Annual Mary's Feast Celebrated at Our Lady of Good Health Shrine in AC Guards

Large gatherings of devotees congregated at the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Health at AC Guards, Masab Tank, in Khairatabad to celebrate the annual Mary's feast. The shrine, recognized as the largest octagonal church in Asia, served as the focal point for the multi-day religious observances.

The celebrations commenced on August 29 with a flag hoisting ceremony. In the days leading up to the feast, the shrine hosted daily novena prayers, morning rosaries, and masses organized by various parishes, along with a two-day divine convention. Two days prior to the main feast day, a special mass was celebrated by Fr. Raju Alex.

Festivities on the feast day began with a midnight Vigil Mass, which was followed by Holy Communion. At 4 am, Rev. Fr. Anthony Muthu served the Birthday Mass, which incorporated a cake-cutting ceremony as part of the service.

A pontifical high mass in Telugu was later celebrated by Cardinal Poola Anthony, who preached the message of love from the Bible. Msgr. Yeruva Balashowreddy, vicar general, also led a morning mass that saw significant participation from local youngsters. The celebrations culminated with an evening procession carrying the statue of Mother Mary, drawing extensive crowds.

The shrine drew devotees across various faiths, particularly those praying for healing and personal intentions. Anthony Bhagyanathan, identified as the oldest member of the shrine, noted that devotees chose to walk to the shrine from August 29 onwards to attend mass, with some walking barefoot. He stated that the days are significant for the Catholic community, with people adopting simple food habits and participating in charitable work.

Devotees also attended to give thanks for answered prayers. Mary Rajamani Pillai, a devotee at the shrine, stated that she was able to build her own house this year following a petition she had previously submitted at the shrine during one of the feasts.