Thousands flock to Mount Mary for blessings

Neha Bandekar, a resident of Vikhroli, stood purchasing candles before she could go to the Mount Mary Church on Sunday. What set her apart from the rest was that she was a first timer at Mount Mary. "I keep hearing about it every year. This year I decided to visit and see it for myself. I wanted to see the church and also pray," said Bandekar who was among the many new devotees who flocked to the church.

On Sunday, which marks the first day of the eight-day Mount Mary fair, thousands of devotees flocked to seek blessings. The festival, like always, saw people of different religions and classes thronging to enjoy the festive atmosphere. It begins on the first Sunday after September 8 which is Mother Mary's birthday. A nine-day novena precedes the birthday celebration.

Taking a step further, the church management this year made provisions for live streaming on Youtube - Compass 99 and also on cable channels Hathway and Incable.

"This year the theme of the fair is discerning God's will with determination and conviction like Mother Mary. The mass timings are given on our website," said Bishop John Rodrigues of the Mount Mary.

For the first time, a Mass was conducted in Konkani language. "It is our language and hence I came," said Janice Pawaskar, who has been coming for the last 35 years

Besides mass, devotees also come to Mount Mary to fulfil their wishes. "In my case, my son got admission in a good engineering college and is doing well in his studies," said Liji Joseph who had come all the way from Dombivli.

The BEST also runs special buses, from Bandra station to Mount Mary, during this period. Police bandobast was also seen at regular intervals.