by BIS Correspondent
NAGPUR, SEP 9, 2015: Our Lady of Fatima parish in Jaitala, Nagpur came together to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Velankanni on September 8.
Sisters, youth, parish council members, Sunday school children, mahila mandal, altar servers, salesian co-operators and parishioners began preparing for the Feast on August 29, a day to signal the start of a time of grace.
The topics selected for the novena encouraged the devotees of Velankanni Mata to reflect, appreciate and emulate nine specific titles and roles of the Virgin Mary.
The spiritual zeal gathered momentum on September 7, the last day of the novena, when Father Ashley Miranda made himself available in the evening to minister the sacrament of reconciliation.
Father Miranda was the principal celebrant for the solemn Eucharistic celebration in the evening which began with the faithful devotees carrying the statue of Velankanni Mata in solemn procession through the village chanting Marian hymns and reciting the rosary.
On returning to the church, Father Miranda incensed and garlanded the statue of Our Lady of Velankanni. In his homily, he explained what faith meant for the Virgin Mary and how God invites us also to live a life of faith as Mary did.
The holy Mass was animated by the parish council members and the music by the parish youth.
After holy Mass, all the devotees joined in the festive meal. It was inspiring to see the tender and vibrant devotion of the people for their loving Mother Velankanni.