Media Release
Davanagere, Aug 31: The Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Health, Harihar, witnessed a massive gathering of pilgrims on Saturday as the nine-day annual feast began with the solemn flag hoisting ceremony.
Msgr Stany D'Souza blessed the newly renovated Grotto of Our Lady of Health, Harihar. Then, Msgr Stany D'Souza, delegate of the Apostolic Administrator of the diocese of Shimoga, inaugurated the festivities by hoisting the flag. He was welcomed by Basilica rector Fr George K A with a bouquet of flowers. Parish Council secretary Gnanaprakash served as master of ceremonies and welcomed the pilgrims.
Rector of the shrine, Fr George K A, led the Novena prayers. Then monsignor Stany D’Souza offered Holy Eucharist. In his homily on the theme ‘Mary – Mother of the Marginalized,’ Msgr Stany reflected on how the Blessed Mother brings solace to refugees, the bereaved, and widows. Drawing from Matthew 25, he stressed the Christian calling to serve the poor and marginalized. The inaugural Holy Eucharist was concelebrated by twenty priests.
Thousands of devotees from across Karnataka and neighbouring states thronged the Basilica, many dressed in saffron as a mark of faith and tradition. The heavy influx led to traffic congestion in several parts of Harihar, reflecting the deep devotion to Harihar Matha.
After the eucharist, Fr Santhosh Almeida led the eucharistic adoration and Fr Franklin D'Souza conducted healing prayers, concluding with solemn benediction. Priests blessed the faithful by laying hands and praying for healing and consolation. The day's events ended with Anna Santharpane, the traditional community meal shared by pilgrims.
From the day of flag hoisting till September 7, novena Masses and preaching by different priests will be held daily. The celebrations will culminate on September 8 the Festal Day, the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary with solemn Eucharistic liturgies.
Prayers for peace
Special prayers were offered for global peace, especially for war-torn nations and their leaders, and for all those gathered in adoration, reaffirming the Basilica's role as a centre of faith and intercession.
One of the largest Marian pilgrimages in Karnataka, the annual feast will continue with novenas, daily Eucharistic celebrations, and devotional programmes until the grand finale.
A live broadcast of the celebrations was made available for devotees unable to attend in person.