The Legion of Mary of Our Lady of Health Basilica Harihara celebrated its 12th Anniversary
Harihara: July 22, 2024: The Legion of Mary of Our Lady of Health Minor Basilica Harihara celebrated its 12th anniversary on July 21st.
At 8:30am, Rev. Fr Franklin D’Souza, Legion of Mary Shimoga Diocesan Spiritual Director, celebrated the Holy Eucharist and preached a homily on “Jesus is our good shepherd who has compassion on us.” He said that sadness and failures can never defeat us because the God we worship is a mighty God, who loves us and takes care of us. He prayed over the faithful gathered.
Rev. Fr George K. A., Rector of Our Lady of Health Minor Basilica, and Fr Richard Mascarenhas SJ were concelebrants.
After the Holy Eucharist at 11 a.m., a formal stage program was organised at Maria Nivas School Hall. Emcee Mrs. Kavya Vinod led the program. The Legion of Mary Juniors performed a prayer dance. The Legion of Mary Harihara President, Mrs. Metty Thankachan, welcomed the gathering.
The Legion of Mary Shimoga Diocesan President, Mr. Anthony Dias, the Legion of Mary Diocesan Spiritual Director, Rev. Fr Franklin D’Souza, the Rector of the Minor Basilica of Harihar, Very Rev. Fr George K. A., the Legion of Mary Minor Basilica Spiritual Director, Rev. Fr Richard Mascarenhas SJ, the Legion of Mary St. Thomas Church Davanagere President, Mrs. Kanchana, and the Legion of Mary Minor Basilica Harihar Spiritual Sister, Sr. Kusuma, were on the dais.
The secretary, Mrs. Baby Clara, presented the annual report.
Fr Franklin D’Souza, in his speech, highlighted the importance of the Legion of Mary in the diocese as well as in the parish. He said the Minor Basilica is a gift to us from God. This is the place of prayer and worship. The Legion of Mary has played a great role in creating a prayerful atmosphere through their generous service. He also congratulated the efforts of Fr George K. A. and Fr Richard Mascarenhas SJ in building up the Legion of Mary Association.
Fr George K. A., in his speech, congratulated the members and invited them to continue their services in the footsteps of Blessed Mother Mary. He said that this place is specially chosen by God, and we are called to serve selflessly through our prayer and dedicated service.
Fr Richard Mascarenhas, SJ, said that we are all in a holy place. Every day we learn in this place from the visits and stories of the pilgrims. Intern, we keep ourselves holy in our lives. The Legion of Mary is a wonderful platform to be at the service of the church.
The Legion of Mary President, Mr. Anthony Dias, congratulated the organisers and admonished them to keep up the spirit of the association.
From the Diocesan Legion, the secretary, Mr. Vijaya Ratna Kumar, the treasurer, Mr. Arokia Raj, and the extension officer, Mrs. Albina Quadras, were present. St. Thomas Church and Davanagere Legion members were also present. Ms. Divya Suman proposed a vote of thanks.
Fr Franklin D’Souza concluded the program with prayer. Lunch was served to all.
