By C V Joseph
Bengaluru, Aug. 27, 2020: The Coronavirus pandemic has forced the Bangalore archdiocese to go for low key celebration of the feast of its famous Marian shrine.
“We have been advised by the government and police authorities to have a low-key celebration and to avoid crowding of devotees at the shrine and its vicinity,” says Archbishop Machado of Bangalore.
The archbishop on August 27 told media persons that the archdiocese has decided to make alternative arrangements to celebrate the Nativity feast at the Marian shrine at Shivaji Nagar through digital and other social media networks.’
“In deference to the government directives and as a responsible community, we have decided to live stream all spiritual programs through various digital platforms on all the nine days of the novena and on the feast day September 8,” the archbishop explained.
The prelate regretted that “the cruel intervention of the dreaded Coronavirus” has snatched away “all the grandeur and fervor of the festival” this year.
The dangerous and adverse effects of Covid-19 have pervaded all spheres of life, he observed.
According to him, thousands of devotees attend the novena (nine day) prayer that begins on August 29 in preparation of the feast. The feast day used to attract hundreds of thousands, the archbishop explained.
“Even throughout the year, the devotees go there in large numbers to pay homage to Mother Mary,” he added.
The novena starts with flag hoisting. People from all faiths participate with utmost devotion and piety in the religious services.
Archbishop Machado has appealed the faithful to stay at home and spend time in prayer, reciting Rosary and participate in online Masses and the Adoration. “It is a great opportunity for all of to seek Mother Mary’s interventions to help wipe out the pandemic from the face of the earth,” he added.
The daily Program would include Mass in English 6 am, Kannada 7 am, Tamil 8 am, Konkini 9 am, and Malayalam 10 am. The shrine will also offer a special Mass for the sick at 11 am.
Evening programs begin at 5 with Rosary followed by litany, Marian reflection in different languages and end with Benediction.
Archbishop Machado says St. Mary’s Church in Shivaji Nagar is interlinked with the history of the Church in Karnataka. During the 17th Century, a few Christians from Ginjee in Tamil Nadu settle down in the area. They built a small thatched roofed church and named it Kanikkai Madha (Virgin Mother) Chapel.