By P R John
Raichur, June 1, 2022: The diocese of Bellary in the southern Indian state of Karnataka has dedicated a new shrine to migrant laborers, especially those engaged in construction works.
Bishop Henry D’Souza of Bellary on May 31 blessed and dedicated Infant Jesus Shrine in Raichur, a city located between Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers and 409 km north of Bengaluru, the state capital.
The bishop described the shrine as a masterpiece and a blessing to the diocese.
Father P R Paulraj, who completed the construction, said the shrine is dedicated to the construction workers of India. He said he got the idea after witnessing and helping many migrants and construction workers who were affected by the Corona pandemic.
Father Paulraj thanked the workers and especially ordinary Christian laborers who contributed their might and generosity in completing the church. He named Benjamin, a lay Catholic engineer who spent his time and energy to build the shrine.
The priest also paid tribute to Father Patrick Doyle (1812-1877), an Irish missionary known, who served Bellary and Raichur missions for 30 years in the 19th century. Popularly known as “Dayalu Swami,” the missionary was appointed the parish priest of Raichur in 1840. He built St. Lazarus Church in 1857 which is now St. Anthony Cathedral Bellary.