Pics: Sany Digital Studio Kalamdy / Udupi

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Aug 7: The nine-day novena prayers prior in preparation of the annual feast of Our Lady of Vailankanni shrine in Stella Maris Church, Kalmady began on Sunday, August 6. Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves, vicar general of Udupi diocese hoisted the flag and conducted the novena prayers on the first day.

The novena prayers will be held at 4 pm everyday. Special prayers will be offered for the various intentions during the nine days of novena. On the first day of the novena, special prayers were offered for the devotees. Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves conducted the adoration and also celebrated the holy Eucharistic celebrations.

The annual feast of Stella Maris Church Kalmady, Vailankanni shrine will be celebrated on August 15, at 10 am with holy Eucharistric celebrations. Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, bishop diocese of Udupi will be the chief celebrant for the annual feast holy Eucharistc celebrations. On the same day, holy Eucharistic celebrations will be held at 2 pm, 4 pm and at 6 pm in Konkani language.
 
On Sunday August 13, a car procession of Mother Vailankanni will be held. The devotional procession will begin at 2.30 pm from Adi Udupi junction. Dr Aloysius Paul D'souza, bishop emeritus diocese of Mangaluru will flag off the procession.

Rector Fr Baptist Menezes, vice president parish pastoral committee Ida D'Souza, secretary  Stany Menezes, parishioners and a large number of devotees were present for the first day of novena.