Cardinal Poola Anthony called for peace and unity while addressing devotees at the Karunagiri shrine in Khammam. He urged people to follow the path of harmony and tolerance. MP R Raghuram Reddy assured support for Dalit Christians
Published Date – 2 March 2026, 10:49 PM
Khammam: Amid the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, Cardinal Dr Poola Anthony, the national president of the All India Bishops’ Conference, stated that peace should prevail in all countries of the world and that wars are futile.
Cardinal Dr Poola Anthony, the Archbishop of Hyderabad, participated in the closing ceremony of the four-day annual feast of Karunagiri shrine here on Monday. The ceremony was presided over by erstwhile Khammam Catholic Diocese Bishop Dr Sagili Prakash.
Devotees welcomed the Cardinal in a ceremonial procession from Naidupeta to Karunagiri with the sound of drums and kolatams. Addressing the devotees, he urged everyone to travel on the path of peace taught by Jesus Christ, who sacrificed his life for humankind.
Cardinal Dr Anthony said that people should live with tolerance, happiness and unity by keeping aside their differences. Earlier, he laid the foundation stone for a hostel for students on the premises of Karunagiri.
Khammam MP R Raghuram Reddy, who took part in the celebrations, assured Christians that he would raise his voice in Parliament to implement SC reservation for Dalit Christians to ensure justice for them. Christianity wants the happiness and joy of all people, which is why he admires the religion, he said.
Karunagiri shrine has emerged as a great spiritual centre for Christians, attracting devotees from the Telugu States in large numbers. It was a great honour for all Telugu people that Archbishop Dr Anthony was proclaimed Cardinal by Pope Francis, the MP said.
If everyone follows the path shown by Lord Jesus and Mother Mary, a great society would be created, Raghuram Reddy said, adding that he would stand with the RCM Church, its religious leaders and devotees in their needs.
Edulapuram Municipal Chairperson P Anitha, vice chairman Tammineni Naveen, the Diocese Vicar General Tappati Shouri, Procator Surepalli Isaac, Karunagiri Director Johannes, priests Anthony Raj, Jayaraj, Kommu Antony, Matthew Varaprasada Raju and others were present.
