Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!
The Church of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, Anjal Nagar, one of the spiritual landmarks of Madurai city, celebrated its 52nd Annual Parish Feast from 19th June to 28th June 2026. Through the grace of God and the spiritual awakening of the people, for more than half a century the fragrance of faith has spread, culminating in a grand feast each year.
The Annual Feast is not merely a celebration, but a sacred pilgrimage – a journey in relationship with God – to give thanks to God and to Mother Mary.
The Crowning Glory – The New Stone Flagpole
The crowning glory of this year’s feast was the erection of an impressive new stone flagpole, in accordance with the verse, “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labour in vain” (Psalm 127:1).
This is the second such stone flagpole in the Madurai Archdiocese and the first in Madurai district. This has brought unique honor to our church. The stone flagpole erected on the soil of Anjal Nagar will forever stand tall, proclaiming the unwavering faith of the parishioners.
Most Rev. Jude Paulraj, D.D., former Bishop of Palayamkottai, blessed the flagpole, hoisted the flag, and inaugurated the feast. There was heavy rain during the blessing of the flagpole. Indeed, the heavens showered the faithful with their blessings.
The Word and the Celebrations
Rev. Fr. Anbu Anand, CSsR, gave spirited homilies every day and touched the hearts of the people. He proclaimed the Word of God in the light of the Good News, rejuvenating and strengthening the parishioners’ faith.
Each day of the feast was celebrated with great fervor through the participation of various commissions of the Madurai Archdiocese, priests from the Archbishop’s House, and diocesan priests. The concelebrated Mass every day made the event meaningful. Every celebrant was honored for his contribution to the spiritual growth of the Church and the parish.
Priests from the Jesuits, Claretian Fathers, Schoenstatt Fathers, Holy Spirit Fathers, SVD Fathers, SDM Fathers, and MIC Fathers participated in the celebrations and appreciated the efforts taken for the spiritual upliftment of the parish.
Unity in Service
“Though the members are many, the body is one” (1 Cor 12:12). As proof of this verse, every Pious Association in the Church carried out its responsibility diligently during the feast.
The twenty-six Basic Christian Communities (BCCs), the lifeline of the parish, dedicated themselves fully each day of the feast. The Parish Council took the lead and ensured that all arrangements were made in consultation and coordination with the Parish Priest.
The Liturgy Group arranged prayer services beautifully. The Choir elevated the participation of the faithful through carefully selected and well-sung hymns. The JEEP volunteers who served during the Holy Mass, the Catechism Sunday School teachers who nurtured the faith of the parish children, the Seniors’ Movement that led with wisdom, and the Altar Servers — all offered their service for the glory of God.
The Marian Congregation, Legion of Mary, Youth, and volunteers served selflessly from the first day of the feast till the last day. The various educational institutions in the parish were fully involved and generously contributed to the huge success of the festival. The spiritual atmosphere was uplifting with the aesthetic floral decorations by the sisters of various Congregations.
Signs of Faith
The Church has witnessed physical and spiritual structures added to it periodically. The artistically designed Stations of the Cross form a prayer path around the lawns of the church. These are visible manifestations of the people’s devout faith.
On the penultimate day, a grand Car Procession bearing the icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help drew people from all faiths and walks of life to seek her blessings. The procession started from Mary Immaculate School and culminated in the church premises.
Gratitude
Each day the BCCs took turns to welcome the Mass celebrants. People participated with fervor and hope, and many testified that their prayers were answered, and gratitude rose like incense to the heavens. A sumptuous breakfast was arranged for all after Mass on the concluding day. Each day’s events were live-streamed on YouTube.
The Parish Council, the BCCs, Pious Associations, Volunteers, and donors rose to the occasion, rallying behind the Parish Priest Fr. Arul Sekar, CSsR and the CSsR Fathers at Madurai. The dynamic Parish Priest brought together this solemn event through his people skills, faith, and meticulous planning and execution.
Indeed, we are blessed to be sheltered by Our Lady’s Holy Mantle. May our Blessed Mother continue to shower the Redemptorists and their mission and the parishioners with her abundant grace.
“The Lord will give strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace” (Psalm 29:11). There is no doubt that this Feast has lit the light of faith in every family and will illuminate the lives of people.
May the intercession of Our Mother of Perpetual Help continue to exalt the Anjal Nagar Parish!
Ave Maria!!! Gratia Plena!!!
Fr. Arul Sekar, CSsR.
Parish Priest
