Pics: Justine D’Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD/KR)
Udupi, Aug 7: The 9-day novena prior to the annual feast of Our Lady of Vailankanni Shrine, Kalmadi began on Sunday, August 6. Fr Fredrick Mascarenhas, parish priest, St Anthony Church, Padukone, unfurled Our Lady of Velankanni flag at the church premises here to inaugurate the novena.
The novena then began with the Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr Fredrick Mascarenhas. Fr Alban D'Souza, parish priest, Fr Stephen Lewis, Capuchin; and Fr Joswin, assistant parish priest, Barkur were the co-celebrants.
In his homily, Fr Fredrick said, “Every Catholic loves Mother Mary's devotion. Worshipping Mother Mary helps Christians lead a good life. She is our Mother. She takes all our grievances to Jesus and prays with him to help us, as she did at the City of Cana.”
“Whenever we feel low, Mother Mary is an inspiration for us. She will help us to rise. Mother Mary will surely help our youth to lead a good life,” he added.
Prior to the Eucharistic celebration, adoration of the Holy Sacrament was conducted by Fr Fredrick Mascarenhas. The choir team of Barkur church lead the choir.
Sanjay Andrade, vice-president and Shoba Mendonca, secretary were present.
There will be special prayers, adoration and Holy Eucharistic celebration, everyday at 4 pm on the nine days of the novena. Different priests will lead the celebration with different intentions.
A procession will be carried out from Adi Udupi Junction to the church on August 13 at 2:30 pm.
Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, bishop of Udupi diocese will preside over the festival Eucharistic celebrations on August 15 at 10:30 am followed by a fellowship meal.
Eucharistic celebration will be held at 7.00 am in Konkani, 4.00 pm in Kannada, and 6.00 pm in English on August 15.
New church building
The work on the new church building is under progress. The building will be inaugurated on January 6, 2018. The new church building is designed like the shape of a boat. This is one of the first churches in the state to have such a unique shape.