Udupi: The annual Feast of Our Lady of Vailankanni to be celebrated on August 14 and 15 at Stella Maris Church, Kalmady, near Malpe here.
Speaking to reporters at the Udupi Press Club on Thursday, August 2, Rev. Fr. Alban D’Souza, parish priest of the church said that the nine-day novena service for the preparation of the annual feast would be held from August 5 to August 13. The novena prayers and Eucharistic celebrations will be held on all nine days in the evening at 4 pm onwards.
Fr. Alban said that Rev. Fr. Stany B. Lobo, chancellor of Udupi Diocese will flag off the nine-day novena on Sunday, August 5 at 3.45 pm followed by novena prayers and Eucharistic celebrations. There will be special prayers for the sick every day during the novena.
On Sunday, August 13, Vailankanni Mother Mary’s Car (Cherel) procession will be held starting from Adi-Udupi junction to Kalmady Church at 2.45 pm, he said.
On August 14, Most Rev. Dr. Henry D’Souza, Bishop of Bellary Diocese will be the main celebrant of the Solemn Eucharistic Celebrations at 4 pm. Thereafter at 6 pm, there will be a mass in Kannada.
For the festive celebrations on August 15, Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese will be the main celebrant of Solemn Eucharist at 10 am. Other Masses on the festive day will be held at 7 am in Konkani, at 12 noon in Kannada and at 6 pm in English, he said.
Fr. Alban said that on August 15, at 9.15 am onwards honouring candles will be distributed to the donors and sponsors. Meals will be served after 10 am and 12-noon mass.
Sanjay Andrade, vice president; Shobha Mendonca, secretary of parish pastoral council; Dion D’Souza, president of ICYM, Udupi Diocese, and Melwyn, president of ICYM, Kalmady Church unit were present in the press meet.
About Stella Maris Church, Kalmadi:
Stella Maris Church had a humble beginning in 1972, which was established by the efforts of a handful of faithful. Capt (Retd) late Rev Fr. Charles D’Souza a deeply religious and philanthropist was the first officiating priest at Kalmady.
The Church has a unique architecture. It is one of the first boat shaped churches in the state and lighthouse shaped belfry tower which was inaugurated on January 6, 2018.
It was during the tenure of Rev Fr. Denis Castelino that Stella Maris gained devotional acclaim. This devotion was further animated and enhanced by Fr Denis by the solemn installation of the Icon of Our Lady of Vailankanni in 1988. Today, this devotion has grown in leaps and has reached beyond the boundaries of Udupi. It is drawing devotees from near and far to pursue their spiritual cause.
For the past 3 decades, pilgrims have benefitted immensely from their visit and constant prayers in particular through the novenas held on every Saturday at the Shrine. People from all walks of life come to pray in the Shrine.
