BIS # 3727 8,000 TO 10,000 DEVOTEES FLOCK FOR THE MARIAN YATRA

by Fr. Rolvin D'Mello

AHMEDNAGAR, OCTOBER 31, 2013: The annual Marian Yatra is scheduled every year for the 4th Saturday of October at St. Anne's Church, Ahmednagar. This year the Yatra was on the 26th of October 2013. Just like every year the installation of Mother Mary's statue took place at 9.00am, after which the devotees kept flocking in for Darshan of our Blessed Mother till late night. This year the response from the faithful was phenomenal – around 8,000 to 10,000 made it for the Yatra.

The rosary began at 5.00pm followed by a procession and the Solemn High Mass. Rt. Rev. Bishop Elias Gonsalves (Amravati) was the main celebrant, he preached an inspiring homily based on the life of our Blessed Mother. The melodious choir helped the faithful pray better during the Holy Eucharist.

After the mass a short cultural program consisting of felicitation of the Bishop and various skits and dances based on scripture, social issues and entertainment was organised. The program was a joint venture of the catechism children and the youth. To add colour to the event there were stalls put up selling variety of things; ranging from religious articles to eatables there were also a number of game stalls. The devotees went back spiritually nourished and also physically refreshed.