The 433rd annual feast festival of Our Lady of Snows Shrine Basilica commenced here with flag-hoisting on Sunday amidst a large congregation of worshippers.
Bishop of Tuticorin Roman Catholic Diocese Rt. Rev. Yvon Ambroise hoisted the flag in the presence of Rev. Fr. Lerin De Rose, Rector and Parish Priest of the Shrine Basilica and other clergies at the 11-day festival.
The worshippers chanted ‘Mariyae Vazhga’ while the flag was hoisted after the high mass led by the Bishop at 7.30 a.m.
The morning prayer service was conducted at 5.30 a.m. Several white doves symbolising ‘eternal peace’ were released to mark the occasion.
The Virgin Mary was decked with a golden crown and the worshippers served milk and banana to participants.
The Beach road was closed for traffic for about 30 minutes around 8 a.m. owing to a huge gathering of worshippers and vehicles were diverted.
Tourism Minister S.P. Shanmuganathan, Tuticorin MLA S.T. Chellapandian, Mayor A.P.R. Anthony Grace and Deputy Mayor P. Xavier were among those participated.
Beach Road was closed for traffic for 30 minutes around 8 a.m. owing to a gathering of worshippers and vehicles were diverted
