The Warangal Diocese is planning a grand celebration to mark the golden jubilee year of the historic Kazipet-based Fatima Cathedral, which gave the Fatima Nagar in Kazipet its name.

The Warangal Diocese is planning a grand celebration to mark the golden jubilee year of the historic Kazipet-based Fatima Cathedral, which gave the Fatima Nagar in Kazipet its name.

The Warangal Diocese has jurisdiction over Khammam, Warangal, Nalgonda and Karimnagar districts.

The administrator of Warangal Diocese and the present archbishop of Hyderabad Diocese reverend Mr Tumma Bala has a long history of association with the Fatima Cathedral as he had a long tenure as bishop of Warangal Diocese from 1987-2011.

The grand and imposing structure of Fatima Cathedral houses the statue of ‘Our Lady of Fatima’, which was reported to have been brought from Portugal. According to the Cathedral records, the foundation stone for the Fatima Cathedral was laid on November 13, 1956 by the then Bishop of Wara-ngal Diocese reverend Alp-honsus Beretta and consecrated on March 13, 1962.

“The Fatima Cathedral has to its credit varied functions including inculcating moral values and spiritual uplift of the people,” said archbishop of Hyderabad Diocese reverend Mr Tumma Bala, who was in the city on Saturday to oversee the arrangements for the golden jubilee feat scheduled on March 12 and 13.

The revered Tumma Bala underscored the need to spread education, which he termed as the panacea of all evils and listed various welfare measures being taken up by Warangal diocese in spheres like education, health and social services.

According to father D. Raja, in charge of Warangal Diocese, they are presently running 98 schools, two degree colleges, four junior colleges, one engineering college, two B.Ed, one D.Ed, three hospitals, six dispensaries including various other trusts and NGOs in four districts under their jurisdiction.

Meanwhile, the organisers of the golden jubilee feat led by father Jaya Rao Polimera said they expect a turnout of more than 40,000 people during the two-day event including many dignitaries from around the state.

source: http://www.DeccanChronicle.com / Home> Channels> Cities> Regions> Karimnagar / by DC Correspondent / Warangal / March 04th,2012