Cardinal Ferrão to Dedicate Mount Calvary Shrine in Bellary, Karnataka

Bellary, Karnataka, Feb 14, 2026: Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops’ of India, will bless and dedicate the Mount Calvary Shrine Church and the Kalvary Udyana garden on February 15 at T. B. Dam–Hosapete in the Diocese of Bellary.

The dedication coincides with celebrations linked to the historic World Heritage site of Hampi, lending both cultural and spiritual significance to the occasion. Church leaders say the event marks a major milestone for the local Catholic community while recalling the region’s deep and layered religious heritage.

The shrine complex was conceived as a memorial project during the diocese’s Platinum Jubilee year. Construction was formally launched in November 2024 by Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal. Organisers expect a large gathering of bishops, clergy, religious and lay faithful, along with civic and interfaith representatives.

Among those scheduled to attend are Bishop Duming Dias of Karwar, Bishop Johannes Gorantla of Kurnool, Hindu monastic leaders Sri Basavalinga Swamiji of Kottur Mutt and Sri Kalyana Swami of Bellary Kayana Mutt, Karnataka’s Energy Minister K. J. George, and philanthropist Cedric Fernandez.

Church historians note that the Christian presence in the Hampi–Vijayanagara region dates back to the early 16th century, when Friar Louis de Salvadore arrived in the imperial capital of Vijayanagara Empire as an envoy associated with Portuguese authorities in Goa. Historical accounts indicate he obtained royal permission to build a church and preach, establishing an early foundation for Christian activity in the region.

Over the centuries, the Bellary region maintained ecclesiastical ties with Goa, and Christian communities continued to develop in the area. Today, the faithful of T. B. Dam parish draw large numbers of pilgrims, particularly during Lent and Holy Week, to venerate the Holy Cross and participate in devotional observances.

The shrine campus also houses Abhaya Home for the destitute and La Verna Monastery of the Sisters of the Poor Clare, reflecting the diocese’s pastoral and charitable outreach in the region. Hosapete now serves as the district headquarters of Vijayanagara district in Karnataka.

By Ms. Sagayam

Bishop’s House,

Diocese of Bellary

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