Media Release

Chitradurga, Sep 4: Our Lady of Vailankanni, substation of Holy Family Church, Chitradurga, celebrated its annual feast of Nativity of Blessed Virgin Mary on September 3.

The flag hoisting at the beginning of the feast was done by Fr Richard Anil D'Souza, dean of Holy Family deanery and mission director of Infant Jesus Church, Challakere on August 31.

Fr Pius D'Souza, diocesan youth director of diocese of Shimoga prepared spiritually through retreat and held confessions on September 1-2. He also led the healing prayers and Holy Eucharist.

On September 3, Fr Franklin D'Souza, parish priest of Our Lady of Assumption Church, Hiriyur, Chitradurga district was the main celebrant of the feast. Festal celebrations began with Holy Rosary. Fr Franklin D’Souza celebrated Holy Eucharist. Parish priest Fr Clarence Dias, Fr Stany Mariyappa, Fr Lawrence SDB and Fr Stephen SDB concelebrated the Holy Eucharist.

In his homily, Fr Franklin D'Souza spoke on the values of the family of Blessed Virgin Mary. He spoke on Joachim, Anne and Mary family, Zacharias, Elizabeth and John the Baptist family. He also spoke on Herod and Herodias who went against the family values. He invited the faithful to follow in the footsteps of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He said that external beauty of the feast should radiate internal disposition. He said, “The greatest gift we can give or offer is our heart which should be pure.” Then he prayed a healing prayer for the faithful.

After the Mass, there was a decorated chariot procession by the faithful.

Fr Franklin D'Souza led the adoration and prayed for the people which concluded with benediction.

Cultural programmes were organised by the substation children.

Parish priest Fr Clarence Dias thanked the donors as well as priests and religious. He also thanked everyone who supported the feast.

Meals were served for all those gathered.  Around 350 faithful participated in the festal celebration.