News: Dn Nithin
Pics: Stanly Bantwal
Harihar, Sep 9: The Feast of Harihar Matha was celebrated with grandeur and pomp on September 8 in the Shrine of Our Lady of Health, Harihar. Around 3 lac pilgrims flooded to participate in the Liturgical Events of the day at the Shrine.
The Shrine of Our Lady of health attracts lacs of devotees throughout the year. Tradition has it that a Brahmin priest, while having a bath, was miraculously saved from drowning by the statue of our Lady. Later even his ailing wife and children were saved by this miraculous statue. The Brahmin and his family started to venerate the statue as ‘Satyamma’ (Mother of Truth). The Brahmin and his family remained faithful to this Marian devotion till their very last breath.
As years went by, priests from the nearing town recognized the statue as the statue of our Lady. Thus, the devotion to Mary spread among the faithful in and around Harihar. Many receive special graces such as childless have received Children, sick have regained health, healing and so on after visiting and praying at the Shrine. Over the years, this Shrine has become a refuge for all the distressed and dejected.
This year, Dr Peter Machado, archbishop, archdiocese of Bengaluru, presided over the solemn Eucharistic celebration on the eve of the feast. Archbishop was felicitated by bishop Francis Serrao and Fr Anthony Peter, the rector of the Shrine.
Fr Franklin D' Souza and Bro T K George released a Christian devotional album, ‘Devara Vakyave Yesu’ and a year planner. The Yesu Sparsha team conducted Praise and Worship, Adoration and Healing prayers after the mass on September 7.
On September 8, the celebration of the Eucharist began at 5:30 am. It was offered by Fr Anthony Peter. The Eucharistic Celebrations were held in all south Indian languages one after the other. Dr Robert Miranda, bishop, diocese of Gulbarga, rendered his services by offering Masses in English and Konkani.
The festal mass was at 11:30 am. It was offered by Dr Francis Serrao, bishop of the diocese. It was concelebrated by Dr Robert Miranda and more than fifty priests from the diocese and elsewhere. The choir raised the hearts and minds to the Lord. Dr Francis Serrao preached a meaningful homily. He stressed the need to strengthen our relationship in this globalized world.
He spoke about four kinds of relationships, emotional, trusting, spiritual and sacrificial. He insisted that as Christian, one needs to keep growing in relationship with God, neighbors, and creation.
After the Holy Eucharist, the bishops released a Christian devotional album named “Jagadolavina Thayi,Harihara Matha. Stickers of Harihar Matha and Novena book of Marian Devotion were also released to commemorate the silver jubilee of the new church building. The flower decorated car procession, carrying the statue of Harihar Matha was blessed and taken around the town. The sitting MLA Ramappa and the Ex-MLA B P Harish also participated devoutly in the procession. The faithful recited rosary and sang hymns in honour of Mother Mary. The festal celebrations came to conclusion with a Thanksgiving Eucharist offered by Fr Anthony Peter.