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Udupi : The annual feast of Our Lady of Velankanni, Kalmady near here will be held on Tuesday, 15^th August, 2017 at 10.30am.

Speaking with media persons at Udupi Press Club during press meet,  Rev Fr. Alban D’Souza Parish Priest of Stella Maris Church, Kalmady near here said that Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese will be main celebrant of the Solemn Eucharistic celebrations along with other priests.

He said that prior to the feast, a nine day novena will be begins from Sunday, 6^th August at 4 pm each day. The first day novena on 6^th August, will be inaugurated by Rev Fr. Fredrick Mascarenhas, parish priest of St. Anthony Church, Padukone and former Dean of Udupi Deanery at 3.45 pm followed by novena prayers. There will be special prayers for the sick every day during the end of novena.

On Sunday, 13^th August, there will be a procession of Charol from Adi Udupi junction to Stella Maris Church at 2.30 pm, followed by the novena prayers.

On feast day on 15^th August, apart from the festive solemn mass at 10.30 am, there will be a mass in Kannada at 4 pm and in English at 6 pm, he said.

We have strong witnesses that there have been miracles taking place in this place. Large devotees without any cast and religion visit this place every day and seek God’s blessings.

There will be a grand inauguration and blessing of newly constructed church building on 6^th January, 2018. The new church building is designed in the boat shape which can be accommodating nearly 1000 devotees at a time. The construction of new church building is taking a cost of Rs. 8 crore.  This church new building one of the large boat shaped building in India.

He said that Stella Maris church devoted to Our Lady of Vailankani attracts thousands of pilgrims from around the world. Presently under the leadership of parish priest Rev Fr. Alban D’Souza, young, spiritual and dynamic that is officiating new church structure. Larger visiting devotees and parishioners have recorded testimonies of miracles and special favours by Our Lady of Vailankani.

Sanjay Andrade Vice President of Parish Pastoral Council, Flavia Mathias former Vice President of PPC of the church were present during the press meet.