Udupi witnessed a vibrant display of devotion on August 10 as a grand procession of the Mother Vailankanni statue was held ahead of the annual feast at Stella Maris Church, Kalmady.
The event began at Kalmady Bridge, where the statue was blessed before making its way to the church. Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves, who flagged off the procession, highlighted the humility and simplicity of Mother Mary, urging everyone to follow her example of faith and obedience to God.
Adding to the spiritual significance, members of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) St Ann’s Church, Thottam, who are carrying the Holy Cross across Karnataka, formally handed it over to the youth leaders of Kalmady Church.
A pilgrimage walk followed, during which both the statue and the Holy Cross were reverently carried to the church. Upon arrival, novena prayers and Holy Mass were offered, setting the tone for the upcoming celebrations.
The occasion was graced by Fr Baptist Menezes, Rector of the Shrine, Fr Steven Fernandes, Udupi Diocese Youth Commission Director, and the feast celebration committee members.
The main celebration will take place on August 15, when Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo will lead the annual feast Holy Mass at 10:30 am, marking the culmination of the spiritual preparations.