Centenary celebrations of Patna Diocese begin

PATNA: Archbishop Giambattista Diqattro, Apostolic Nuncio of India and Nepal, on Thursday urged the Catholic community to work for peace and harmony. He wished Patna Diocese a joyful centenary celebrations and more contribution to the state’s development.
Inaugurating the mass which marked the start of the yearlong centenary celebrations of Patna Diocese at Queen of Apostles Church in Kurji, the Vatican diplomat conducted the mass in the presence of Patna Archbishop William D’Souza and Parish Priest Fr Raymond Cherubim SJ.
The inaugural mass was rooted in the vision of the gospels and in the teachings of Jesus Christ, that love for one’s neighbour is love for God. “The yearlong celebrations are to recall the blessings, challenges and stages in the 100-year journey of the Catholic community and introspection of the community’s contribution to the development of Bihar,” the archbishop said.
Recalling the history of Patna Diocese, he said: “It was on September 10, 1919 when Pope Benedict the 15th created Patna Diocese from Allahabad Diocese. Revered Father Louis Van Hoeck SJ was ordained the first bishop of Patna in 1921.”
He added: “The official inauguration of the centenary year was held on November 19 at Kurji church where all the bishops of Nepal and Bihar, along with the Apostolic Nuncio from Delhi, were present,” said D’Souza
The mass prayer was followed by a series of cultural events such as devotional songs and dance show by students of St Michael’s High School, Notre Dame Academy, Loyola High School, St Joseph’s Convent High School and Hartman’s Higher Secondary School.