‘Car procession’ held ahead of annual feast of Vailankanni shrine, Kalmady
Udupi: As a part of the Annual Feast of Our Lady of Vailankanni Shrine at Stella Maris Church, Kalmady, a grand car procession was held on Sunday, August 10.
The procession commenced from Kalmadi Bridge and proceeded towards Kalmady Church. Mosgr Ferdinand Gonsalves Vicar General of Udupi Diocese, had the honour of flagging off the procession.
In his message, Mosgr Ferdinand Gonsalves stated that Mother Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, upheld the Word of God and, through her humble and modest life, has set an example for all of us. The virtue of simplicity embodied by Mother Mary is an ideal for everyone, and we must walk in her footsteps, he said.
At the Kalmadi Bridge, the statue of Velankanni Mata was blessed. On the same occasion, as a prelude to the annual convention of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) Karnataka Region, the Holy Cross — currently traveling across the state — was handed over by the ICYM members of Thottam St. Ann’s Church to the youth leaders of Kalmadi Church.
Thereafter, a procession was undertaken, carrying both the Velankanni Mata statue and the Holy Cross to the church. Following the procession, novena prayers and the Holy Mass were held in the church.
The Rector of the Shrine, Rev. Fr. Baptist Menezes, Director of the Youth Commission of the Udupi Diocese, Rev. Fr. Steven Fernandes, and members of the church’s feast celebration committee were present.
On 15th August, the Bishop of Udupi Diocese, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo will celebrate the Holy Eucharistic Mass at 10:30 am.
“Our Lady of Velankanni Shrine” at Kalmady is renowned worldwide for its unique boat-shaped architecture. This sacred occasion holds special significance as the Shrine marks several milestones in its history.
The shrine’s iconic boat-shaped church, inaugurated in 2018, stands as a testament to faith and architectural beauty, attracting thousands of pilgrims annually. Central to its devotion is the statue of Our Lady of Velankanni, installed on August 15, 1988, which has been a focal point for prayers and novenas.
In a momentous event, the Shrine was officially dedicated and proclaimed as the Diocesan Shrine on 15th August 2022, underscoring its importance as a spiritual center in the region.
Pics By Praveen Correa, Sany Digitals Udupi