The nine-day Novena in honour of the Nativity of Mother Mary culminated on Monday with a grand and solemn celebration at the historic St. Mary’s Basilica, Shivajinagar. Thousands of devotees gathered in faith and devotion, undeterred by inclement weather, to participate in the spiritual festivities.
A major highlight of the Novena was the evening Flag Hoisting Ceremony of Mother Mary, regarded by devotees as a moment of grace and blessing. Each evening, distinguished dignitaries who contributed significantly to society were invited and felicitated, acknowledging their service to the community.
Among them was the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, who lauded St. Mary’s Basilica as a sacred space for people of all communities and assured continued government support.
The Feast Day celebration featured the inauguration of the grand Chariot Procession of Blessed Mother Mary. Karnataka Chief Minister Shri Siddaramaiah and Energy Minister K.J. George joined the faithful on the occasion. His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bangalore, blessed the chariot before its inauguration by the Chief Minister.
Archbishop Machado thanked the Government for initiating the process of establishing the Christian Development Corporation and appealed for the repeal of the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act, 2022. Responding, the Chief Minister praised the Christian community’s contributions in education, healthcare, and social service, assuring that the Act would be repealed in due course.
The Nativity Feast remains a cherished cultural and spiritual tradition, fostering unity, harmony, and faith across communities.
