Pics: Sany Digital Studio, Kalmady
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Aug 7: The nine-day novena prayers in preparation for the annual feast of the installation of Vailankanni shrine at Our Lady of Good Health Shrine Vailankanni at Stella Maris Church, Kalmady, commenced on Thursday evening with religious fervour.
The feast is being celebrated under the theme, ‘Do Whatever He Tells You’. The novena began with the ceremonial hoisting of the feast flag by the bishop emeritus of the diocese of Udupi, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, followed by the solemn Eucharistic celebration.
Delivering the homily, Bishop Emeritus Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo urged the faithful to reflect Christ's light through their good conduct, love, and service to others. He said that in Christian faith, the Cross is not the end of human life but the beginning of a new life and resurrection. The Cross, he noted, symbolizes the sacrifice, forgiveness, and eternal love of Jesus Christ, serving as a sign of hope and renewed faith rather than suffering alone.
He further stressed the importance of reading the Word of God daily, describing it as the primary means of communicating with God. "When we read the Bible, God speaks to us, and through prayer, we speak to Him," he said. Referring to Mother Mary, he said she fulfilled God's plan through Jesus Christ and called upon the faithful to emulate her virtues and become role models for others.
Among those present during the Holy Eucharist were Fr Dr Baptist Menezes, rector of the Vailankanni Shrine, Fr John Fernandes, parish priest of Brahmavar church, Parish Pastoral Council vice-president Naveen Fernandes, secretary Precilla Alva, Commissions coordinator Denis Lobo, and members of the feast celebration committee.
Special intentions during the nine days of novena will be offered for devotees, married couples, benefactors, youth, priests and religious, senior citizens, the sick, and families.
As part of the feast celebrations, a procession carrying the statue of Our Lady of Vailankanni will be held on August 13 at 2.54 pm, beginning from Adi Udupi Junction and proceeding to the church. The procession will be flagged off by Fr Franklin D'Souza of the diocese of Shivamogga.
The feast's solemn High Mass will be celebrated on August 15 at 10.30 am by the bishop of the diocese of Udupi, Dr Leslie Clifford D'Souza. Several priests from the diocese of Udupi and thousands of devotees are expected to participate in the celebrations.