Gunadala Lourdu Matha Utsavam begins with prayers and procession

The three-day Lourdu Matha Utsavams began with prayers at Gunadala Hill on Monday. Scores of devotees attended the 102^nd Mary Matha festival on the first day.

Jubilarian Fr. Nelaturi Francis of Canada, along with Vijayawada Catholic Bishop Telagathoti Joseph Raja Rao, Silver Jubilarian Fr. Maddala Joseph of America, rectors and fathers attended the utsavams at the Bishop Grassi High School.

In his message, Fr. Nelaturi Francis expressed concern over the fragmentation in various countries leading to instability and disruption of peace. He stressed the need for unity and offered prayers to Lourdu Matha for restoring peace.

Speaking on the occasion, Bishop Joseph Raja Rao conveyed his greetings to the Gunadala Mary Matha shrine Rector Yeleti William Jaya Raju and other priests for celebrating the 102^nd utsavams of the famous church.

The Bishops and Monsignor Muvvala Prasad, Vicar General Mesapam Gabriel, Social Service Centre Director Fr. Thota Sunil Raju and other priests took the idol of Lourdu Matha in a procession and offered ‘samisti devya balipuja’ to mark the launch of the utsavams.

Kadapa Bishop Saginala Paul Prakash and other bishops participated in the prayers and organised a procession in Gunadala in the evening.

Gunadala church was illuminated for the festival, and the utsava organising committee made elaborate arrangements for devotees.