By Verghese V Joseph
Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Sunday visited the famous St. Mary’s Basilica in Shivajinagar and witnessed the celebrations of the nativity of Blessed Virgin Mary. Sunday marked the culmination of the nine-day novena that brought over a lakh of people to this majestic church. Bengaluru Archbishop Most Rev Dr Peter Machado and Archbishop Emeritus Most Rev Dr Bernad Moras welcomed Mr Yediyurappa and former minister of large and medium size industry KJ George.
In his message, the Mr Yediyarappa said, “I extend my warm greetings to all devotees of Mother Mary and it is indeed a great occasion for all of us to take part in this great feast.” He recalled the noble services rendered by Christians. He also inaugurated the chariot of Mother Mary thereby marking the final leg of the nine-day novena. The gracious visit of Mr Yediyurappa assumes significance as he has just taken over as Chief Minister of the state over a month back.
Earlier, welcoming and thanking Mr Yediyurappa for his visit, Archbishop Peter said in keeping with Christian values, the community came forward and helped the flood-hit by not only providing relief materials and offering succour, but also built houses for them. He also prayed for the state of Karnataka and for the welfare of its people.
The festivities ended with the grand chariot procession that was carried through the streets of Shivajinagar honouring Blessed Mother Mary and invoking her blessings.
On Sunday, the whole of Shivajinagar wore a festive look. Throughout the day, people flocked in thousands with lighted candles and flowers praying and thanking Mother Mary for her intercessions.
Later, a grand car procession – a chariot designed on model of an Eiffel Tower carrying the 6-feet statue of Mother Mary, draped in a wonderful silk saree, with spectacular illuminations and decorations, was carried on the streets of Shivajinagar.
According to John and Jayraj from Jayraj Foundation who have sponsored the chariot, the Eiffel Tower based theme was thought out as mark of expressing solidarity with France’s medieval Cathedral of Notre-Dame (Our Lady of Paris), which was caught fire on 15 April 2019 while undergoing renovation and restoration. Burning for around 15 hours, the cathedral sustained serious damage, including the destruction of the flèche (the timber spire over the crossing) and most of the lead-covered wooden roof above the stone vaulted ceiling.
Following the April fire, many proposals were made for modernizing the cathedral’s design. However, on 16 July, 2019, the French Parliament passed a law requiring that it be rebuilt exactly as it appeared before the fire.