Media Release
Udupi, Aug 13: The Annual Feast celebrations of Our Lady of Vailankanni Shrine at Stella Maris Church, Kalmady, were marked by a grand car procession on Sunday, August 13. The event saw the participation of devoted worshippers who gathered to honour Our Lady of Vailankanni.
The procession commenced from Adiudupi Junction and proceeded towards Kalmady Church. Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop Emeritus of the Mangalore Diocese, had the honour of flagging off the procession. The atmosphere was filled with a sense of reverence and celebration as the faithful joined in to witness and partake in this significant event.
The Rector of the shrine, Fr Dr Baptist Menezes, extended a warm welcome to Bishop Emeritus Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, as well as to the multitude of devotees who had gathered to express their devotion to Our Lady of Vailankanni.
The occasion was graced by spiritual reflections by Fr Joy Andrade, assistant parish priest of Our Lady of Miracles Cathedral, Kallianpur, delivering a profound reading from the Bible. His reflection on the passage resonated deeply with those in attendance, offering insights into the spiritual significance of the event.
The proceedings were skillfully guided by Shobha Mendonsa, who compared the programme, ensuring that each aspect of the event was smoothly coordinated.
Holy Eucharistic celebration was celebrated by Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop Emeritus Mangalore Diocese.
In his Homily, he emphasized Mother Mary’s qualities as a loving mother, faithful wife and sorrowful neighbour. He also said: "god is willing to talk to us however we are not creating an atmosphere to talk to him. The sound of the world is so loud that we are not able to hear the voice of god."
The much-anticipated annual feast of Our Lady of Vailankanni Shrine, located at Stella Maris Church in Kalmadi is set to take place on Tuesday, August 15. The festal Mass at 10 am will be celebrated by Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, the Bishop of Udupi.
On that day three other masses will be held to accommodate the faithful. These masses are slated for 2 pm, 4 pm, and 6 pm respectively, ensuring that worshippers have the opportunity to celebrate the mass at various times throughout the day.
The annual feast of Our Lady of Vailankanni Shrine at Stella Maris Church at Kalmadi, holds immense spiritual significance for the faithful. It is a time for communal devotion, thanksgiving, and seeking intercession from the blessed mother. The event serves as a unifying force for the community, fostering a sense of togetherness and faith.