Media Release
Bengaluru, Oct 25: Holy Ghost Church, near here, concluded the five-day devotion to and veneration of the icon of Mother of Perpetual Succour. Archbishop Bernard Moras of Bengaluru concelebrated the mass, concluding the devotion at the church. He was welcomed by the parish priest, Fr Paul Pazhangattu CSSR.
Archbishop Moras said, "We are here in a special way – to honour the icon of Mother of Perpetual Help. The occasion is the jubilee of 150 years of the icon of Perpetual Help, with the Redemptorists. The Pope has blessed 60 pictures and sent them to the whole world to show that she deserves the special veneration and honour and that God blesses all (who honour her)."
The Archbishop wondered aloud why Jesus(God) could not be approached directly, and said, "All are welcome to go to Jesus directly. Mary was chosen to be Mother of Jesus (God)." Archbishop Moras illustrated this aspect by an allegory, where an innocent child goes to its mother first, when in need of anything. "Mary always intercedes for us, like at the wedding at Cana and has only one message given all over – 'obey my Son'." Thus, calling Christians to be humble like Mary, who said, "Thy will be done".
"Catholics are often accused of worshipping Mary. We worship God alone, and honour and venerate Mary and her icon." Archbishop urged all to give attention to Jesus and not to self. He said, Mary is always by one's side, drawing one closer to her son" he said.
Sharing a reflection on the day’s reading, Archbishop Moras delved into 'The parable of the Pharisee and the publican' from the Bible. The Pharisee was self-righteous and viewed others with contempt, an attitude of self-righteousness, comparing himself to others and condemning of them. Unaware of his sins, the Pharisee, was aware of others sins, a good representation of a self-righteous person. On the contrary, the publican was the least respected member of society, a Jew who worked for the Romans, who was viewed as a traitor, stood at a distance. He was afraid to approach God, unwilling to lift his unworthy eyes to Him. He said, “Be merciful to me, the sinner," thus displaying his humility knowing that only God could help him be righteous. Jesus Christ was the answer to his prayer.
Elaborating on mercy, the Archbishop said, on September 4, Mother Teresa was canonised a Saint. She displayed works of mercy among the poor and the needy. He thus urged all present there to compare their works with hers and get a feel of her devotion and commitment to helping others. Service of others, in humility, must be utmost in one's mind, he urged. The Archbishop chastised a life of ego and encouraged everyone to lead an exemplary Christian life, seeking God's grace.
The parish priest, Fr Paul Pazhangattu CSSR, invited people to spend some time before the icon to pray and meditate. Multitudes of devotees had thronged to venerate the icon and to pay obeisance to Mary from October 19 through the morning of Oct 24. Several stalls were set up explaining the history and other aspects of the icon beside the miracles, favours and the benefits people all over the world received. The Icon is expected to be taken to Kerala soon.
After the Mass, Fr Paul presented the Archbishop with a bouquet for his 75th Birthday which was celebrated recently, and proposed a vote of thanks. He expressed gratitude to the Archbishop, priests and all who contributed towards the success of the celebration. Among others present was Fr Jacob Britto, former parish priest and Secretary to Archbishop.