BELLARY, AUG. 30: The nine-day novena in preparation for the annual feast of the nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary began with solemnity and fervor at the popular Bellary Arogya Mathe Shrine, Bellary.
Bishop Henry D’Souza blessed and hoisted the traditional shrine flag and hoisted it to the music by local folk artistes on Sunday, Aug. 30.
The flag hoisting was preceded by the recitation of rosary around the tastefully built grottoes of the mysteries of Holy Rosary around the shrine.
Later, Bishop Henry D’Souza presided over the inaugural Eucharist at 6.00 PM. Many priests and a large gathering of devotees participated in the solemn celebration.
At the end of the inaugural Mass and the novena prayer, all the devotees were given a fellowship meal.
The Vicar General and Rector of the Shrine, Fr. Chowrappa Y. led the novena prayer and later thanked one and all.
The choir of St Anthony Cathedral led the singing during the liturgical celebrations.
