Novena prayers begin on a grand note at Gunadala

The grand Novena prayers for the Gundala Lourdes Mother Feast, one of the largest Catholic pilgrimage sites in South India, began on Friday evening with immense fervour. The event was inaugurated by Bishop Thalgatoti Joseph Raja Rao of the Vijayawada Diocese, along with Monsignor Fr Muvvala Prasad, Vicar General Fr M Gabriel, Rector Fr Yellati William Jayaraju, Director Fr K Marianna, Director Fr T Sunil Raju, and other dignitaries, who unveiled the banner of Mother Mary at the main church of the shrine.
In his message, Bishop Rajarao spoke about Pope Francis declaring 2025 as a Jubilee Year. He emphasised that Mother Mary was chosen as the Mother of God in His divine plan of salvation. He expressed that Mary is blessed among all women and honoured as the Mother of Christ. The Bishop added that honouring Mother Mary leads to receiving God’s grace, and through her intercession, one can draw closer to God.
He also noted that the 100th anniversary celebrations of the Gundala Lourdes Mother Shrine were held successfully last year, and called upon devotees to celebrate the 101st anniversary of the feast this year with deep faith and devotion.
Monsignor Fr Muvvala Prasad stated that those fortunate enough to experience the divine vision of Mother Mary would be blessed. He mentioned that the Novena prayers, which will continue for nine days, will spiritually prepare devotees for the upcoming feast.
The event saw the participation of several prominent priests, including Fr B Anand, Fr M Chinnappa, Fr K Marianna, Fr P Thomas, and community leaders, along with a large gathering of devotees