Vijayawada: Festive fervor and devotion marked the first day of the 101st Lurtha Matha festival as thousands of devotees thronged the Gunadala Mary Matha shrine in Vijayawada on Sunday.
The three-day festival was inaugurated by religious heads with the commencement of Praramba Pavitra Samishta Divya Pujabali (Holy Mass).
In his message to the devotees, golden jubilarian father PK Joseph spoke about the first miracle performed by Jesus when he turned water into wine at a wedding in Kananapalli, signifying that nothing is impossible for God. It is said that Lurtha Matha (Mary) first appeared to a girl named Bernadette in France 167 years ago. After the worship and prayers, devotees were offered Divya Prasadam in honor of Mary Matha. A grand procession carrying the idol of Mary Matha was later taken through the streets of Gunadala.
In the evening, Nalgonda Diocese bishop Dr. Karanam Dhaman Kumar, who participated as the chief guest, along with other religious leaders, conducted Samishti Divya Bali Puja (Holy Mass) in the evening at the Bishop Grassi High School grounds.
Meanwhile, a variety of cultural programs, including a performance by youngsters from Prerna Youth Centre, Kolatam by Gunadala Vicharana, and devotional songs by various groups, enthralled devotees on the first day of the festival.
Earlier in the day, Vijayawada catholic peth Telagathoti Joseph Rajarao, monsignor father Muvvala Prasad, vicar general father Mesapam Gabriel, and Gunadala rector William Jayaraju Swamy lit lamps at the Bishop Grassi High School, marking the beginning of the three-day festival.
The three-day festival was inaugurated by religious heads with the commencement of Praramba Pavitra Samishta Divya Pujabali (Holy Mass).
In his message to the devotees, golden jubilarian father PK Joseph spoke about the first miracle performed by Jesus when he turned water into wine at a wedding in Kananapalli, signifying that nothing is impossible for God. It is said that Lurtha Matha (Mary) first appeared to a girl named Bernadette in France 167 years ago. After the worship and prayers, devotees were offered Divya Prasadam in honor of Mary Matha. A grand procession carrying the idol of Mary Matha was later taken through the streets of Gunadala.
In the evening, Nalgonda Diocese bishop Dr. Karanam Dhaman Kumar, who participated as the chief guest, along with other religious leaders, conducted Samishti Divya Bali Puja (Holy Mass) in the evening at the Bishop Grassi High School grounds.
Meanwhile, a variety of cultural programs, including a performance by youngsters from Prerna Youth Centre, Kolatam by Gunadala Vicharana, and devotional songs by various groups, enthralled devotees on the first day of the festival.
Earlier in the day, Vijayawada catholic peth Telagathoti Joseph Rajarao, monsignor father Muvvala Prasad, vicar general father Mesapam Gabriel, and Gunadala rector William Jayaraju Swamy lit lamps at the Bishop Grassi High School, marking the beginning of the three-day festival.
