Udupi: Devotees gathered in reverence on Wednesday evening as the nine-day novena prayers commenced at the Velankanni Shrine in Kalmadi, marking the spiritual lead-up to the annual feast of Our Lady of Health.
This year’s theme, “Mother Mary, Queen of Hope,” sets the tone for the novena, which was inaugurated with a solemn Holy Mass celebrated by Rev. Fr. Alban D’Souza, Rector of St. Lawrence Basilica, Attur, Karkala.
Throughout the nine days, daily Masses and special prayers are being offered for various groups in the community — including families, youth, couples, benefactors, clergy, religious, the elderly, the sick, and the faithful at large. These intentions reflect a spirit of inclusivity and intercession for all sections of the church and society.
A grand procession of the image of Our Lady of Velankanni is scheduled for Sunday, August 10 at 3 PM, beginning from near the Kallmady bridge. It will be ceremoniously flagged off by Monsignor Ferdinand Gonsalves, Vicar General of the Udupi Diocese.
The main feast celebration will be held on Thursday, August 15, at 10:30 AM, with Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of the Udupi Diocese, presiding over the festive Eucharistic celebration.
Also in attendance at the inaugural ceremony were Rev. Dr. Baptist Menezes, Rector of the shrine, and members of the organizing committee, who are overseeing arrangements for the feast.