St. Mary’s Church, Hegde Nagar celebrated its annual feast on October 20th 2024. It was a grand success filled with spiritual fervor, devotion and joy. The day began early with the faithful gathering to commemorate the feast with various liturgical services and devotions throughout the day. This year being the year of Synod, the theme of the liturgy was “Mary the Woman of prayer”. The first mass of the day began at 7:00 AM in English, celebrated by Fr. George Santhumayor, OCD a Carmelite priest from Goa, focusing on the role of Mary in our prayer life. The faithful despite the early hour, turned out in large numbers to participate in this Eucharistic celebration.
Following this, at 8:30 AM. Holy Mass was in Kannada, presided over by Fr. Chowrappa the parish priest of Christ the King church, Byrathi, who highlighted the importance of giving thanks to God for the community’s growth and unity over the years. His homily reflected on the contributions of the parishioners and their role in building a vibrant faith community. The third mass in the morning was in Tamil, presided over by Fr. Christopher Ponraj, CSSR. Dean and the parish priest of Holy Redeemer church,Hennur Road.He also gave an inspiring homily.
The festive solemn mass was at 5:30 PM presided over by Fr. George Santhumayor OCD. This year being the year of prayer, the celebrant in his homily emphasized Mary the woman of Prayer. We become the men and women of prayer. The mass was attended by a large congregation, including many from neighboring parishes, and was enhanced by a vibrant choir. After the mass, a grand procession was inaugurated by MR. M.N. Anuchettu Joint Commissioner of traffic police. The parishioners carried the statue of our Lady of Mount Carmel, reciting the Rosary, singing hymns and prayers. After the procession returned to the church, the Blessed Sacrament was adored with hymns and prayers. The event was a great success, bringing together people of all ages to celebrate faith and community in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The parish priest Fr. Boniface D’ Souza OCD, thanked everyone who contributed to the successful celebration, especially PPC, PFC, Choirs, parish youth and volunteers who made the annual celebration truly special.
