MUMBAI: The parish priest of Velankanni Church in Irla was beset by orthopaedic and cardiac ailments when he took charge. He finds he can now climb three storeys of the church dedicated to Mother Mary several times a day with no trouble. Similarly, people of all faiths have been touched by the grace of Our Lady in their lives.
Churches of all denominations will celebrate the Feast of the Nativity of Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus Christ, on Tuesday Sept 8. Several churches also observe the occasion as Girl Child Day.
Mt Mary Basilica, Bandra, is an island of spirituality. Rector Vernon Aguiar said, "Our theme reflects how 'Mary's journey reveals humanity's sacred worth'. It draws from the first encyclical letter of Pope Leo given to us on May 26. It reminds the world of the need to safeguard the dignity of every human being."
The theme is threaded through each day of Mt Mary's Novena prayers which began Sept 4. "We also celebrate this day as Girl Child Day," Fr Vernon said. "Our Feast Day is Sept 13 and the Octave is Sept 13-20." This coincides with Bandra Fair.
Archbishop John Rodrigues, Bishop Barthol Barretto from Nasik, Bishop Allwyn D'Silva and Bishop Dominic Savio will be celebrating mass at Velankanni Church, Irla.
Fr Ivan Mascarenhas who has led Velankanni since five years, turns 75 and retires later this year. "I have decorated the church on this holy occasion because I may not be here the following year. We expect around 8,000 devotees to arrive through the day since we have nine masses lined up. The Feast mass is at 7.15 pm and will be celebrated by archbishop John.".
The church will organise a dinner for all visiting priests. "Unfortunately, the place is too small, so we cannot organise anything for the devotees who come from as far as Dombivli, Thane and Vasai," said Fr Ivan. Velankanni Church is about 60 years old and its Novena is in its 59th year.
Fr Michael Pinto, parish priest of Our Lady of Salvation Church, Dadar, will celebrate Mother Mary's Feast by providing breakfast to underprivileged persons and felicitating orphan girls, girls from single-parent families and those from economically weak backgrounds. "Every girl deserves to be protected, empowered and to have the opportunity to fulfil her dreams," he said.
