Pics: Sany Digital Studio, Kalmady

Udupi, Aug 13: The eight 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 Saturday August 13.

Fr Alban D’Souza, rector, St Lawrence Minor Basilica, conducted the novena prayers for the intentions of children.

In his homily, he said, "Mother and father have to take the responsibility of their children. A Child is a blessing from God after wedding. Children are the reason to bring unity in the family. According to the plan of God and as per the rule of Holy Catholic Church, it is the parents' responsibility to look after their children. And during the nuptials, a couple will promise in front of God that they will bring up their children according to the His plan. The same promise will be given during the christening ceremony saying 'we are ready to bring up the child in the faith of God'.

"It is the obligation of the children to be obedient to parents. They will be blessed if they are obedient to parents. Meanwhile, parents have to be responsible. When the kids take a wrong step, they havew to be corrected," he said. 

Fr Baptist Menezes, parish priest, Stella Maris Church, Kalmady, and Fr Roy Lobo, assistant parish priest were the concelebrants on the occasion. The choir team was from St Lawrence Minor Basilica, Attur, Karkala.

There will be a procession prior to the annual festival day on Sunday, August 14 from Karavali Junction to Our Lady of Velankanni Shrine. K Ragupathi Bhat will inaugurate the procession at 2.30 PM.

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.