HR1280 Summary

• Illinois House of Representatives congratulates the Belleville Diocese on their 125th anniversary, which was established by Pope Leo XIII on January 7, 1887.

• The diocese encompasses 28 counties with 117 parishes and a Catholic population of 83,689.

• The diocese initiated "Fanning the Flame," a diocesan initiative to strengthen Catholics and those drawn to the Catholic faith through exploration of faith and commitment to lifelong conversion.

• Anniversary celebrations included a Mass of Thanksgiving on April 29, 2012 at the Cathedral of St. Peter, a diocesan-wide festival of music featuring parish choirs, and a commemorative anniversary book edited by Father Stanley J. Konieczny documenting the faith stories of all 117 parishes.

• A suitable copy of the resolution will be presented to the Belleville Diocese as a symbol of respect and esteem.