More than 50,000 people on September 8 thronged the minor Basilica of St. Mary in Shivajinagar, Bengaluru. His Grace Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore blessed and flagged off the chariot procession carrying the statue of Our Mother of Good health, marking the end of a 9-day novena that preceded the feast of the Nativity of Mother Mary.
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 for the procession. At least 1,000 volunteers controlled the devotees who included Catholics and peoples of other faiths. As reported by mattersindia.com, His Excellency Archbishop Machado remarked that “Mother Mary loves the poor and those who love Mother Mary, must love the poor.”
Minister George of Karnataka applauded the Christian contribution in uplifting people saying, “The state government is thankful for the wonderful services rendered by Catholics and is happy that Karnataka enjoys a wonderful relationship with Christians.” The archbishop urged the gathering to pray for the flood victims of Kodagu in Karnataka and Kerala and contribute to relief works to alleviate their suffering.
Source: www.mattersindia.com
