The annual feast of St. Mary at the St. Mary's Church, Manarcad, near here, will be observed from September 1 to September 8.
The chief guest of the feast this year is Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ambika Soni who will deliver the keynote address on September 5. Ports and Youth Affairs Minister V. Surendran Pillai, Leader of Opposition Oommen Chandy, Jose K. Mani, MP, and V.N. Vasavan, MLA, will speak on the occasion.
During the feast, or eight days of lent (Ettunombu Perunaal), a public reception will be accorded to Metropolitan Mor Selwanos Pathros, Archbishop of Homs and the Special Envoy of the Patriarch of Antioch Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas on September 5.
A religious procession ( Raza ) will be taken out to the ‘Kurisu Palli' (shrine) on September 6. Thousands of people are expected to take part in this procession.
Another high point of the Feast is the ‘Nada Thurakkal' on September 7. The image of Mother Mary and Jesus Christ will be kept for public display on this day. This annual display will continue for a week till September 14.
The curtains will come down on this 8-day Feast on September 8.
