MOTHER MARY IS MOTHER OF THE POOR: Archbishop’ Machado tells Marian devotees on Feast Day

Bengaluru: On September 8th, 5.30pm, over 50,000 people occupied every nook and corner of one of Bengaluru’s busiest –hub, Shivajinagar, where the minor Basilica of St. Mary stands tall.

The Archbishop of Bangalore, Most Rev. Peter Machado was present to bless and flag-off the Chariot procession carrying the sacred statue of Our Mother of Good health.  Karnataka State Minister K J George was also present to witness the flag-off of the procession, marking the close of 9-day novena that preceded the Feast of the Nativity of Mother Mary.

All traffic movement was closed for a radius of atleast 2 miles to facilitate easy pedestrian movement.

A huge boat replica decorated with lights and flowers with the statue of Mother Mary holding the infant Jesus was mounted on a make-shift truck that stood ready for the flag-off with at least 1000 volunteers to man the crowds of devotees that included Catholics and peoples of other Faiths too.

The Archbishop in his brief but graceful appeal told the mammoth gathering of devotees that “Mother Mary loves the poor and those who love Mother Mary, must love the poor”.  The Prelate, (who assumed office as Archbishop on May 31st 2018) made a kind appeal also, saying ‘If we could consider spending less on decorations and saving the money to help the poor we can do much good’.

He drew particular reference to the misery of the flood victims of Kodagu in Karnataka and also in Kerala.  The Archbishop urged the gathering to pray and also help in contributing in alleviating the suffering of the flood victims.

Karnataka State minister KJ George appreciated the contribution of the Christians in uplifting people saying “The State Government is thankful for the wonderful services rendered by Catholics and is happy that the State enjoys a wonderful relationship with Christians”..

Earlier during the day, Archbishop Machado at the end of the Tamil and Kannada Holy Mass, thanked the Muslims and Hindus for their “kind co-operation” during the various festivities that centre around the Basilica”.  He prayed for the unity and harmony of people of all religions saying that Peace is the central message of all religions.

Shivajinagar is host to a historical temple, mosque and Basilica for over a century.

The procession that began at 6pm concluded at 9pm, followed by benediction and thanksgiving Holy Mass.