The Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary was celebrated in a unique way on September 8th, 2023. The feast preparations began with a novena from August 30th to September 7th, 2023, spanning nine days. Each day of the novena, we reflected on nine different titles by which we venerate Mother Mary. Our clergy team, along with invited priests, enlightened us through their homilies during the Eucharist, helping us understand the history and background behind these different titles assigned to her and how the devotion has continued through the ages.
This year, the Sunday school, under the guidance of Fr. Leslie Almeida, took on the responsibility of Novena Preparation and Liturgy. The children actively participated in Mass liturgy and the choir, with ten girls (including the feast day) having the opportunity to portray themselves as Mother Mary. With the support of each child's mother, we were able to recreate different attire representing Our Lady. The girls displayed immense enthusiasm, interest, and devotion as they walked in the procession during the entrance hymn over the nine days of the Novena.
Throughout these days, we learned that Mary is there as our mother, eagerly waiting to help us in our troubles and to lead us to her son, Jesus. We were edified by the thought-provoking reflections shared during the Novena. On the Feast Day, we recollected the messages of each day by incorporating them into the entrance procession
Day 1: Mother of Perpetual Succour taught us to offer perpetual help to others.
Day 2: Our Lady of Velankanni showed us how to assist those who are sick.
Day 3: Our Lady of the Forsaken reminded us not to forsake or abandon anyone.
Day 4: Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception encouraged us to strive for holiness and purity.
Day 5: Our Lady of Fatima urged us to pray the rosary daily and stay away from violence.
Day 6: Our Lady of Dolours encouraged us to find joy in our pain and suffering.
Day 7: Our Lady Help of Christians emphasized the importance of helping one another.
Day 8: Our Lady of Nazareth inspired us to embrace humility and reach out to others.
Day 9: Our Lady of Lourdes called us to engage in penance, listen to her son, and be transformed.
Feast Day: Mary, the Handmaid of the Lord, invited us to emulate her qualities.
We express our gratitude to the Lord and His Mother Mary for guiding and helping us throughout these nine days of the Novena. Both children and parishioners joined in large numbers, demonstrating their generosity by offering groceries that were later distributed to the poor and needy.
Sr. Sunita Machado DHM
Premankur, Goregaon