Bellary Diocese Launches St. Francis Jubilee Year with Call to Care for Creation and the Poor

Raichur, Karnataka, March 25, 2026: The Roman Catholic Diocese of Bellary formally inaugurated the Jubilee Year of St. Francis of Assisi on March 22 at St. Clare’s Parish, Pothnal, marking the occasion with a solemn concelebrated Eucharist and an interfaith gathering that underscored unity, ecological responsibility, and service to the poor.

The inauguration, held on the Fifth Sunday of Lent, signals the beginning of a year-long spiritual observance commemorating the 800th anniversary of the saint’s death. Proclaimed by Pope Leo XIV, the Jubilee extends from January 10, 2026, to January 10, 2027, inviting the faithful to deepen their relationship with God while fostering solidarity with others and care for creation.

Pothnal, a village in Manvi taluk of Raichur district, has served as a vibrant centre of pastoral and social outreach under the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin since 1996. The Capuchins’ initiatives in education, faith formation, and social development have significantly impacted surrounding communities.

As part of the Jubilee observances, several centres have been designated as pilgrimage sites where the faithful may obtain plenary indulgence. These include the Church of St. Francis in Jawalgera, St. Clare’s Church in Pothnal, Dharmodaya Ashram in Ballari, and La Verna Monastery in Hosapete.

Addressing the gathering, Bishop Henry D’Souza of Bellary encouraged the faithful to undertake pilgrimages as a means of encountering the grace of the Jubilee. He stressed that such journeys must be accompanied by the Sacrament of Reconciliation, participation in the Holy Eucharist, and concrete acts of mercy—particularly visiting the sick, the elderly, and the homebound.

Highlighting the contemporary relevance of the Jubilee, the bishop described it as an invitation to deeper conversion, fraternity, and renewed care for creation in a world marked by conflict and injustice.

The inauguration also featured a Sarva Dharma Sammilana (interfaith meeting), bringing together leaders of various religious traditions. Speakers emphasised the importance of harmony and mutual respect in a pluralistic society, affirming the constitutional freedom to practise one’s faith while calling for the rejection of religious intolerance. They urged citizens to become ambassadors of peace, grounded in truth and free from superstition.

Father Sathish Fernandes, Guardian of Clara Vihar, expressed gratitude to the diocesan leadership for designating St. Clare’s Church as a Jubilee pilgrimage centre. Several clergy, including Capuchin priests and diocesan representatives, joined a large gathering of the faithful for the celebrations.

Inspired by the life and witness of St. Francis, the Jubilee Year places renewed emphasis on ecological stewardship and compassionate outreach to the marginalized—echoing the enduring call of Laudato Si’ at a time of pressing social and environmental challenges.

By Ms Sagayam, Bishop's House, Bellary.