Worshippers turned up in large numbers to witness the car procession of Our Lady of Snows Shrine Basilica, which was celebrating the 437th annual feast festival, here on Monday.
At the grand finale of the 11-day annual feast, devotees pulled the car chanting ‘Mariye Vazhga’.
The bedecked and illuminated car carrying the deity was taken in a procession through Matha Kovil Street, Periya Kovil Street, St. Peter Church Street, Periyakadai Street, WGC Road and Beach Road and returned to the basilica, where benediction was conducted.
Thanksgiving prayers were offered at 10 p.m. Pilgrims from various countries, including Sri Lanka, attended the mass.
Since 4.30 a.m., seven masses were held throughout the day, with Rev. Stephen Antony, Bishop of Tuticorin Roman Catholic Diocese, leading the prayers at 7.30 a.m. Over 50 parish priests participated in the mass.
During the other masses, Bishop of Kottar Diocese Nazarene Soosai, former Bishop of Tiruchi Diocese Antony Devotta, Fr. G. Rolington and Vicar General N.A. Panneer Selvam led the prayers.
The whole of Tuticorin wore a festive look and commercial establishments witnessed hectic business. A local holiday had been declared on Monday.
Police personnel, led by SP (incharge) Arun Sakthikumar, made adequate security arrangements, while the Corporation made arrangements for drinking water and sanitation facilities.
