Pics: Sany Digital Studio, Kalmady
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi
Udupi, Aug 15: Annual feast of Our Lady of Vailankani Shrine was celebrated with rich of devotedness on Wednesday August 15 at Stella Maris Church, Kalmady.
Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop of Udupi diocese, presided over the Holy Eucharistic celebrations, while Fr Alban D’Souza, director of the Shrine, Fr Chethan Lobo, PRO in-charge of diocese of Udupi, priests from the deanery and diocese took part in the festival Mass.
Bishop Lobo in his homily said, “We have gathered here to celebrate the feat of Mother Mary after 9 days of novena. Today we celebrate three feasts here. First are assumptions of Mother Mary, feast of the shrine and Indian independence. But the message from these feasts is one, and that is Freedom,”
“After our death our body will decompose in the dust and soul will rise to heaven. But in case of Jesus Christ his body did not become dust, but he rose from the tomb and his soul went to heaven. Similar way, Heavenly Father raised Mother Mary to heaven. Fear of God is the biggest gift Mother Mary had in addition to other gifts,”
“She is real ray of hope for our freedom. If we follow the holy life of helping others, then we will also find salvation. Death is not an end. There is eternal life after that,”
“Today we celebrate Indian Independence. If each person in the nation enjoys the freedom of religion finance, language and culture, then it is the real freedom. And this might be the same dream of all those freedom fighters who fought for the independence of the nation,”
“We have come across the recent rain damage in many places. Let us pray for all those victims on this occasion,”
In this thanksgiving message Fr Alban said that during the novena, thousands of devotes witnessed the spiritual richness in the place and informed that after the new church was inaugurated, devotees have been pouring in large numbers on daily basis.
“Today’s church is a dream of Dr Gerald Lobo, and it came from him before he took charge as bishop of Udupi. And this led to many developments in this place. During the novena, nearly 12 parish choir groups, many priests and volunteers rendered their service here,”
Bishop honoured the sponsors of the celebration with blessed candle. In his message he praised the parish priest, parishioners, donors and devotes for the development of Kalmady.
For the first time, two days of celebrations were held during the feast. On Tuesday, Dr Henry D’Souza, bishop of Bellary had presided over the Eucharistic celebrations. And on August 15, a total number of 5 Mass celebrations were held.
A fellowship meal was arranged for all the devotees.