Media Release

Davanagere, Aug 17: The Basilica of Our Lady of Health, Harihar, is all set to celebrate its annual feast on Tuesday, September 8, under the theme ‘Mary - Mother of Destitutes’.

Thousands of pilgrims from Karnataka, neighbouring states and different language communities are expected to attend the celebrations.

The nine-day novena will begin on Sunday, August 30, at 5.30 pm with flag hoisting by Dr Duming Dias, bishop of Karwar and Apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Shimoga.

The novena will continue until September 7, with prayers held every day at 5.30 pm. The programme will include a procession, novena prayers, floral homage, Holy Eucharist, special adoration and healing prayers for the sick.

On September 7, the 5.30 pm Mass by Dr Francis Serrao SJ, bishop of Mysuru.

Feast day programme

On September 8, Masses will be celebrated in various languages beginning with Kannada Mass at 5.15 am, followed by Telugu at 6.15 am, Malayalam (Syro-Malabar Rite) at 7.15 am, Tamil at 8.45 am and English at 10 am.

The Malayalam Mass by Dr Joseph Arumachadath, bishop of Bhadravathi.

At 10.45 am, the Apostolic administrator of Shimoga will be welcomed.

The main celebration will begin at 11 am with the concelebrated High Mass in Kannada, presided over by Dr Duming Dias, Apostolic administrator of the diocese of Shimoga.

Mass in Konkani will be held at 1.15 pm, followed by adoration of the Blessed Sacrament by the Yesu Sparsha team at 2.30 pm.

A Kannada Mass will be held at 4 pm, followed by the solemn procession at 5 pm. The final Kannada Mass will be celebrated at 7.30 pm, followed by the vote of thanks at 8.30 pm.

Special programmes

On Wednesday, September 9, pilgrims' vehicles will be blessed at 9 am, followed by the blessing of pilgrims at 5 pm.

Masses on September 9 will be held at 8 am, 10.30 am, 12 noon and 4 pm.

Facilities for pilgrims

Confessions and blessings will be available in various languages throughout the day.

The church stall will provide flowers, candles, religious articles, holy water, oil and books on the history of the Basilica.

Offerings in gold, silver and sarees will also be accepted near the presbytery. Mass intentions and offerings can be sent online.

The Basilica has invited all devotees to participate in the feast celebrations and experience the love and blessings of Harihar Matha, described as the "Mother of Destitutes".

Devotees can also send their prayer requests and testimonies of favours received to the rector's office.

For further details, devotees may contact the rector,

Basilica of Our Lady of Health, Harihar,

P B No. 19, Harihar - 577 601, Davanagere district, Karnataka.

Ph: +91 7349246751 | Email: olhharihar@gmail.com | Website: http://www.hariharshrine.org