“Let us run to Mary, and, as her little children, cast ourselves into her arms with perfect confidence”. St. Francis de Sales.
The 51st Annual feast of Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church, Anjal Nagar was a spiritually charged event held from 20 to 29 June 2025. It was nine days of being blessed by the grace of our Divine Mother. Devotees from different Parishes participated in the liturgical celebrations. The handpicked celebrants gave uplifting homilies to strengthen Marian devotion. There were many takeaways for all of us to reflect on and reinforce in our lives.
The nine days of devotion were live streamed. The iconic flag of Our Mother of Perpetual Help was hoisted with piety and joy on 20 June 2025. The main Celebrant Fr Jerome Eronimus, the Contact Person of the Archdiocese of Madurai stressed on the need to foster empathy to build the parish. Fr. Henry Jerome SJ, the Rector & Parish Priest of Cathedral and Fr. Richard SJ celebrated Mass on 21 June 2025. Fr. Richard emphasised the need for environment sustainability with biblical references. Fr. Joseph Antony and Fr. Ignaci Arputharaj were the celebrants on the third day. The homily by Fr. Ignaci Arputharaj focussed on the power of making the Holy Eucharist central to our lives. Fr. Arulanandam VF elucidated on how prayers are answered by our unwavering devotion to our mother. He was the main celebrant on 23 June 2025. From 24 to 27 June 2025 Fr. Alvin Rex CSsR preached with conviction the need to foster deep faith in the intercession of our lady. In his moving homilies, he stressed on the relation between the Divine and the human and the need to inculcate the love for the Eucharistic celebration.
The highlight of the 9-day devotion was the car procession. People from all faiths and walks of life paid homage to Our Mother. Most Rev Dr Antonysamy Savarimuthu, the Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Madurai exhorted the faithful to experience the Divine Presence in our families. The Thanksgiving Festal Mass was celebrated by Fr Alex Gnanaraj and the flag was lowered with reverence on 29 June 2025. A sumptuous breakfast was arranged for all after mass.
The spiritual ambience was uplifted with the aesthetic floral decorations by the sisters of various Congregations. Each day the BCC’s took turns to welcome the Celebrants. People participated with fervour and hope. Many testified that their prayers were answered, and gratitude rose like incense to the Heavens.
The Parish Council, the BCCs, Pious Associations, Volunteers and donors rose to the occasion rallying behind me, the Parish Priest, and the Fathers of Arulaham (Redemptorist Community). We were able to put together this solemn event through people skills, faith, and meticulous planning. Indeed, we are blessed to be sheltered by Our Lady’s Holy Mantle. May our Blessed Mother continue to shower the Redemptorists mission and the Parishioners with her abundant grace.
“Ave Maria, Gratia Plena”
Fr. Arul Sekar, CSsR.
Parish Priest
