Sea of Devotees Throng Annual Fest of Stella Maris Church-Kalmady
Udupi: The annual feast of Our Lady of Velankanni Shrine at Stella Maris Church-Kalmady was celebrated on August 15.
Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese was accorded a grand welcome by the Kalmady parish priest Fr Alban D’Souza along with the parish council members.
The Bishop con-celebrated the festive mass along with Fr Valerian Mendonca Dean Udupi Deanery, Fr Denis D’Sa Dean of Shirva Denary, Fr Alban D’Souza-Parish Priest-Kalmady and other priests.
In his homily, the Bishop stressed on the holiness of Mother Mary and said that she was lifted up to Heaven body and soul as per God’s plan. “She is the real role model for all human beings who have doubts about life after death. Her faith and obedience to God made this happen.”
“There is a link between Mother Mary and the Holy Sacrament. The Immaculate Mother of God, Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her early life, assumed her body and soul into heaven. With that, the ancient belief became the Catholic doctrine and the Assumption was declared a truth revealed by God. Mother Mary always believed in Jesus. Mother Mary remained faithful to the Lord,” added Bishop.
The Choir was conducted by Leslie Aroza with the choir group of Thottam and Kalmady Church.
Candles were distributed to the sponsors of the festival by the Bishop.
More than 10000 devotees from across the district and neighbouring districts participated in the annual feast mass throughout the day.
At the end of the mass the parish priest, Fr Alban D’Souza greeted the devotees and also thanked the Bishop, the parishioners and the parish council for their concerted efforts in organizing the annual feast.
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Pics By Praveen, Sany Digital Kalmady