The annual feast of Our Lady of Vailankanni Shrine at Kalmady was celebrated on Thursday, August 15, 2024.
The Bishop of the Udupi Diocese, Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, celebrated the festive Mass along with V. Rev. Fr Charles Menezes, Dean of the Udupi Deanery; V. Rev. Fr Baptist Menezes, Rector of Kalmady; and other priests.
In his homily, the Bishop emphasized the holiness of Mother Mary and noted that she was assumed into Heaven body and soul as part of God’s plan. “She is a true role model for all who have doubts about life after death. Her faith and obedience to God made this possible.”
“There is a connection between Mother Mary and the Holy Sacrament. The Immaculate Mother of God, the Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into Heaven. Mother Mary always believed in Jesus and remained faithful to the Lord,” the Bishop added.
A large number of devotees from across the district and neighbouring districts participated in the annual feast Mass throughout the day.
At the end of the Mass, the Rector of the Shrine, V. Rev. Dr Baptist Menezes, greeted the devotees and thanked the Bishop, the parishioners, and the parish council for their concerted efforts in organizing the annual feast.
