Media Release

Shivamogga, Jul 7: The annual Mount Carmel feast at the Sacred Heart Cathedral Campus, Shivamogga, was solemnly inaugurated with the traditional flag hoisting ceremony on July 6, marking the beginning of the novena in preparation for the feast on July 16.

Theme: ‘Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the Refuge of the Marginalised'.

Fr Patrick Jonas, parish priest of St Anthony's Church, Hassan, diocese of Chikmagaluru, was the main celebrant. He solemnly hoisted the feast flag, celebrated the Holy Eucharist, and delivered an inspiring homily based on this year's theme, 'Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the Refuge of the Marginalised'.

He encouraged the faithful to follow the example of Mother Mary by extending compassion and hope to those who are poor, neglected, and in need.

The Holy Mass was concelebrated by thirteen priests and a deacon. A large number of the faithful participated with devotion, beginning their nine days of spiritual preparation through prayer and Marian devotion.

The flag hoisting ceremony officially marks the commencement of the annual novena, leading to the celebration of the Mount Carmel Feast on July 16. The inaugural celebration concluded with an atmosphere of faith, joy, and renewed devotion as the faithful entrusted themselves to the loving care and intercession of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.