Media Release
Bhadravathi, Sep 10: The Church of Our Lady of Vailankanni, Bhadravathi, in the diocese of Shimoga, joyfully celebrated its annual parish feast on September 8, with deep devotion, gratitude, and spiritual fervour.
The solemn preparations commenced with the nine-day Novena on August 29. The celebrations began with the traditional flag hoisting and the blessing and inauguration of a newly installed flagpole by our beloved shepherd, Dr Francis Serrao SJ, bishop of Shimoga.
This year’s feast was celebrated under the inspiring theme: “With Mary, we are pilgrims of hope.”
Being a Jubilee Year, each day of the Novena reflected on the Christian virtue of hope, with Mary as our mother and guide. Special intentions were offered at the Eucharistic celebrations and adoration for different groups: senior citizens, children, teachers, youth, families, medical personnel, and religious. On their respective days, these groups came forward in faith to receive special blessings, strengthening their spiritual journey and commitment to God.
Retreat and spiritual preparation
On August 31, a day of spiritual retreat was organized for all parishioners. It included a meaningful reconciliation service and the Sacrament of Confession, helping the faithful prepare their hearts more deeply for the feast.
Procession and devotional expressions
On the eve of the feast, after the ninth day of the Novena, a grand and prayerful procession was held through the main streets of Bhadravathi. The beautifully decorated chariot of Our Lady of Vailankanni drew hundreds of faithful who joined the procession with devotion, gratitude, hymns, and rosaries, bearing witness to their faith.
Throughout the Novena, parishioners and well-wishers expressed their love and devotion to Mother Mary through prayers, generous offerings, food donations, and voluntary service. Many testified to the countless blessings, graces, and favours received through her powerful intercession.
Thanksgiving and felicitations
At the conclusion of the celebrations, Fr Steeven D’Sa, parish priest, extended heartfelt gratitude to all the priests, religious, parishioners, benefactors, and volunteers who generously supported the feast. As a symbolic gesture of thanksgiving, donors were presented with blessed candles, and dedicated parishioners who had selflessly served the Church throughout the year were honoured.
A deeply touching moment of the celebration was the farewell and felicitation of bishop Francis Serrao SJ, who, after shepherding the diocese of Shimoga with wisdom, compassion, and fatherly care for 11 fruitful years, has now been appointed as the new bishop of Mysore. On behalf of the parish, Fr Steeven D’Sa presented a memento and words of gratitude, bidding him farewell with love, respect, and affection.
Conclusion
The feast of Our Lady of Vailankanni, the Mother of Health and Hope, became not only a time of spiritual renewal for the parish community but also a profound celebration of faith, gratitude, and unity. The faithful departed with renewed strength, carrying in their hearts the conviction that with Mary, indeed, all are pilgrims of hope.