102nd Annual Feast of Gunadala Mary Matha takes off in Vijayawada

Bishop of Vijayawada Catholic Diocese, Most Reverend Bishop Telagatoti Joseph Raja Rao, inaugurated the sacred celebrations with the hoisting of the Holy Flag of Mother Mary at the main basilica in the presence of Monsignor Reverend Father Muvvala Prasad, Vicar General Reverend Father Meshapam Gabriel, Shrine Rector Reverend Father Yeleti William Jayaraju Swamy, other diocesan priests, sisters, clergy, and the laity.

Addressing the faithful, Bishop Joseph Raja Rao described the Gunadala Shrine as a Summit of Faith, which draws devotees from across India. He asserted that Mother Mary continues to receive reverence as the Spiritual Mother. “Those who honour Her will certainly receive God’s blessings,” he underlined.

Highlighting the significance of Marian devotion, the Bishop noted that through the intercessory prayers of Our Lady of Lourdes, the faithful can take themselves closer to God. He pointed out that Mary had been chosen as the Mother of God to continue His divine mission of salvation.

Muvvala Prasad and Jayaraju Swamy called upon devotees to participate in the 102^nd Annual Feast celebrations from February 9 to February 11 with discipline and devotion. In the interim, the nine-day novena prayers at the Lourdes Grotto on the hilltop will spiritually prepare pilgrims for the grand festivities.

Following the inauguration, a solemn candlelight procession led by Bishop Joseph Raja Rao and senior clergy, carrying the Holy Eucharist, proceeded from the main church to the hilltop grotto.