Media Release
Shivamogga, Feb 13: Annual Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes Church celebrated on February 12 at Tirthahalli. Dr Francis Serrao SJ, bishop of the diocese of Shimoga, was the main celebrant of the festal Holy Eucharist.
In his homily bishop Francis stressed on theme of the jubilee year 'Hope never disappoints us. We are pilgrims of hope'. He elaborated what the problem world is facing these days; refugees, suicides, tragedies and issues of elderly people. "All this humanly speaking is disturbing us. But if we have hope in the Lord Jesus, he never fails us." As Our Lady of Lourdes Church celebrates post centenary silver jubilee year, he thanked God and the faithful for witnessing Lord Jesus Christ through lives and said that 125 years is a great event for the parishioner’s ad well as for the diocese.
After Mass, parish priest Fr Veeresh Victor Moras thanked the bishop, priests, religious, parishioners, and guests. bishop Francis Serrao, SJ, unveiled the logo for the parish's post-centennial silver jubilee. He also unveiled a photograph of the renovated church's structure.
Assistant parish priest Fr Milton read the donors' names. Bishop Francis acknowledged their generosity by giving them blessed candles. Then, on behalf of the parishioners, Ovin D'Souza, secretary of the PPC, thanked everyone.
On February 9, Msgr Stany D'Souza, vicar general of the diocese of Shimoga, began the feast with flag hoisting. On the February 10 and 11, Fr Nelson Pinto OCD preached at the novena. On February 12, there was a chariot procession of Our Lady of Lourdes in the main streets of Tirthahalli town.
A large number of priests, religious, and faithful participated in the feast.