Nativity of Mary Celebrated in a Grand Manner at St. Francis de Sales Church, Hebbagodi, Bengaluru
Bengaluru, September 7, 2025 – The Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary was celebrated with great devotion and grandeur at St. Francis de Sales Church, Hebbagodi, in the Archdiocese of Bangalore.
The festive novena began on Thursday, August 28, 2025, with a flag hoisting ceremony at 6:00 p.m., presided over by Rev. Fr. Sebastian Conrad MSFS, Parish Priest of St. Alphonsa Church, Mysore. The event was followed by the Rosary, a procession, Holy Mass, and Novena prayers.
Novena Celebrations: August 29 – September 5
Each day of the novena featured a guest priest who presided over the Rosary, Procession, Holy Mass, and Novena:
- August 29 (Friday): Rev. Fr. Arvin Jeevan Pais SJ, Director of CIRW, Inana Jyothi, Anekal
- August 30 (Saturday): Rev. Fr. Shantharaj SJ, Parish Priest, St. Joseph’s Church, Anekal
- August 31 (Sunday), 7:45 a.m.: Rev. Fr. Jabamalai MSFS, Parish Priest, SFS Church & Principal, SFS Public School, Koppal
- September 1 (Monday): Rev. Fr. Yesu Karlekar SJ, Professor, St. Joseph’s P.U. College, Jnana Jyothi, Anekal
- September 2 (Tuesday): Rev. Fr. Santhosh Kumar MSFS, Director, De Sales Music & Language Academy, Provincial Councillor in charge of Formation
- September 3 (Wednesday): Rev. Fr. Staney Rodrigues MSFS, Principal, St. Francis de Sales P.U. College, Hebbagodi
- September 4 (Thursday): Rev. Fr. Jude Daniel Vijay SCJ, Parish Priest, St. Anthony’s Church, Yadavanahalli
- September 5 (Friday): Rev. Fr. Vinay Kumar, Secretary, Karnataka Regional Liturgy & Interreligious Dialogue Commissions
Solemn Festal Mass: September 6, 2025
The Solemn Festal Mass was celebrated on Saturday, September 6 at 6:30 p.m., with Rev. Fr. Franklin D’Souza, Youth Director and renowned preacher from the Diocese of Shimoga, as the main celebrant.
In his inspiring homily, Fr. Franklin reflected on the theme:
“Mother Mary: A Beacon of Hope”,
and illustrated how the Blessed Virgin’s life exemplified hope through various scriptural and personal examples.
Following the Holy Mass, Rev. Fr. Joshy T. MSFS, Parish Priest, extended heartfelt thanks to Fr. Franklin D’Souza for his presence and inspiring message.
Rev. Fr. Anil Kiran MSFS, Assistant Parish Priest, also took part in the celebration.
The parish community then honored Fr. Franklin D’Souza for his participation in the festal celebration.
