Udupi: Devotees Celebrate Annual Feast of Our Lady of Assumption
News: Kevin Rodrigues
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (CN)
Pics: Sany Digital Studio, Kalmady
Udupi, Aug 15: The annual feast of Our Lady of Assumption was celebrated with great religious fervour on Monday August 15. Bishop of Mangalore Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza celebrated the festal holy mass along with the dean of Udupi deanery Fr Fred Mascarenhas, Fr Denies Castelino, parish priest Joseph D’Souza, and priests from the across Udupi district.
Speaking about the noble life and sacrifices of the mother of Jesus in his homily, the Bishop said that it is because of her blessings that we are enjoying freedom today and it is remarkable that we are celebrating the feast of Our Lady of Assumption and our country’s Independence on the same occasion.
Her Way of the Cross started when she accepted the proposal from angel Gabriel to give birth to Jesus. Because of her blessings devotees are increasing in Vailakanni day by day. She will bless all those who believe in her, he said.
The novenas to Our Lady of Vailankanni were held at the pilgrimage centre from Saturday August 6 to Sunday August 14 regularly at 4 pm. Capuchin priest Fr Dolphy Serravo was the preacher for the novena service.
Fr Joseph D’Souza is the present parish priest of Kalmady, assisted by parish council vice-president Louis Lobo, and secretary Precilla Alva. The parishioners have contributed remarkably to promoting the devotion of Our Lady of Vailankanni by improving the infrastructure.
On Saturday August 13, there was a grand procession of ‘Hore Kannike’ (offerings) from Adi Udupi to the church. Masses were held from morning to evening in English and Malayalam and prayer service in Kannada.
Charles D’Souza released the book written by Fr Denies Castelino about the Pilgrim Center of Kalmady.
More than 2,000 devotees gathered for the holy mass in the evening which was celebrated in Konkani. After the mass, a fellowship meal was arranged for all devotees by the church.