Pics: Stanly Bantwal
Media Release
Davanagere, Jan 15: The Proclamation and inauguration ceremony of Our Lady of Health Minor Basilica was held on Wednesday, January 15.
Dr Filipe Neri Ferrao (Archbishop of Goa and Daman) was the main celebrant of the Eucharistic celebration. There were bishops from whole of Karnataka namely Dr Peter Machado, archbishop of Bengaluru, Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, bishop emeritus of Mangaluru, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop of Udupi, Dr K A William, bishop of Mysuru, Dr Anthony Swamy, bishop of Chikkamagaluru, Dr Robert Miranda, bishop of Gulbarga, Dr Derek Fernandes, bishop of Karwar, Dr Gheevarghese, bishop of Puttur, Dr Ignatius D’Souza, bishop of Bareli and Bishop Francis Serrao of Shivamogga diocese.
Vicar General Fr Felix Noronha, rector of the shrine and the parish priest Fr Anthony Peter, Fr Yesu Nathan and Fr Stany were present on the Eucharistic Altar.
The readings of the day were chosen based on the theme of temple and there was solemn procession of the word of God by Fr Stany D’Souza. The homily was preached by Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop of Udupi. He highlighted a few points why the church is called a minor basilica. He continued with points of the Gospel that is taken from Luke regarding Mother Mary. “Mother Mary heard the word of God lived in her life and followed it throughout her life. Though she had so many difficulties she could persevere in her life. So she should be model to everyone. So let us follow her footsteps,” he said.
Finally he appreciated the hard work of the bishop, rector, and all who were the cause to the event.
There was very good choir from the members of Harihar and Davanagere.
The official programme began after the Eucharistic celebration. The programme began with the Bible reading with the creation story. It was followed by a prayer dance as an invocation to God.
Bishop Francis Serrao welcomed Dr Peter Machado, archbishop of Bengaluru with a bouquet of flowers. Chief guest B S Yediyurappa chief minister of Karnataka, was welcomed too with a bouquet of flowers.
The bishop also welcomed Dr Filipe Neri Ferrao, archbishop of Goa and Daman, Dr Shivamurthy Murugha Sharanaru, Dr Moulana B A Ibraim Shakha, Dr Siddeshwar, MLA B Y Raghavendra, Ramappa, Dr Aloysious Paul D’Souza, bishop emeritus of Mangaluru, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop of Udupi, Dr K A William, bishop of Mysuru, Dr Anthony Swamy, bishop of Chikkamagluru, Dr Robert Miranda, bishop of Gulbarga, Dr Derek Fernandes, bishop of Karwar, Dr Gheevarghese, bishop of Puttur and Dr Ignatius D’Souza, bishop of Bareli.
The guests inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp. B S Yediyurappa unveiled the logo of the Minor Basilica of Harihar. Fr Lancy D’Souza enlighten on the Papal Bull ‘De Titulo Basilicae Minoris’ the official papal bull decree of Pope Francis signed by Robertus Card, the Prefect of Divine Worship.
Fr Anthony Peter, parish priest of Harihar narrated his experience and miracle of the Mother Mary and highlighted the brief history of the Minor Basilica of the Lady of Good Health Harihar. According to the history, a Brahmin had witnessed the miraculous statue and offered it to the church as our Lady had said in the apparition.
Bishop Francis Serrao requested B S Yediyurappa to grant a land and accommodation to the pilgrims of Harihar.
Chief minister B S Yediyurappa in his speech said that Our Lady of Good Health is one of the powerful statues in the India. There have been enormous pilgrims flocking towards the shrine since years. He also congratulated the Christians for the Holy See for declaring the shrine to the status of Minor Basilica. He said in the words of Mahatma Gandhiji to love all the religions and live in communal harmony. He gave a call in the words of poet Kuvempu to make our nation into a peaceful harvest. The contribution of the Christians towards Karnataka has been enormous he said and concluded his speech.
Bishop Francis Serrao honoured chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, MLAs Raghavendra and Siddeshwar for their contributions to the society.
Dr Filipe Neri Ferrao, archbishop of Goa and Daman, congratulated everyone for the historical event and dream realised in Harihar and he thanked all the Bishops. He said, “Harihar town is known for religious harmony and genuine peace. We need to boost religious harmony in the society which is very much necessary by respecting and serving one another as sons and daughters of India according to the Constitution.”
Dr Sri Shivamurthy Murugha Sharanaru in his address said, “Harihar Matha is a blessing to the pilgrims of Harihar. Religion and the love of God are entirely two different ends. In order to love God and neighbour, one needs to sacrifice one’s religion and show human love is greater than any other religion.” He exclaimed the teaching of Jesus Christ to love one’s enemies is one of the finest teachings in the world where no other person has ever told. The values of compassion and kindness are very much needed in the society today. He said he was inspired by the human love of Jesus, the non-violence of Mahaveera, the equality of Basavanna and the simplicity of Buddha.”
Dr Moulana B A Ibraim Shakha opined that the Harihar Matha is a gift to the society to live in communal harmony. Basavanna is one of the prophets who invited each and every one to live in harmony and unity. He felt proud of this school that 70% of Muslim students study in this Christian institution.
Dr Peter Machado addressed the gathering by telling health is a blessing to each and every person. “Our Lady of Good Health is our Mother who gives us mental as well as physical health to us,” he said.
All the guests were honoured during the programme. Fr Winnifred compered the programme. The programme concluded with vote of thanks by Fr Felix Noronha.
Thereafter, food was served to all the faithful who participated in the programme.