St. Mary’s Church, Marianagar, to Inaugurate and Bless Newly Built Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes on July 12
Bellame: The faithful of St. Mary’s Church, Marianagar, Bellame, together with their Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Rajendra, the Religious Sisters, the Parish Council, and the Finance Committee, have prayerfully completed the construction of a magnificent Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes on the church campus. The solemn inauguration and blessing of the grotto are scheduled to take place on Sunday, July 12, 2026, and the sacred ceremony will be officiated by His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Thomasappa Anthony Swamy, Bishop of the Diocese of Chikkamagaluru.
According to the parish community, the grotto was made possible through the generous support of parishioners, friends, well-wishers, and benefactors of Rev. Fr. Rajendra. Their collective contribution has enabled the creation of a sacred space dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes, intended to serve as a place of prayer, healing, hope, and spiritual renewal. Every aspect of the project has been undertaken with reverence, with the desire that the shrine may remain a visible testimony to the faith of the people.
The statue of Our Lady, specially brought from Kerala, has been exquisitely crafted and is noted for its radiant countenance and compassionate expression, which naturally draws the hearts of the faithful toward prayer and devotion. A beautifully designed crown has also been placed upon the statue, symbolizing the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth. The artistic and devotional elements of the grotto have been carefully planned to inspire a deeper sense of reverence among all who visit.
Designed as a faithful replica of the internationally renowned Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in Lourdes, France, the shrine stands as a beacon of faith, hope, and peace. It is envisioned as a sacred place where pilgrims and visitors may encounter the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin Mary and find consolation in her loving intercession. The parish community has expressed fervent hope that the grotto will become a source of abundant grace for countless faithful in the years ahead.
Even before its formal inauguration, the shrine has already begun to attract visitors from various communities. People belonging to different castes and creeds have reportedly started coming to the grotto to pray and seek the intercession of the Blessed Mother. This early response reflects the deep spiritual appeal of the shrine and the universal devotion inspired by Our Lady of Lourdes.
About St. Mary’s Church, Marianagar
St. Mary’s Church, Marianagar, is a prominent Catholic parish located at Maria Nagar, Bellame (via Konanur), in Arkalgud Taluk of Hassan district, Karnataka. Established in 1975, the parish has faithfully served the Catholic community of the region and forms part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Chikkamagaluru.
Maria Nagar itself carries a unique and inspiring history. After the construction of the Hemavati (Gorur) Dam in 1979, several villages, including Shettihalli, were submerged as part of the reservoir project. Many displaced families were resettled in what is now Maria Nagar near Arkalgud, where they rebuilt their lives with courage, perseverance, and unwavering faith. In this context, the parish has grown as a living witness to human resilience and divine providence.
As the parish moves toward its Golden Jubilee, the newly established Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes emerges as a powerful symbol of the community’s enduring devotion and spiritual identity. It is expected to draw pilgrims and devotees from near and far, becoming a place where prayer, reconciliation, hope, and peace may flourish for generations to come.
The Parish Priest, Religious Sisters, Parish Council, Finance Committee, and the entire parish community have extended a warm invitation to all the faithful, friends, benefactors, and well-wishers to participate in this joyous and grace-filled celebration.
May Our Lady of Lourdes intercede lovingly for every family and obtain God’s abundant blessings upon all who visit this holy shrine with faith and devotion.