Pics by Sany Digital Studio, Kalmady

Udupi, Aug 10: The fifth day novena prayers in preparation of the proclamation and dedication of Our Lady of Velankanni Centre at Kalmady as a diocesan Shrine was held on Wednesday, August 10.

Fr Sunil D’Silva, parish priest, St Anthony Church, Sasthan, conducted the adoration, novena prayers for the intentions of the elders/aged.

Fr Sunil D’Silva, in his homily, said, "If elders are there at our homes then it’s a blessing. As per the recent statics in India, nearly 14 crore elders above the age of 65 years are there.

Only 40 elders were treated well by the immediate family and relatives out of 100 families which were chosen to serve in the coastal region. We don’t want to burden others including children. If God remembers us then its good was second reply. Third reply was 'we have people inside home but with whom will we speak?' Even if time is available, all will be busy with mobile phones and if we want to get someone then we have to search. We have to ask everything with children like beggars after we have emptied ourselves for our children’s education, life settlement, marriage and other things.' When we come here to witness the novena it is time for us to have a glance at our family and ourselves."

Fr Baptist Menezes, parish priest, Stella Maris Church, Kalmady, Fr Roy Lobo, assistant parish priest were the concelebrants on the occasion. The choir team was from Our Lady of Fathima Church, Perampalli.

Feast of Our Lady of Velankanni, proclamation and dedication of Our Lady of Velankanni as a diocesan shrine and the golden jubilee celebration of Stella Maris Church, Kalmady will be celebrated on Monday, August 15.