Harihar: The Annual Feast of Harihar Matha was celebrated with grandeur and pomp on September 8, 2019, in the Shrine of Our Lady of Health, Harihar. Around 2 lacks pilgrims flooded to participate in the Liturgical Events of the day at the Shrine. The theme for the feast was Mary Our Mother: Queen of Peace and Summit of Reconciliation
On 7 September Saturday 5:30 pm mass was by celebrated by Most. Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore. On the Feast day mass were held from 5:30 am to 8:00 pm. At 7:30 am Most. Rev.Dr Joseph Arumachadath, Bishop of Bhadravathi. At 8:45 am Rev. Dr Rayapan, St Peters pontifical seminary Bangalore. Other Festival Mass in Kannada At 11:30 am Most. Rev. Dr Francis Serrao SJ, Bishop of Shimoga. Bishop in his sermon said humanity is greatest among all. We should respect others in order to gain respect .forgiving and asking forgiveness are two-act of god’s love. And gave a call people to leave in peace and show humanity to people in need. At 1:30 pm Most. Rev. Dr Derek Fernandes, Bishop of Belgaum. At 4:00 pm Rev. Dr Arokya Swamy, Mysore Diocese was the main celebrants on the feast day. Floral Homage, Holy Eucharist and Anna santharpane. Grand Solemn Procession was held on the occasion of the feast.
Adoration to the Blessed Sacrament and healing service for the sick was conducted By Fr Franklin D’Souza, Fr Roman Pinto, Fr Pius D’Souza, Bro. T.K. George & Bro. William D’Souza
History
The Shrine of Our Lady of health attracts lacks of devotees throughout the year. Tradition has it that a Brahmin priest while having a bath, was miraculously saved from drowning by the statue of our Lady. Later even his ailing wife and children were saved by this miraculous statue. The Brahmin and his family started to venerate the statue as ‘Satyamma’ (Mother of Truth). The Brahmin and his family remained faithful to this Marian devotion to their very last breath.
As years went by, priests from the nearing town recognized the statue as the statue of our Lady. Thus, the devotion to Mary spread among the faithful in and around Harihar. Many receive special graces such as childless have received Children, sick have regained health, healing and so on after visiting and praying at the Shrine. Over the years, this Shrine has become a refuge for all the distressed and dejected.
Lakhs of people became part of this holy Annual feast and received the blessings of Mother Mary.
Rev. Dr Anthony Peter, Parish priest of Our Lady of Health Harihar and others made this feast well managed and welcomed all.
