Category: #faith

#faith

Feast of Our Lady of Good Health Celebrated with Grandeur at Vailankanni

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The Feast of Our Lady of Good Health, lovingly known as Our Lady of Vailankanni, was celebrated with immense devotion, grandeur, and splendor, reaffirming its place as one of the most significant religious events in India’s Christian calendar.

Each year, thousands of pilgrims from across India and abroad gather at the Vailankanni Shrine, also referred to as the “Lourdes of the East”, to participate in the novenas, processions, and Eucharistic celebrations. The annual feast is more than just a religious event — it is a festival of faith, hope, and unity that brings together devotees of all ages and walks of life.

This year’s celebrations were marked by elaborate liturgical services, colorful cultural expressions, and the participation of priests, religious leaders, and faithful who came together to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title Our Lady of Good Health. The shrine town of Vailankanni in Tamil Nadu was transformed into a sea of devotion, as hymns of praise and prayers echoed across its basilica and surrounding streets.

For generations, the Feast of Our Lady of Good Health has been a symbol of faith and healing, with countless devotees attributing miracles and blessings to the intercession of Mother Mary at Vailankanni. The celebrations continue to reflect the deep-rooted devotion and cultural richness associated with this Marian shrine.

The feast not only strengthens the spiritual life of the faithful but also promotes a sense of solidarity and community, making Vailankanni a beacon of hope for millions.

#faith

Char Dham Yatra Resumes on September 6 After Rain Halt

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The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand is set to resume on September 6 after being suspended for five days due to incessant heavy rainfall and landslides. Authorities had temporarily halted the pilgrimage to ensure the safety of devotees traveling to the sacred shrines of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. With improved weather conditions, the state government has announced the reopening of routes for pilgrims, while also urging caution during travel.

In the wake of widespread damage caused by the monsoon across the state, the Uttarakhand government has formally requested ₹5,702.15 crore in financial assistance from the central government. This funding is expected to aid in rebuilding critical infrastructure, repairing roads, restoring communication lines, and addressing the devastation to both public and private property.

Officials emphasized that while the pilgrimage is resuming, continuous monitoring of weather conditions and landslide-prone areas will remain a priority to avoid risks. Thousands of devotees undertake the Char Dham Yatra annually, making it one of the most significant pilgrimages in the Hindu faith, and the restoration of safe passage is vital for both religious and economic reasons.

The resumption of the Yatra reflects not only the devotion of pilgrims but also the resilience of Uttarakhand in overcoming natural challenges, even as it awaits federal support to recover from the monsoon’s impact.

#faith

Vailankanni’s Annual Feast Begins: A Spiritual Journey for Thousands of Devotees from Goa and Beyond

Tanisha Cardozo

The annual feast of Our Lady of Good Health in Vailankanni, Tamil Nadu, has begun, marking the start of 10 days of devotion, prayer, and celebration. This sacred event, which attracts thousands of faithful devotees from across India and the world, is especially significant for the many pilgrims who journey from Goa each year.

The festivities began with the traditional flag-hoisting ceremony, signaling the commencement of the religious celebrations. For the next nine days, the grounds of the Basilica will be filled with Novena prayers and Holy Masses as devotees come to seek blessings, express their gratitude, and strengthen their faith. Each year, pilgrims from all walks of life undertake this sacred journey, some traveling in large groups by packed trains, bound for Tamil Nadu. Among these are hundreds of devoted pilgrims from Goa, some of whom make this trip as part of a longstanding family tradition.

For Maria Fernandes, a pilgrim from Margao, the Vailankanni feast is more than just a religious event. “Coming to Vailankanni every year fills my heart with peace,” she says. “It’s not just about seeking blessings; it’s about feeling connected to Our Lady and sharing this faith with thousands of others.”

The Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, often referred to as the “Lourdes of the East,” is renowned not only for its stunning architecture but also for the countless miracles reported by devotees. It has become a beacon of hope for those seeking healing, comfort, and divine intercession. The shrine is visited by pilgrims with a variety of petitions and thanksgiving offerings, each one seeking to deepen their connection with the divine.

The celebrations will culminate on September 8, with the Feast of the Nativity of Mary—one of the most significant days in the Marian liturgical calendar. On this day, special Holy Masses and solemn processions will take place, drawing even larger crowds to the Basilica. The streets of Vailankanni will come alive with prayers, hymns, and cultural programs, creating an atmosphere of devotion, unity, and joy.

Local authorities, along with church organizers, have made elaborate arrangements to accommodate the massive influx of devotees, ensuring smooth transportation, safety, and accommodation throughout the feast period. For the pilgrims, this annual journey is not just about visiting a holy place but about renewing their faith, seeking blessings for their loved ones, and experiencing a deep sense of community.

As the feast continues until September 8, the Basilica of Vailankanni remains a powerful symbol of unwavering faith, drawing people together in prayer and gratitude. Vailankanni’s place as one of Asia’s most revered Marian shrines is firmly established, and the celebrations this year only reinforce its enduring spiritual significance.

#faith

The Grand Unveiling of Lalbaugcha Raja 2025 Draws Massive Crowds in Mumbai

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Mumbai, 25th August 2025 – The city of dreams witnessed yet another historic moment as the curtain lifted on Lalbaugcha Raja 2025, Mumbai’s most iconic Ganesh idol. The grand unveiling drew massive crowds, with devotees lining up since the early hours to catch the first glimpse of their beloved Bappa.

The event marks the official beginning of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, which hold unparalleled cultural and spiritual importance for Mumbai and Maharashtra. Known as the King of Lalbaug, this idol has been a centre of faith and devotion for millions over decades, with devotees believing that their wishes are fulfilled after seeking blessings here.

From families and children to elderly devotees, people from across Mumbai and beyond joined in chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya”, creating an atmosphere of unity and devotion.

Authorities ensured tight security and smooth management as crowds swelled, while volunteers distributed prasad and guided visitors. The atmosphere was one of festive fervour – blending tradition, community spirit, and spiritual devotion.

The unveiling of Lalbaugcha Raja continues to stand as a symbol of Mumbai’s identity, reminding citizens of the strength of faith and cultural togetherness. With celebrations now underway, the city prepares to welcome ten days of joy, devotion, and festivities.

#faith

Pope Leo XIV Calls for Global Day of Prayer and Fasting for World Peace

Tanisha Cardozo

August 22, 2025 — In a heartfelt and urgent call for global unity, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has invited the entire Universal Church to dedicate Friday, August 22 — the Feast of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary — as a solemn day of prayer, fasting, and penance for world peace.

Responding to this call, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has extended the invitation to all the faithful, clergy, religious, and people of goodwill across India.

“Our world is currently grappling with the devastating effects of war, violence, and hatred,” said CBCI President Archbishop Andrews Thazhath. “The cries of the poor and the innocent rise unceasingly.”

He continued, “As we prepare to celebrate the Feast of the Queenship of Mary, the Holy Father has asked us to pray and fast with intention and urgency. On behalf of the CBCI, I request every parish and religious community to organize at least one hour of Eucharistic Adoration, praying for peace and reconciliation among all nations.”

Additionally, families are encouraged to pray the Holy Rosary together, entrusting their hopes and prayers to Mary, Queen of Peace, whose intercession remains powerful and timeless.

This day of spiritual solidarity comes at a time when conflict and division continue to afflict many regions across the globe. In coming together in prayer and fasting, the Church hopes to invoke healing, understanding, and unity.

The CBCI’s appeal transcends religious lines, welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds to join in this collective intention for peace.