Vijayawada: The three-day Gunadala Mother Mary festivities began on a grand note on Sunday, with devotees from various places thronging the Gunadala Shrine to offer prayers. Vijayawada Catholic Diocese Bishop, Most Rev. Telagatoti Joseph Raja Rao, along with Monsignor Fr Muvvala Prasad, Fr M Gabriel, Rector Fr Eleti William Jayaraju, and other clergy, lit the ceremonial lamps to mark the beginning of the celebrations.
The 101st annual feast of Gunadala Mother Mary commenced with a special Samishti Divya Pooja Bali (Holy Mass) at 7 am, followed by a cultural performance at the Bishop Gracy High School Grounds in Vijayawada.
On the occasion, Bishop Raja Rao shared that 2025 has been declared the Jubilee Year by the Holy Father, Pope Francis. He spoke of the Gunadala Shrine as a place of miracles, where devotees find solace and blessings. He emphasised that in times of difficulty and suffering, people should seek the blessings of the Virgin Mary, who, through her prayers, brings God’s grace to alleviate their troubles.
Fr P.K. Joseph reminded the gathering of the miraculous appearance of Our Lady of Lourdes to Bernadette in France 167 years ago.
Following the spiritual message, a Holy Mass was offered at the altar, with Bishop Joseph Raja Rao, Monsignor Fr Muvvala Prasad, Fr M Gabriel, Fr William Jayaraju, Fr Kolakani Marianna, Fr Thota Sunil Raju, and other diocesan priests participating.
The day was filled with vibrant cultural performances that captivated the devotees. Highlights included performances by the youth centre, a Kolatam (traditional dance) from Gunadala, cultural presentations by students from Carmel Nagar Blind School, Christian devotional songs, and musical performances by groups from Machilipatnam and Gunadala, all adding to the festive spirit.
