Pics: Thejaswi U Poojary/Sany Digital Studio
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi
Udupi, Aug 14: A grand procession of the statue of Our Lady of Vailankanni was held from Adi Udupi to Stella Maris Church, Kalmady, on August 13 as part of the annual feast celebrations of the Vailankanni Our Lady Shrine at the church.
Fr Franklin D’Souza, parish priest of the diocese of Shivamogga, blessed the statue of Our Lady of Vailankanni and flagged off the procession.
Fr Franklin D’Souza offered his blessings, praying that through Our Lady of Vailankanni, the graces of Jesus Christ may flow upon everyone. It is a Christian tradition to publicly carry the statues of the patron saints of churches in processions during annual feasts as a mark of honour and devotion. Our Lady of Vailankanni is widely known as the Mother of Miracles.
The procession began at Adi Udupi and proceeded on foot along the route to Kalmady church.
Following the procession, Fr Franklin D’Souza celebrated the Holy Mass and delivered a message.
The annual feast of the Vailankanni Our Lady Shrine will be celebrated on August 15. At 10.30 am, bishop of the diocese of Udupi, Dr Leslie Clifford D’Souza, will preside over the feast Mass.
Shrine rector Fr Dr Baptist Menezes, Church Pastoral Council vice president Naveen Fernandes, secretary Priscilla Alva, Commission coordinators Denis Lasrado and members of the church feast celebration committee were present.