Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Aug 7: The novena prayers ahead of the annual feast of Vailankanni shrine, Kalmadi was held on Tuesday August 6 at the shrine.
Msgr Lawrence Maxim Noronha, vicar general diocese of Mangalore hoisted the flag and inaugurated the novena prayers.
In his homily, Msgr Lawrence Maxim Noronha said, "Mother Mary helps us in our times of need and prays with Jesus for providing solace to us. The Almighty has chosen us long ago. We need to be thankful to the Lord Almighty through Jesus. He is the mediator between us and the almighty. We offer our prayers to the almighty through Jesus. Mother Mary is the best example for us on how to be thankful to the almighty. We should never forget the almighty when we are happy and contented. We need to be courageous to thank our Lord in our difficult times too. We might have come with many prayers and intentions, let us pray for the same and thank the almighty for his grace.”
The novena prayers will be held at 4 pm every day for nine days.
The feast of the shrine will be celebrated on August 15. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop, diocese of Udupi, will be celebrating the festive Eucharistic celebration at 10:30 am that day. Additional Masses will be held at 7:30 am in Konkani, 4 pm in Konkani, and at 6 pm in English.
On August 11, the bishop emeritus of Mangalore diocese, Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, will inaugurate the chariot procession of Our Lady of Vailankanni from Kalmadi, a cherished tradition symbolizing community and devotion.
Fr Baptist Menezes (Jr), parish priest, Stella Maris Church Kalmadi and rector of the shrine presided over the inauguration ceremony. A large number of devotees took part in the novena prayers.