Golden jubilee: Irla Church dress Lady Velankanni in a sari

There is an added glitz to the Novena celebrations at the Church Of Our Lady Of Health Of Velankanni, Irla this year. The Novenas coincide with the golden jubilee celebration of the Church.

"This time the celebration are coinciding with the golden jubilee celebrations," said Fr. Ravi T Marneni, parish priest of the Church. The Church Of Our Lady Of Health Of Velankanni is known for the healing capacities. The nine day Novenas mark precede the birthday celebrations of the Mother Mary. "Earlier we belonged to St. Blais Chapel. There was no church and it was in 1967 that it was decided to have a Church," said Susan D'Mello, a parishioner and someone from the Church.

It was decided that this new church would be dedicated to Our Lady of Velankanni as many devotees of Our Blessed Mother used to travel all the way to Velankanni, Tamil Nadu, for the annual novena.The church had a flag hoisting on Wednesday. The hoisting of the flag was a tradition followed by sailors in ancient times to intercede to Mother to protect them from the stormy sea.

"After the hoisting of the flag, the Novenas start. Ten masses take place in different languages. On September 1 we also have a special healing service for people," said Fr. Rai. Mother's statue is then carried in a Palkhi from the Church to a veneration hall where people can seek her blessing. "It is kept here for nine days. There is a also a procession that is carried out," said Veera Fernandes. On September 2 there is a procession where Mother is taken through the village. "People take a vow for participating and walking in the procession for which they ask the Lord to keep their blessing," said Fr. Ravi.

TIME TO CELEBRATE

• The Novenas coincide with the golden jubilee celebration of the Church
   
• The Church Of Our Lady Of Health Of Velankanni is known for the healing capacities
   
• On Sept 1, a special healing service for the people has been organised