JOIN USFaith brings them together
For some it is a ritual, and for others, a part of life. The annual St Mary’s Feast, which falls on September 8, and the festivities around it have different meanings for different people. What is common is the strong faith that each one of the devotees, who come to St Mary’s Basilica during the feast season, holds on to.
Esther Jacob, a businesswomen from JC Nagar, has been a regular for the past 10 years and strongly believes in the miracles and healing power of Mother Mary.
“I’ve seen plenty of magical things happen in my own life. Whatever I’ve asked for in good intention, I’ve been blessed with the same,” believes Esther.
Esther prepares herself for the feast days by fasting and going for the masses as and when possible.
Meanwhile, Bharathi K, an office secretary, says, “I’ve been coming here for 15 years now.”
She also says that the messages she has heard over the years have helped her grow on a personal level too.
The feast has left its impression even on first-time visitors. Dadaphir, a systems administrator, says that the messages shared at the feast are powerful.
“The message I heard was about how to love one another and how to respect one’s mother,” he shares. Dadaphir believes that in today’s society of increasing crime, messages like these are the need of the day. “Peace needs to prevail and such messages leave a lasting effect,” he adds.
Gilleane Maverick, a French student, is of the opinion that the way the festival has been planned speaks a lot about the passion and the respect for such occasions in the City.
“I’m deeply impressed by the way the authorities are keeping a watch on the traffic situation and diverting vehicles accordingly,” she says.
She adds, “The saffron attire of the people is something I noted, and this speaks volumes about the discipline followed by the devotees during this time.”
When around this area, one can notice flower and candle-sellers doing good business and the hotels too. Needless to say, there is traffic chaos as well with a large number of autorickshaws and other vehicles plying in the area.
B Dayanand, additional commissioner of police (traffic), says, “Vehicular movement is restricted after 5 pm, from Shivaji Circle to Jyothi Cafe (near Shivajinagar Bus Stand). Heavy vehicles are not allowed from Bamboo Bazaar to Cockburn Road, and no vehicles are allowed into the Russel Market area.”
He details, “There has been a watch on this since day one of the feast as and when required. It will be closely monitored on September 8 as there will more than a lakh visitors on that day. Vehicular movement in and around Shivajinagar and Russel Market will also be closely monitored.”
About the preparations for the feast, Fr John Rose, parish priest and rector, elaborates, “The feast is about celebrating the birthday of Mother Mary and the virtues she’s known for. We have tried to make the experience as smooth as possible for everyone who comes to the feast.”
Apart from the close monitoring done by the police through the 16 cameras inside the church and eight cameras outside, overnight stay has been arranged at the St Xavier’s School, for visitors, says Fr John.
One will notice the huge number of saffron outfits worn during these days. “Saffron stands for penance, piety and utmost devotion, and what better colour to represent the mood of the occasion?” he asks.
There will be holy masses held on September 8 in Kannada, Tamil and English, every half an hour from 4.30 am till 4.30 pm.
Open-air masses will be held in Kannada at 8 am and Tamil at 9.30 pm, in the Market Square.