Thousands of people thronged the Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Snows on Beach Road here on Tuesday and offered prayers at the inaugural day of the 11–day festival, which commenced with flag hoisting. The 434th edition of the feast festival of Our Lady began with pomp and joy.
A large number of Christians offered prayers at the first mass at 5 a.m. and the second mass at 6 a.m. Rituals continued with a concelebrated mass at 7.30 a.m.
The ceremonial flag, blessed by the Bishop of Thoothukudi Roman Catholic Diocese, Rt.Rev. Fr. Yvon Ambroise, was taken out from the Basilica in a procession. Amidst a huge gathering of worshippers, the Bishop hoisted the flag, in the presence of Rev. Fr. Lerin Derose , Rector and Parish Priest, and other clergies, after the mass was over at 9 a.m.
Cutting across religious barriers, a large number of worshippers witnessed the ceremony in the morning. The worshippers chanted ‘Mariyae Vazhga’ while the flag rose up the mast.
A number of white doves symbolising ‘eternal peace’ were released on the occasion.
At 12 noon, Mother Mary was adorned with a gold crown as a mark of reverence.
After novena, a sermon was delivered by Rev. Fr. Albert Johnson, Provincial, Tiruchi Roman Catholic Diocese, on the theme. ‘Mother of compassion’.
The worshippers served milk and banana to the attendants.
Due to the large number of worshippers, the Beach Road was closed to vehicular traffic for about an hour. Adequate security arrangements were made with deployment of police personnel in the vicinity of the Basilica.
At a cultural programme organised as part of the festival in the evening, Assistant Commandant of Central Industrial Security Force Joy released a compact disc titled ‘Punitha Maadhu’ in the presence of Rev. Fr. Derose.
