Nine-Day Novena Begins Ahead of Annual Feast of Our Lady of Velankanni Shrine Kalmady
Malpe: The nine-day Novena prayers in preparation for the Annual Feast of the Shrine of Our Lady of Velankanni Shrine, at Stella Maris Church, Kalmady, commenced on Thursday evening with religious fervour.
The theme for this year’s feast is “Do Whatever He Tells You.” The Novena was inaugurated with the ceremonial hoisting of the shrine flag by Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Udupi, who also celebrated the solemn Holy Eucharist.
Delivering the homily, Bishop Emeritus Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo called upon Christian faithful to become witnesses of Christ through righteous living, love, and acts of compassion. He said that, in Christian faith, the Cross is not the end of human life but the beginning of a new life and resurrection. Describing the Cross as a symbol of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, forgiveness, and eternal love, he said it represents not the end of suffering but the path to renewed hope and faith.
He further urged the faithful to strengthen their relationship with God through the daily reading of the Holy Bible. “When we read the Scriptures, God speaks to us, and through prayer we speak to Him,” he said. Referring to Mother Mary, he noted that she fulfilled God’s mission through Jesus Christ and encouraged the faithful to imbibe her virtues and become role models to others.
Among those present during the Eucharistic celebration were Rev. Baptist Menezes, Rector of the Velankanni Shrine, Rev. John Fernandes, Parish Priest of Brahmavar Church, Parish Pastoral Council Vice President Naveen Fernandes, Secretary Precilla Alva, Commissions Coordinator Denis Lasrado, and members of the church feast committee.
Special prayers will be offered during the nine-day Novena for devotees, married couples, benefactors, youth, priests and religious, senior citizens, the sick, and families.
A grand procession carrying the statue of Our Lady of Velankanni will be held on August 13 from Adi Udupi Junction. The procession will be flagged off by Rev. Franklin D’Souza of the Diocese of Shivamogga.
The High Mass of the annual feast will be celebrated on August 15 at 10.30 a.m. by Most Rev. Leslie Clifford D’Souza, Bishop of the Diocese of Udupi. Several priests from the diocese and thousands of devotees are expected to participate in the celebrations.