Bangalore: Annamma Hill Feast Draws Huge Crowd
Report and pics from: Fr Dominic Xavier
Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (SP)
Bangalore, Apr 9: Annamma Hill Feast which was celebrated recently, was a great success.
Saint Annamma, after whom the Hill I named after, is a legendary figure who was a virtuous, poious woman who spent her days in meditation and penance at this hill in the 18th century and she was famous for her capacity to intercede with the Lord directly. When soldiers of Hyder Ali attempted to outrage her modesty, having been attracted by her stunning looks, she ended her life by jumping from the hill, it is said.
Since then, she is being worshipped as a divine figure. People who lighted candles and incense sticks at her grave and prayed for her benevolence are said to have got what they want, including getting treated of chronic ailments.
Francis Buccanan of MEP who passed through Bangalore has recorded in his letter dated May 10, 1800, has recorded the miraculous powers of Annamma in his letters to the superiors. The plan has grown in popularity since then, and a large number of people, both Christians and others, visit the place to get blessed. Every fifth Lenten Sunday, a feast is arranged here, in the memory of the divine soul.
The Annamma Hill feast which took place recently, was a great success. Over a lac of people assembled the miraculous hill and all of them received lot of blessings of the Lord. There were three holy masses in different languages by the Archbishop of Bangalore, followed by the way of the cross and then healing service by Fr Dominic Xavier, parish priest, St Ant. Many people reported having experienced miraculous healings. In addition, the Archbisop laid the foundation stone for the construction of Bangalore Renewal Retreat Centre at Annamma Hill, set to begin in April. Bishiop had sought donations for the construction of the same, and there was a good response.
The Archbishop also released a book giving the history of Annamma Hill, the sale of which also took place at the venue.