Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (RD)
Pics: Praveen Tauro

Mangalore, Feb 11: “The whole of Europe celebrates the one hundred fiftieth year of Lourdes Pilgrimage shrine: while in the city it’s symbolically celebrated by publishing the Konkani book on ‘Our Lady of Lourdes’.  Out of total of 158 parishes in the entire Mangalore diocese, 53 parishes are being dedicated to Mother Mary.  The devotional book on Virgin Mary was indeed a worthy deed, in order to popularize the devotion in our native communities.  Moreover, it’s essential for the Konkani writers, to write in other languages such as Kannada, Hindi and English,” said Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza.

He was speaking during the release ceremony of book ‘Our Lady of Lourdes’, authored by Fr Valerian Fernandes, parish priest of Ajekar and published by Lourdes Publication, Mysore, which was held at Bishop’s House, Kodialbail, on Monday, February 11 morning.

Vally Vogga, proprietor of Lourdes Publication, Mysore, in his welcome address, said that he has been a staunch devotee of Our Lady of Lourdes, who appeared first to Bernadette Soubirous, a peasant girl of 14 years, in southern France 150 years ago.  Hence, to express the devotion to Our Lady of Lourdes, he had christened his house, business and publications in honour of Mother Mary. 

Fr Valerian Fernandes gratefully acknowledged the opportunity to author the book on ‘Our Lady of Lourdes’.  Further, he said that in the busy world of present days, no one would ever read large volumes of books, therefore, it’s been condensed for the benefit of everyone.

Libera D’Souza, proposed vote of thanks.  Vitori Karkal compered the programme.