Bangalore: Blessing, Unveiling of Blessed John Paul II Statue
From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore
Bangalore, Oct 24: The Archdiocese of Bangalore will be the country’s first-ever diocese to dedicate a church to Blessed John Paul II with the blessing and unveiling of the statue by His Excellency Salvatore Pennacchio, Ambassador of Vatican State to India, at K Channasandra of Horamavu in the city outskirts on Tuesday, October 25, at 3.30 pm.
This auspicious and exuberant event will take place in the presence of all the Bishops of Karnataka, headed by Most Rev Bernard Moras, Archbishop and Chairman of the Karnataka Regional Bishop’s Conference.
''This will be an outstanding and historical event for the Archdiocese of Bangalore,” the Archbishop told Daijiworld.
Pope John Paul II was raised to the altar of Blessed on May 1, 2011. In memory of this great Pope, the Archdiocese of Bangalore dedicated a church in K Channasandra to Blessed John Paul II onAugust 20, 2011.
Pope John Paul II was known as a Missionary Pope for his extensive travelling throughout the entire world on a pilgrimage as a Messenger of Peace. He had visited India twice. His first visit was during February 1 to 10, 1986, when the Pontiff visited Mangalore.
The silver Jubilee of the Pontiff’s visit to India is ever preciously remembered through the installation of the statue of Blessed John Paul in New Delhi and Mumbai.
Now, it is the turn of the Archdiocese of Bangalore to install a life-size statue of Blessed John Paul II at K Channasandra.
It is the fourth statue in India weighing 375 kgs and 2.06 mts width completely made out of bronze metal. This statue was manufactured in Bangkok and imported to India.
The image of Blessed John Paul II in his Pontifical attire has at the bottom of the statue the impression of the national bird peacock and national flower lotus.
''At this venerable juncture, we are reminded that devotees pray to Blessed John Paul II and many have experienced miracles and healings. In the archdiocese of Bangalore itself a devotee has received eye sight through his intercession,’’ the Archbishop said adding: ''He has brought in vibrancy and fresh lease of life in the Roman Catholic Church. In this way, he is a great inspiration and motivation to many. He strived hard to promote Ecumenical unity around the world.”
It may be recalled that Most Rev Bernard Moras, was first appointed Bishop of Belgaum and then appointed as Archbishop of Bangalore by Blessed John Paul II. He also received Papal blessings from the Blessed John Paul II.
During these years Archbishop Bernard Moras had several precious and golden occasions to personally meet and hold dialogue with Pope John Paul II. Archbishop Bernard Moras had participated in the Beatification ceremony of Pope John Paul II held in Rome on May 1, 2011.
This historic ceremony and program will be solemnized by the ambassador of Vatican State to India, Salvatore Pennachhio, in the presence of Archbishop Bernard Moras, along with Bishops of Chikmagalur, Mysore, Belgaum, Bellary, Shimoga, Belthangady, Bhadravathi, Mangalore, Mandya, Puttur, Karwar and Gulbarga dioceses, and other high-ranking priests and a large number of religious sisters, brothers and devotees.