Kalmadi: Feast of Our Lady of Vailankani at Stella Maris Church

By Snehalatha, Udupi
Bellevision Media Network

Kalmadi, Udupi, 12 August 2011: The annual feast celebrations of Our Lady of Vailankani will be held at Stella Maris Church Kalmadi, Malpe, Udupi on Monday 15th August 2011, informed Rev. Fr. Joseph D’Souza – Parish Priest, in a press conference. Stella Maris Church, Kalmadi is dedicated to Mother Mary. Built in 1972 as a small Prayer Chapel by Late Lt. Commander Charles D’Souza, which was then established as a Church in 1999 by the then Bishop Basil D’Souza.

Earlier when it was a Chapel, only masses were conducted on Sundays by the visiting priests to fulfil the spiritual needs of the local people. During 1988 on 15th August, the day of Assumption of Mary and also Independence day of India,  Rev. Fr. Dennis Castelino, originally from Moodubelle, brought a miracle statue of Our Lady of Veilankani and established there. In 2010 a shrine was built in the Church compound, which was inaugurated by Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop of Mangalore. Since then this has become a pilgrimage centre for all religions. Now Christians, Hindus and Muslims come here and offer prayers, said Fr. Joseph D’Souza.
 

  

  

On the occasion of the annual feast celebrations this time, the programs have already begun with the hoisting of flag. On 13th August Hore Kanike will be brought from Adi Udupi Junction in a procession to the Church. On 15th August the whole day the celebrations, mass, prayers will be conducted. Most Rev. Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop of Mangalore will be participating in the celebrations.

 

 
 
In the press meet Luis Lobo – Vice President of Parish Pastoral Council, Presilla Alva – Secretary of Parish Pastoral Council and Treasurer Victor D’Mello were present.