Pics: Sany Digital Studio, Udupi
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Aug 7: The nine day novena prayers prior to the annual feast of Our lady of Velankanni of Stella Maris Church, Kalmady, began on Tuesday, August 6.
Fr Ronald Serrao, rector, St Joseph Seminary, Mangaluru, inaugurated the nine day novena prayers by hoisting the flag. "Mother Mary is a shining star in Catholic church. Among all women, she is given the top most place. Her faith and love has brought radiance in the Catholic church. This radiance should reflect in our hearts,” he said.
"The warmth of Mother Mary's love and hope should spread across our society, church and family. This will help us in increasing our faith. May the nine day novena prayer spread among us all, through our good deeds and words. May Mother Mary be our hope when we endure problems and sufferings. She will help us grow in our Christian life," he added.
The nine day novena prayers will be dedicated towards various intentions related to family, married couples, priests, prisoners, youths and patients.
The procession of Our Lady of Velankanni will be held on August 14 from Karavali junction to the Stella Maris Church. Ivan D'souza, MLC will inaugurate the procession at 2:45 pm near to Karavali junction. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop, diocese of Mangaluru, will preside over the Eucharistic celebrations.
The annual feast Mass will be held on 15 August at 4 pm. Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, bishop, diocese of Udupi, will be the chief celebrant for the Eucharistic celebrations.
The Velankanni shrine of Kalmady is a place of miracles. Velankanni mother here is a source of solace to many of her devotees. A large number of devotees visit the shrine every day and specially during the annual feast.
Fr Alban D'souza, parish priest, Stella Maris Church, Fr Valerian Mendonca, parish priest, Mother of Sorrows Church Udupi, Fr Praveen Monteiro, assistant parish priest, Fr Charles Sanjay Andrade, vice president parish Pastoral committee Shobha Mendonca, secretary Francis Fernandes, convener 18 commissions and others were present on the occasion.