Samuel Vathsa stated, "The message of the Pope is very appropriate as we approach Christmas, which declared good news of great joy to all people of good will."

Pastor Dr Prabhakar Rao of Good Samaritan Church lauded the "noble and universal message of the Pope, more particularly when we experience widespread divisions spread in the name of caste, creed and colour."

President of Catholic Association, Bellary, Raju Balaraju welcomed the gathering. Vice President of Diocesan Pastoral Council conducted the praise and worship. Diocesan PRO Fr Ivan Pinto gave instruction. Secretary of United Christian Forum conducted the proceedings. Pastor Dr. Prabhakar Rao proposed the vote of thanks. The session was followed by a fellowship meal.