FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF OUR LADY
The feast of the Immaculate Conception of our Blessed Mother was celebrated with great devotion by the Sisters of Religious of Mary Immaculate (RMI) and the people of Akota. The devotion began with the triduum on the 5th – 7th. Fr. Lawrence Rodrigues preached for all the three days. During these three days he spoke on various aspects of the life of our Blessed Mary. On the first day he spoke on the need for the devotion to our Lady. He said that the devotion to Mary was important because: 1. Her life is an inspiration; 2. In her we find the answers to life’s vital questions such as suffering, death, after life, sin, poverty, etc; 3. She is a powerful intercessor; 4. In her we see a glimpse of our future glory. In the face of tremendous suffering we find Our Blessed Mother holding on to unshakeable faith. She did not question God. She accepted it and kept it pondering in her heart. She knew that she did not understand but she was sure that God knew and that was enough for her. In and through her suffering she did not give up. She believed that God would do everything well in His time. Her endurance in times of sufferings proved her faith.
On the second day he spoke on the famous saying of Don Bosco “Have faith in Mary and you will know what miracles are”. He said that all miracles are worked by God through Jesus Christ and Mary is the most powerful intercessor for us. Our faith is insufficient to receive the graces of God so we need Mary to intercede for us because God will never refuse her because of her life of faith and holiness. How can a Son refuse his Mother. He gave the life examples of Don Bosco who built the beautiful shrine of Mary Help of Christians in Turin with just five cents in his pocket. When the beautiful shrine was built he thanked Our Lady without whose help he would have never managed. It is our firm faith that all those who go to our Blessed Mother with faith will never be left unaided. She leads us always to Christ. It is at her word that Jesus worked his first miracle at Cana. She continues to intercede with her Son for us. Let us believe and place our full trust in her.
On the third day of the Triduum Fr. Lawrence spoke on the Magnificat. He said that in the Magnificat we understand the reason behind Mary’s beautiful life. The Magnificat is the blueprint of her life and faith. The Magnificat shows that she trusted God fully. Her life was full of praise to God. She knew that she is nothing and that it is God who is everything. She believed that all those who are humble shall be lifted high. She knew the importance of taking care of the poor and needy. She believed that God always keeps His promise.
The Feast Day began with the girls of the hostel acting out the five joyful mysteries around the campus. People from the neighbourhood, Fathers, sister and Seminarian joined to say the Rosary. After the Rosary the Eucharistic Celebration began. Most Rev. Bishop Godfrey de Rosario S.J. was the main celebrant. The Mass began with an entrance dance by the hostel girls. Bishop Godfrey in his homily gave an inspiring sermon saying that Mary lived a holy life inspite of being surrounded by sin. He said that the Sin of Adam and Eve could not touch Mary because of the goodness of her Son. God prepared a perfect body for His Son, freed from the corruption of sin. Our tainted Nature’s Solitary boast. He invited all present to live in the way Mary lived, totally committed to God and her family of Jesus and Joseph.
There was a special offertory procession. Mr. Kiritbhai along with his team sang hymns so melodiously that the whole congregation present was led to participate fully and actively. At the end Sr. Ramila on behalf of the Superior, Sr. Rose and Community thanked the Bishop, Fr. Lawrence, Choir and the people for joining in their joy on the Feast of Our Blessed Mother and prayed that God shower His abundant blessings on all.
After the Eucharistic celebration the people were served snacks and the Fathers, Sister, Seminarians joined for the solemn breakfast.
May Our Blessed Mother intercede for us all.
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