Stanley Bantwal
Davanagere, Sep 9: The annual feast of Harihar Matha was celebrated with grandeur and pomp on September 8 at the Shrine of Our Lady of Health, Harihar. Around two lac pilgrims flooded to participate in the liturgical events of the day at the shrine. Theme for feast was ‘Mary Our Mother - Queen of Peace and Summit of Reconciliation’.
On September 7, Mass was by celebrated by Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangaluru. On the feast day, Mass were held from 5:30 am to 8:00 pm. Dr Joseph Arumachadath, bishop of Bhadravathi, Dr Rayapan, St Peters Pontifical Seminary Bengaluru, and Dr Francis Serrao, bishop of Shimoga, celebrated the Masses. Bishop Dr Francis Serrao in his sermon said, “Humanity is greatest among all. We should respect other in order to gain respect. Forgiving and asking forgiveness are two acts of God’s love.” He gave a call to people to leave in peace and show humanity to people in need.
Dr Derek Fernandes, bishop of Belgaum, Dr Arokya Swamy, bishop of Mysore diocese were the main celebrants on the feast day. Floral homage, Holy Eucharist and Annasantharpane and grand solemn procession was held on the occasion of feast.
Adoration to the Blessed Sacrament and healing service for the sick was conducted by Fr Franklin D'Souza, Fr Roman Pinto, Fr Pius D’Souza, Br T K George and Br William D’Souza.
Lacs of people became a part of this holy Annual feast and received the blessings of mother Mary.
Dr Anthony Peter, parish priest of Our Lady of Health Harihar and others made this feast well managed and welcomed all.
The Shrine of Our Lady of health attracts lacks of devotees throughout the year. Tradition has it that a Brahmin priest, while having a bath, was miraculously saved from drowning by the statue of our Lady. Later even his ailing wife and children were saved by this miraculous statue. The Brahmin and his family started to venerate the statue as ‘Satyamma’ (Mother of Truth). The Brahmin and his family remained faithful to this Marian devotion till their very last breath.
As years went by, priests from the nearing town recognized the statue as the statue of our Lady. Thus, the devotion to Mary spread among the faithful in and around Harihar. Many receive special graces such as childless have received Children, sick have regained health, healing and so on after visiting and praying at the Shrine. Over the years, this Shrine has become a refuge for all the distressed and dejected.