Solemn Proclamation of Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Health Held in Harihar
Harihar: The Solemn proclamation of the Minor Basilica of our Lady of Health was held in Harihar here on January 15.
The Solemn Eucharistic Celebration was celebrated at 11.45 am by Dr Peter Machado (Archbishop of Bangalore), along with Dr Filipe Neri Ferrao (Archbishop of Goa and Daman), Dr Aloysious Paul D’Souza, Bishop Emeritus of Mangaluru, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi, Dr K.A William, Bishop of Mysuru, Dr Anthony Swamy, Bishop of Chikmaglur, Dr Robert Miranda, Bishop of Gulbarga, Dr Derek Fernandes, Bishop of Karwar, Dr Gheevarghese, Bishop of Puttur and Dr Ignatius D’Souza, Bishop of Bareli.
The stage programme began with the Bible reading followed by a prayer dance as an invocation to God.
Bishop Francis Serrao welcomed the guests and the gathering. The programme was inaugurated by lighting the traditional lamp by the Chief minister of Karnataka B S Yediyurappa along with other dignitaries on the dais. CM Yediyurappa also unveiled the logo of the Minor Basilica of Harihar. Fr Lancy D’Souza enlightened on the Papal Bull ‘De Titulo Basilicae Minoris’ the official papal bull decree of Pope Francis signed by Robertus Card, the Prefect of Divine Worship.
Fr Anthony Peter, the Parish Priest of Harihar narrated his experience and miracle of the Mother Mary and highlighted the brief history of the Minor Basilica of the Lady of good health Harihar. According to the history, a Brahmin’s had witnessed the miraculous statue and offered it to the church as our Lady had said in the apparition.
Bishop Francis Serrao requested B S Yediyurappa to grant a land to construct accommodation for the pilgrims of Harihar.
Addressing the gathering B S Yediyurappa said that Our Lady of good health is one of the powerful statues in India. There have been enormous pilgrims flocking towards the shrine since years. He also congratulated the Christians for the Holy Sea for declaring the shrine to the status of Mionor Basilica. He said in the words of Mahathma Gandhiji to love all the religions and live in communal harmony. He gave a call in the words of poet Kuvempu to make our nation into a peaceful harvest. The contribution of the Christians towards Karnataka has been enormous he said and concluded his speech.
Bishop Francis Serrao honoured chief Minister Yediyurappa, Raghavendra and Siddeshwar for their contributions to the society.
Archbishop of Goa and Daman Dr Filipe Neri Ferrao, congratulated everyone for the historical event and dream realized in Harihar and he thanked all the Bishops on behalf of all the Bishops. He said,”Harihar town is known for religious harmony and genuine peace”. We need to boost religious harmony in the society which is very much necessary by respecting and serving one another as sons and daughters of India according to the Constitution.
Dr Sri Shivamurthy murugha Sharanaru in his address said Harihar Matha is a blessing to the pilgrims of Harihar. Religion and the love of God are entirely two different ends. In order to love God and neighbour, one needs to sacrifice one’s religion and show human love is greater than any other religion. He exclaimed the teaching of Jesus Christ to love one’s enemies is one of the finest teachings in the World where no other person has ever told. The values of Compassion and kindness are very much needed in the society today. He said he was inspired by the Human love of Jesus, the non violence of Mahaveera, the equality of Basavanna and the simplicity of Buddha.
Dr B A Ibrahim Shakha opined that the Harihar Matha is a gift to the society and live in communal harmony. Basavanna is one of the prophets who invited each and everyone to live in harmony and unity. He felt proud of this school that 70% of Muslim students study in this Christian institution.
Bishop Dr Peter Machado addressed the gathering by telling health is a blessing to each and every person. Our Lady of Good Health is our Mother who gives us mental as well as physical health to us.
All the guests were felicitated on the occasion. Fr Winnifred compered the programme. The programme concluded at 1.15pm with vote of thanks by Fr Felix Noronha.
There after food was served to all the faithful who participated the programme.
Dr Shivamurthy Murugha Sharanaru, Dr Siddeshwar, MLA, B Y Raghavendra, Ramappa, Dr Aloysious Paul D’Souza, Bishop Emeritus of Mangaluru, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi, Dr K.A William, Bishop of Mysuru. Dr Anthony Swamy, Bishop of Chikmaglur, Dr Robert Miranda, Bishop of Gulbarga, Dr Derek Fernandes, Bishop of Karwar, Dr Gheevarghese, Bishop of Puttur and Dr Ignatius D’Souza, Bishop of Bareli were also present.