Daijiworld News Network - Karkala (GA)

Karkala, Feb 7: The newly-built grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes Church of Kanajar near here will be inaugurated on Saturday February 11.  The ceremony will precede the solemn Eucharistic celebration at 10 am on Saturday.

This was announced at a press conference by Fr Alwyn D'Cunha, parish priest, Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Kanajar here on Monday February 6.

Fr Victor Machado, rector of the Jeppu Seminary will celebrate the solemn mass on the occasion.  On the same day, a book about Lourdes city written by Fr Peter S Noronha will be released at a function to be held at 11.30 in the morning.

The festive mass will be held at 5 in the evening and Fr Valerian D'Souza, the Episcopal Vicar of Udupi will be the main celebrant on the occasion.  A candle light procession will be held later in the evening.

Kanajar’s is the only church in the entire Mangalore diocese, which has been committed to patronage of Our Lady of Lourdes.  The annual feast of the church is held on the February 11 every year.  Devotees from all over throng in thousands to Kanajar for the feast.  Kanajar is also famous for its 'Madmale Kall' too.

Lourdes school headmaster R E Rebello, Celestine D'Souza, George D'Sa and Sr Prefilda were also present at the press conference.