Our Lady of Vailankanni Shrine Kalmady Celebrates Annual Feast
Photos By Sany Digital Studio Kalmady – Udupi
Udupi: The annual feast of Our Lady of Vailankanni Shrine at Stella Maris Church Kalmady, was celebrated on Saturday, August 15.
Dr Leslie Clifford D’Souza, bishop of Udupi Diocese, was accorded a grand welcome by the Kalmady Shrine Rector, Rev Dr Baptist Menezes, along with the parish council members.
Bishop Dr Leslie Clifford D’Souza concelebrated the festive Mass along with Rev Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop Emeritus; Fr Denis D’Sa, Dean of Udupi Denary; Fr Anil D’Souza, parish priest, St Francis Xavier’s Church Udyavar; Kalmady Shrine Rector Rev Dr Baptist Menezes; and other clergy.
In his homily, Bishop Leslie said that Mary was a courageous woman who placed her faith in the Word of God and has been given a special place of honour in the Holy Church. After Jesus Christ was crucified, Mary encouraged and strengthened the frightened and distressed disciples, bringing them together and inspiring them to remain united. By respectfully accepting God’s will, Mary became the mother of Jesus Christ. It is for this reason that Mary is honoured as the Mother of the Holy Church, he said.
There is a link between Mother Mary and the Holy Sacrament. The Immaculate Mother of God, Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her early life, assumed her body and soul into heaven. With that, the ancient belief became the Catholic doctrine, and the Assumption was declared a truth revealed by God. Mother Mary always believed in Jesus. Mother Mary remained faithful to the Lord, he said.
He urged the faithful to follow Mary’s example and incorporate her virtues and values into their own lives.
Priests from various churches; Church Pastoral Council Vice-President Naveen Fernandes; Secretary Priscilla Alva; Commission Coordinators Denis Lasrado; and members of the church feast celebration committee were present during the Holy Mass.
As part of the feast celebrations, Masses were held in Konkani at 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., in Kannada at 2:00 p.m., and in English at 6:00 p.m.
