Grand Titular Feast and Grotto Consecration

🕓 February 11, 2006

Photographs: Srikanth Bhat, Vision Digital Studio
Kanajar, Feb 11: The newly constructed grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes was consecrated here on occasion of the titular feast of Our Lady. On the same day, in the year 1858, Our Lady had appeared before a girl named Bernadette, in the village of Lourdes in France.

The grotto was blessed and consecrated by very Rev. Fr. Dr. Victor Machado, Rector, St. Joseph's Seminary, Jeppu, Mangalore, which was followed by solemn mass, attended by other 15 guest priests. Earlier, parish priest Fr. Alwyn D'Cunha honored the sponsors and donors of the feast and grotto. Later, a Konkani book on the miraculous city of Lourdes was released by Rev Fr Peter Noronha, parish priest, Bendur. The author of book Fr. Francis D'Souza, who is also the director of Pontifical order, was felicitated on this occasion. Also felicitated was Mr. Walter Pinto Vamanjoor, the construction engineer of the grotto.

The evening mass was led by Rev. Fr Dr Stany Govias, Professor, St. Joseph's Seminary, Jeppu, Mangalore. Later in the dusk, the candle light procession along with rosary was observed, followed by novena prayer in front of the grotto. The program concluded with a wonderful display of fireworks.

Rev Fr Dr Victor Machado consecrates the Grotto

12 Gurkars along with Parish Priest offer flowers to Our Lady

Rev Fr Dr Victor Machado (Rector, St. Joseph's Seminary, Jeppu, Mangalore), the main celebrant of solemn mass flanked by very Rev Fr Francis Conelio (Vicar forane, Karkal Varado) and Rev Fr Peter S Noronha (Parish Priest, Bendur)

Welcome address by Mr. Ignatius D'Souza

Blessing of the Holy Eucharist

Church Choir

Felicitations: Mr Walter Pinto Vamanjoor, Rev Fr Alwyn D'Cunha (Parish Priest, Kanajar), Rev. Fr Peter S Noronha (Parish Priest, Bendur), Rev Fr Dr Victor Machado (Rector, St. Joseph's Seminary, Jeppu, Mangalore), Very Rev Fr Francis Cornelio (Vicar forane, Karkal Varado), Fr. Francis D'Souza (Director, Pontifical Order), Mrs. Celestene D'Souza (Vice President, Parish Council)

Rev Fr Peter S Noronha releases the book on Lourdes City as its author Fr. Francis D'Souza looks on

The book, authored by Fr. Francis D'Souza

Rev Fr Dr Victor Machado felicitates Fr. Francis D'Souza, the author

Rev Fr Dr Victor Machado felicitates Mr. Walter Pinto, the contracter of grotto

Fr Dr Stany Govias leading the evening mass

Candle lit procession with Rosary

Rev Fr Alwyn D'Cunha and Fr Dr Stany Govias lead the novena prayer

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