Media Release

Mangaluru, Jul 11: The faithful of St Mary's Church, Marianagar, Bellame, together with their parish priest, Fr Rajendra, the religious sisters, the parish council, and the finance committee, have prayerfully and joyfully completed the construction of the magnificent grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes on the church campus.

The solemn inauguration and blessing of the grotto will be held on Sunday, July 12 and will be graciously officiated by his excellency Dr Thomasappa Anthony Swamy, bishop of the diocese of Chikmagalur.

This sacred project holds special significance as St Mary's Church, Marianagar, prepares to celebrate its golden jubilee (50th Foundation Anniversary) next year. Through the generous support of the parishioners, friends, well-wishers, and benefactors of Rev Fr Rajendra, this beautiful grotto has been lovingly erected in honour of Our Lady of Lourdes as a lasting expression of faith, gratitude, and devotion.

The graceful statue of Our Lady was specially brought from Kerala and has been exquisitely crafted with a radiant face and compassionate eyes that inspire prayer and deep devotion. A beautifully designed crown adorns her head, symbolizing her queenship as the Queen of Heaven and Earth.

Designed as a faithful replica of the world-renowned grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in Lourdes, France, this newly constructed shrine stands as a beacon of faith, hope, and peace. It invites every visitor to experience the loving presence and maternal care of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

It is the earnest prayer of the parish community that this holy grotto will become a place of grace where countless faithful receive God's blessings, healing, comfort, and spiritual strength through the powerful intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes. Even before its formal inauguration, people from different communities, irrespective of caste or creed, have already begun visiting the grotto to offer their prayers and seek the loving intercession of the Blessed Mother.

About St Mary's Church, Marianagar

St Mary's Church, Marianagar, is a prominent Catholic parish situated at Maria Nagar, Bellame (via Konanur), Arkalgud Taluk, Hassan District, Karnataka – 573130. Established in 1976, the parish serves the Catholic faithful of the region and forms part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Chikmagalur.

Maria Nagar has a unique and inspiring history. In 1979, following the construction of the Hemavati (Gorur) Dam by the Government of India, several villages, including Shettihalli, were submerged as part of the reservoir project. Many displaced families were resettled in what is now Maria Nagar near Arkalgud, where they rebuilt their lives with courage, perseverance, and deep faith. Today, the parish stands as a living testimony to that enduring spirit and God's providence.

As the parish approaches its golden jubilee, the newly blessed Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes becomes a visible symbol of the community's unwavering faith and Marian devotion. It is hoped that this sacred place will continue to draw pilgrims and devotees from near and far, fostering prayer, reconciliation, hope, and peace for generations to come.

The parish priest, religious sisters, parish council, finance committee, and the entire parish community have extended a warm and cordial invitation to all the faithful, friends, benefactors, and well-wishers to participate in this joyous celebration.