Annual feast of Our Lady of Velanganni at Kamanabhavi, Chitradurga

Chitradurga, September 4, 2023: Our Lady of Velanganni Sub Station of Holy Family Church, Chitradurga, celebrated its annual feast of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on September 3rd.

On August 31st, the flag was hoisted by Rev. Fr Richard Anil D’Souza, Dean of Holy Family Deanery and Mission Director of Infant Jesus Church, Challakere.

On September 1st & 2nd, Rev. Fr Pius D’Souza, Diocesan Youth Director of the Diocese of Shimoga, prepared spiritually through retreat and held confessions. He also led the healing prayers and the Holy Eucharist.

On September 3rd, Rev. Fr Franklin D’Souza, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Assumption Church, Hiriyur, Chitradurga District, was the main celebrant of the feast. Festal celebrations began with the Holy Rosary at 10 a.m.Then Fr Franklin D’Souza celebrated the Holy Eucharist at 10:30 a.m.Parish Priest Rev. Fr Clarence Dias, Rev. Fr Stany Mariyappa, Rev. Fr. Lawrence SDB, and Rev. Fr. Stephen SDB concelebrated the Holy Eucharist.

In his homily, Fr Franklin D’Souza spoke on the values of the family of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He spoke on Joachim, Anne & Mary family, Zacharias, Elizabeth & John the Baptist family. He also spoke on Herod and Herodias, who went against family values. He invited the faithful to follow in the footsteps of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He said that the external beauty of the feast should radiate an internal disposition. He said the greatest gift we can give or offer is our hearts, which should be pure. Then he prayed a healing prayer for the faithful.

After the Mass, there was a decorated chariot procession by the faithful. Then Fr Franklin D’Souza led the adoration and prayed for the people. This concluded with a benediction.

Cultural programmes were organised by the substation children. 

Parish Priest Fr Clarence Dias thanked the donors as well as the priests and religious. He also thanked everyone who supported the feast.

Meals were served for all those gathered. Around 350 faithful participated in the festal celebration.