Vijayawada: The Navadina Prardhanalu (nine day prayers) marking the 101 years of Gunadala Mary Matha Utsavams began on a grand note at the Holy Mary Matha Shrine in Gunadala of Vijayawada on Friday.
Vijayawada Catholic peth bishop Telagathoti Joseph Raja Rao along with monsignor father Muvvala Prasad, vicar general father Mesapam Gabriel, Gunadala shrine rector Yeleti William Jayaraju Swamy, diocese education desk director Father Kolakani Mariyanna and other religious heads unveiled the flag at the temple premises signalling the start of the nine day prayers.
Scores of devotees walked atop the hill shrine with candles in obeisance to Holy Mary. The Navadina Prardhanalu, to be celebrated from January 31 to February 08, ahead of the three-day annual Gunadala Matha Festival, witnesses devotees holding candles and walking atop the holy hill shrine throughout the nine days.
In his message to devotees, Bishop Joseph Raja Rao said that Holy Mary was chosen to be the mother of Jesus Christ to continue god’s salvation plan. Among all the women, Mary is regarded with highest reverence and devotees who show their reverence to Mary would be bestowed with favours in abundance.
He further stated that Centenary annual Gunadala matha festival was celebrated on a grand scale last year and urged devotees to take part in this year’s festival in huge numbers.
Vijayawada Catholic peth bishop Telagathoti Joseph Raja Rao along with monsignor father Muvvala Prasad, vicar general father Mesapam Gabriel, Gunadala shrine rector Yeleti William Jayaraju Swamy, diocese education desk director Father Kolakani Mariyanna and other religious heads unveiled the flag at the temple premises signalling the start of the nine day prayers.
