St Mary’s feast brings together local communities

The annual St Mary’s feast and procession is a special occasion for Christians but it also brought together different communities in the area.
The feast started on August 29 and ended on Sunday with its ceremonial procession. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who attended the final day of the celebration, had announced Rs 5 crore for the renovation of the Shivajingar-based St Mary’s Basilica. The historical church was consecrated on September 8, 1882, which forms the basis for the concluding day of the feast.

Speaking exclusively to News Trail, Father Anthony emphasised the universality of the festival, which draws people from different communities. “What’s beautiful about this celebration is that it’s not just Christians who come together. People from all walks of life Hindus, Muslims, and others join us in praying to Mary. They don’t see her as belonging to any one religion,” Anthony said. “I come here every year, and I’m always moved by how many non-Christians show up to honour Mother Mary,” John, a regular attendee, said. “There’s a sense of unity and shared faith in the way people come together,” he added. Another participant, Meera, said: “For me, it doesn’t matter if I’m Hindu; Mother Mary is a symbol of love and care for all humanity.”

What are the celebrations about?
Father Martin Kumar, the parish priest who leads the celebrations at the basilica, said: “The birthday of Mother Mary is special because through her, God brought Jesus to save the world. Her life was sanctified from the very first moment, preparing her to receive the Son of God.” The feast is marked by several sacred practices, beginning with the Holy Mass. “Holy Mass is a time when we thank God for all the graces that come down to us,” Martin said. “We pray continuously, with about 17 masses held each day, asking for blessings upon the world. These prayers are meant not just for the Christian community but for everyone, invoking Mother Mary's grace to sanctify and bless humanity,” he added.

Preceded by 9 day preparation;
Preparation for the feast begins with the novena days, a nine-day period of spiritual readiness. “Each novena day starts with a flag hoisting, reminding us that we are getting closer to this significant feast,” Sister Maria, a participant in the novena day preparation said. “It is a tradition that helps us prepare our hearts to celebrate Mother Mary's role in bringing salvation through Jesus,” she added