St. Mary’s Feast
Designed by Dr. Johnson, MD
Novena Programme
29th August to 7th September
Holy Masses:
05.30 a.m. - Tamil
06.00 a.m. - Kannada
06.30 a.m. - English
07.00 a.m. - Tamil
07.30 a.m. - Kannada
08.00 a.m. - Tamil
09.00 a.m. - Kannada
10.00 a.m. - Tamil
11.00 a.m. - English
12.00 Noon - Kannada
12.30 p.m. - Special Mass
01.15 p.m. - Special Mass
02.00 p.m. - Special Mass
02.45 p.m. - Special mass
03.30 p.m. - English
04.00 p.m. - Tamil
04.30 p.m. - Kannada
07.30 p.m. - Tamil
08.00 p.m. - Kannada
08.30 p.m. - English
Everyday 05.30 p.m. -
Sermon, Flag Hoisting &
Benediction of the Blessed
Sacrament at the Flag Post
Special Programme on Novena days:
1.
Mass Marriage on Sunday - Kannada 10.00 a.m. & Tamil 11.45 a.m.
2.
Mass for the Golden Jubilerains of Married Life.
3.
Night Vigil on First Saturday
4.
Special Mass for the Sick
5.
Penitential Service
 
   www.stmarysbasilica.in
©
2009
 (September 8th)
. 
The Main feast is celebrated with all
grandeur on the 8th of September, the
Feast day of the Nativity of Blessed Virgin
Mary, every year.  This feast is
considered by the people, not only as the
Feast of the Parish, but also for the whole
of the Archdiocese and State of
Karnataka.
In preparation to the Feast, nine days
novena is observed, wherein Holy Masses
are celebrated through out the day, in
which thousands of people participate
with ardent devotion. Throughout the
Feast the devotees are found to be
dressed in ‘Saffron’ clothing. Archbishop blesses the flag and joins
the Chief Guests in hoisting the flag. This hoisting of the flag
symbolizes that our hearts too are to be raised towards the
Almighty God with the perpetual help of Our Lady. Thousands of
people gathered around the flag post, join in singing the praise of
Mary Our Mother – ‘Ave Maria’ (Praise to Mary) and the song fills
the air.  As per tradition, the flag is hoisted everyday, beginning
from the Flag Hoisting day till the ninth day of Novena.
On the Feast day, September 8th people gather in Lakhs, without
any distinction of caste, creed or religion, not only from all parts of
Bangalore, but also from all over India to pay their homage to Our
Lady.  The whole city embraces the festive mood on that day. 
Through out the day people flock in with lighted candles and
flowers to pray and thank Mother Mary.  In the evening, around
5.00 p.m., a grand car procession – a chariot carrying the 6 feet
statue of Mother Mary, draped in a silk saree is carried on the
streets of Shivajinagar. 
Mary, Mother of God is the mother of all generations, and she
embraces everyone, without any discrimination of caste, creed,
religion and language.  While we approach her, all that we need to
possess, is true faith and selfless love in her and her son Jesus. 
She is not the end of our lives, rather she is the one who will lead
us safe,  just like a mother who will lead her child by holding its
little hands, to the eternal kingdom of God.
 
September 8th  -
Nativity of Blessed
Virgin Mary
Feast day masses:
4.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. - every
half an hour
8.00 a.m. Kannada & 9.30
a.m. Tamil -  Concelebrated
Feast Day Masses at Russell
Market Square
5.30 p.m. - Mother Mary’s
Decorated Car Procession
7.30 p.m. - Benediction of the
Blessed Sacrament
8.00 p.m. - Thanksgiving
                 Mass