As the hoisting of the flag marked the beginning of the 10-day annual fest at the Annai Vailankanni Shrine in Besant Nagar, thousands of devotees thronged the church to offer prayers on Wednesday.
Sister Beed, who was holding guard of the Mother Mary shrine where devotees left their prayer letters, says that it was the universality of the festival that drew people from across religions.
The grilled wall around the shrine is quite a sight with thousands of devotees putting up their requests to god. Small cradles with baby dolls, yellow threads, prayer rosarys, locks and prayers written on rolled paper dotted the wall. Sister Johana says, “Mostly, people who want to be blessed with a child, girls waiting to get married, those with illnesses and people who want to do well in business or studies come here.”
Pointing at the locks, she goes on, “These locks are left by those who are hoping to own a house.”
Explaining the significance behind the 75-foot flag mast erected to celebrate the 40th year of the festival, Father Francis Michael, Rector and Parish Priest, says that when one looks up at the flag, he is looking towards the sky and heaven. The flag is also a sign of the presence of people, he adds.
Explaining why people from across religions flock to the church, he says, “The Roman Catholic faith has assimilated local cultural practices which has made it more open for people of all faiths to be a part of it. We don’t try to convert people, but we welcome them to come and find their peace.”
Schedule
August 30– Religious Day: 7.30 am- Mass in English, 5.15 pm- Rosary, Novena, Mass in Tamil and car procession
August 31 - Day of Pius Association: 4pm - Procession on Elliots Beach Road
Sept 1 – Day of Sick:
7.30 am – Mass in English
10.30 am – Mass in Tamil
12 noon- Mass in Tamil
Sept 2 – Source of Faith
Blood donation camp
Sept 3 – Workers Day
7.30 am – Mass in English
Sept 4 – Day of Youth
Sept 5 – Day of Teachers
Sept 6 – Day of family
Sept 7 – Day of Annai Vailankanni: 5.15 pm - Pontifical High Mass and grand car procession
Sept 8 – Birthday of Blessed Virgin Mary