by Fr Adolf Washington 

Bangalore, Jun 21:  Over 6,000 faithful congregated to celebrate the feast of Sacred Heart of Jesus at the 130-year old Sacred Heart Church in Richmond Road here on Sunday June 20.

The traditional feast day celebrations was preceded by a nine day novena which was concluded with a grand Eucharistic car procession presided over by the Archbishop of Bangalore Dr Bernard Moras.  

The Archbishop said that people of all faiths gather every year at the church to receive the blessings of God which is a sign of God's abundant love for people of all religious background.  “Faith in the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a manifestation of our strong faith in the promises of God and his mercies towards us", he added.

The parish priest Fr D S Arokiasamy, in his message said “Our Faith in the providence of God brings us here together year after year.  Those who come with fervent faith never return empty handed as the promises of God are always sure.  He is faithful to his people". 

The Archbishop delivered the Eucharistic blessing at five zonal areas of the parish covering over four kilometeres.  The procession began at 5 pm and concluded 8.30 pm.

Apart from parish clergies who attended feast include Fr Joseph Abraham, Fr John Abraham, Fr C Moses, former parish priest.

The church enjoys the honour of the visit of the late Mother Teresa along with former Prime Minister Deva Gowda during the Centenary Celebrations in 1995.