Harihar: Our Lady of Health Church, Harihar was proclaimed a Minor Basilica by the Most Rev. Dr Peter Machado (Archbishop of Bengaluru) at a Eucharistic ceremony attended by a large number of Devotees and a number of Bishops of the state including the Most. Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop Emeritus of Mangaluru, Most. Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi, Most. Rev. Dr K.A William, Bishop of Mysuru, Most. Rev. Dr Anthony Swamy, Bishop of Chikmagluru, Most. Rev. Dr Robert Miranda, Bishop of Gulbarga, Most. Rev. Dr Derek Fernandes, Bishop of Karwar, Most. Rev. Dr Gheevarghese, Bishop of Puttur, Rev. Dr Filipe Neri Ferrao (Archbishop of Goa and Daman), and the Most. Rev. Dr Ignatius D’Souza, Bishop of Bareli.
The Chief Guest of the programme was Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa while guests of honour included the most Dr Shivamurthy Murugha Sharanaru, Dr Moulana B.A Ibrahim Shakha, Dr Siddeshwar, MLA Davangere, Member of Parliament B.Y. Raghavendra, and Ramappa.
The Official programme began after the Solemn Eucharistic Celebration at 11.45 am. The programme began with the Bible reading from the book of Genesis – The creation of the world. The invocation was in the form of dance.
CM BSY was welcomed too with a bouquet of flowers as was the Most Rev. Dr Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bengaluru.
Bishop Most Rev. Francis Serrao also welcomed all other guests. This was followed by the lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries. BSY unveiled the logo of the Minor Basilica of Harihar. Fr Lancy D’Souza enlighted the audience on the Papal Bull ‘De Titulo Basilica Minoris’ the official papal bull decree of Pope Francis signed by Robertus Card, the Prefect of Divine Worship.
Fr Anthony Peter, the Parish Priest of Harihar narrated the miracles wrought Mother Mary and highlighted the brief history of the Minor Basilica of the Lady of Good Health Harihar. According to legend, it was a Brahmin who, on witnessing the miracles of Mother Mary offered the miraculous statue to the church.
Bishop Francis Serrao requested BSY to grant land for accommodation to the pilgrims of Harihar. BSY addressing the gathering said that Our Lady of Good Health is one of the most powerful statues in India. There have been a huge number of pilgrims flocking to the shrine for many years, he said.
He also congratulated the Christians for the Holy See for declaring the shrine a Minor Basilica. “We must follow the words of Mahatma Gandhiji and show love to all the religions and live in communal harmony. We must as the poet Kuvempu said, to make our nation into a peaceful harvest. The contribution of the Christians towards Karnataka has been enormous”, he said and concluded his speech.
Bishop Francis Serrao honoured CM BSY, MP B Y Raghavendra, MLA Siddeshwar for their contributions to society.
Most Rev. Dr Filipe Neri Ferrao, Archbishop of Goa and Daman congratulated everyone on the historical event and dream realized in Harihar and he thanked all the Bishops on behalf of all. He said,” Harihar town is known for religious harmony and genuine peace. We need to boost religious harmony in the society which is very much necessary by respecting and serving one another as sons and daughters of India according to the Constitution”.
Dr Shivamurthy Murugha Sharanaru in his address said Harihar Matha is a blessing to the pilgrims of Harihar. Religion and the love of God are entirely two different ends. In order to love God and neighbour, one needs to sacrifice one’s religion and show human love is greater than any other religion. He exclaimed the teaching of Jesus Christ to love one’s enemies is one of the finest teachings in the World where no other person has ever told. The values of Compassion and kindness are very much needed in society today. He said he was inspired by the Human love of Jesus, the nonviolence of Mahaveera, the equality of Basavanna and the simplicity of Buddha.
Dr Moulana B.A Ibrahim Shakha opined that the Harihar Matha is a gift to the society and enables all live in communal harmony. Basavanna is one of the prophets who invited each and everyone to live in harmony and unity. He said that he felt proud that 70% of Muslim students study in this Christian institution.
Most Rev. Dr Peter Machado, addressing the gathering said “Health is a blessing for each and every person. Our Lady of Good Health is our mother who gives us mental as well as physical health”.
Fr Winnifred compered the programme. The programme concluded at 1.15 pm with a vote of thanks by Rev. Fr. Felix Noronha followed by a sumptuous lunch.
