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Photographs: Shreekanth Bhat, Kanajar

Kanajar, February 14, 2006: The newly built grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes was inaugurated on the blessed occasion of the parish feast (tharikechem festh) of Lourdes Church, Kanajar.

The colorful day started with the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Alwyn D'Cunha, honoring the sponsors of the feast and donors of the project with honorary candles. Fr. D'Cunha lead the inauguration ceremony along with all the 12 Gurkar’s singing the popular hymn "Moriyek hogalsiyam" accompanied by showering of flower petals.

Rev. Fr. Victor Machado, Rector of St. Joseph Seminary, celebrated the feast mass along with 15 other guest priests. After the mass, Rev. Fr. Peter Noronha, Parish priest of Bendur, inaugurated the book "Ajapanchem Lourdes Shahar ani her disovnyo" written by Rev. Fr. Francis D'Souza, Director of Pontifical order.

Rev. Fr.Victor Machado felicitated the author of the book and Mr. Walter Pinto, the contractor with a commemorative gift to mark the occasion. Rev.Fr. Francis Carnelio and Mrs. Celestine D’Souza, Vice President of the parish council also shared the dais.

In the evening, the ceremonial mass was offered by Rev. Fr. Dr. Stany Goveas, Professor of St Joseph’s Seminary, Jeppu. Rosary was offered on the way to the grotto in a candle lit procession, and novena prayers were offered in the honor of the Lady of Lourdes. Rev. Fr Victor Machado, blessed the congregation and concluded the ceremony with the hymn, "Lourdes saibinim thum amchi raani".

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