Bengaluru: On the occasion of the Feast of the Nativity of Mother Mary, which will be celebrated on September 8, Archbishop of Bangalore Most Rev (Dr) Peter Machado has extended his greetings to the faithful. In a message he said, “I wish Mother Mary’s blessings and graces for good health on all the devotees. Though it is sad for us to note that there will not be any public celebration of piety and other devotions, not even the traditional Car procession (Theru) at St. Mary’s Basilica, Shivaiinagar, we will have all our liturgical celebrations conducted at St. Mary’s Basilica telecast online through various digital platforms, YouTube and select TV channels.”
Normally every year, all roads in and around Shivaji Nagar cantonment area of Bengaluru, would lead to St. Mary’s Basilica — as the solemnity of the nine-day Novena of Blessed Mother Mary culminates on the feast day. Thousands of pilgrims would throng the basilica to take part in the first flag hoisting ceremony.
However this year, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Archbishop has urged the faithful NOT to come to St. Mary’s Basilica either to pay homage or ‘Dashana’ or for any other liturgical services on the day of the Feast, that is, 8th September 2020.
In a message of hope to the Catholic faithful amidst the COVID-10 pandemic, the Archbishop Peter Machado said, “We regret that we are placing these restrictions. It is our collective effort to join hands with the government and various agencies of the administration in extending our cooperation to help contain the fast spread of the Coronavirus, We must be aware that it is for our own good, given the frightful situation of the spread of the virus in Bangalore and the rest of Karnataka.”
“We are given to understand that some fake WhatsApp messages and video clips are making rounds, spreading false information about allowing people to enter into Basilica and the Car procession, on 8th September, We wish to warn them that the law will take its course and those found guilty will be handed over the police for suitable action,” he cautioned the faithful.
The prelate further stated, “We will offer special prayers to Mother Mary for her intercession and blessings for the people of Karnataka in general and Bangalore in particular. We pray very specially for all those affected by Coronavirus that they may recover speedily. A special prayer and blessing of Mother Mary will be invoked upon all the Covid warriors who are rendering their service to the Covid affected including other public servants who are on duty to control the spread of the disease. May Mother Mary bless each of us and our families,” he prayed.