NEWS

Nativity of Mother Mary was celebrated with deep devotion and Festal Grandeur

Hospet: September 08, 2025: The Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary was celebrated with great devotion and festal grandeur on 8th September 2025 at Holy Cross Church, Hospet. The day was observed with deep faith and joy, marking four significant events: the Celebration of the Nativity of Mother Mary, the Family Feast, the Celebration of the New Crop, and the observance of Girl Child Day.

The celebrations began with the Blessing of the New Crop and the offering of flowers at the Grotto of Mother Mary situated at the main entrance of the Church. The faithful, led by their deep devotion, gathered in large numbers and offered flowers to Infant Mary with great love and reverence. Following this, a solemn and grand procession was held towards the Church. The statue of Infant Mary and the freshly blessed New Crop were carried with devotion, accompanied by the melodious singing of hymns in honour of Mother Mary and the resounding beats of the parish band.

The highlight of the day was the Solemn Eucharistic Celebration, which was offered with feastal solemnity. Rev. Fr Melroy D’Silva, Vocation Promoter of the Capuchin Order, was the Main Celebrant, along with our beloved Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Gregory D’Souza, who concelebrated the Holy Eucharist. The liturgy was marked by deep devotion, meaningful participation, and the melodious singing of the parish choir, which uplifted the prayerful atmosphere of the celebration.

After the Eucharist, a felicitation ceremony was held in honour of parishioners who brought laurels and rendered valuable service:

1. Bible Quiz Parish Level – The prize winners of the Bible Quiz conducted at the Parish level were felicitated, and prizes were distributed by Rev. Fr Melroy D’Silva.

2. Bible Quiz Deanery Level – Our parish team, who emerged as the Champions at the Moodbidri Deanery level, securing the first place, were honoured and awarded prizes by both Rev. Fr Melroy D’Silva and Rev. Fr Gregory D’Souza.

3. Mr Praveen Sandeep Lobo – He was honoured for being appointed as a Notary by the Government of Karnataka. On behalf of the parishioners, both the priests felicitated him and expressed their gratitude for his dedicated service in maintaining parish records and official documents.

4. Ms Angel Meghan Cutina – She was felicitated by Rev. Fr Gregory D’Souza, our Parish Priest, for securing first place in the Elocution Competition at the Mangalore Diocese level for two consecutive years, organised by Catholic Sabha, Mangalore Unit.

The celebrations also included the Blessing of Vehicles of parishioners, invoking God’s protection and guidance for all those who travel. The Blessing of the New Corn was carried out in the traditional manner, after which it was mixed with payasam and served to all the faithful as a beautiful symbol of unity – expressing that the parish is indeed one family in Christ.

A special feature of this year’s feast was the distribution of sugarcane and fruits to all the parishioners, along with the blessed corn. This joyous sharing added to the festive spirit and strengthened the bond of fellowship among the faithful.

The smooth organisation of the feast was made possible by the dedicated efforts of various groups:

• The Grotto decoration was beautifully undertaken by the ICYM Hospet Unit.

• The procession arrangements were overseen by the Parish Council members.

• The blessing of vehicles was coordinated by the SVP members.

• The distribution of sugarcane, fruits, and corn was carried out by the Parish Council members and ICYM youth.

In his message, Rev. Fr Gregory D’Souza, our Parish Priest, extended his heartfelt wishes of the Feast to all parishioners. He expressed his deep gratitude to the parish choir for their melodious singing, to all the donors and sponsors who generously contributed towards the feast, and to those who provided sweets for the parishioners during the novena. He also sincerely thanked every member of the parish for their active participation, support, and contribution in making the celebration truly meaningful.

The Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Holy Cross Church, Hospet, concluded with joy and thanksgiving. It was indeed a grand, spiritual, and meaningful celebration, filled with devotion, unity, and the maternal blessings of our Heavenly Mother.