“Make Her Known throughout the World” – Pope Pius IX
The Novena to Our Mother of Perpetual Help at Anjal Nagar parish began on 13th March 1976 and this year on 3rd February 2024 the Redemptorists and the faithful celebrated the 2500th week of the Novena to Our Mother of Perpetual Help.
The fifteenth-century Icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help is venerated throughout the world. The parishioners of Anjal Nagar, Madurai, South India are blessed to be under the protective care of the Mother of God. We turn to our Blessed Mother not only to plead our cause with Her Divine Son but also to thank Her for the numerous blessings received through her powerful intercession.
The Church of Our Mother of Perpetual Help witnesses great devotion to Our Mother of Perpetual Help through the special events on the 1st and 2nd Saturdays of every month. While the first Saturday is marked by the Novena devotion, Rosary, Holy Mass, Healing prayer, and Eucharistic Adoration along with the car procession, the second Saturday is devoted to fasting and prayer for various intentions.
The day was marked by spiritual reflections with three con-celebrated Masses. These Masses were well attended by many faithful and live-streamed as well. Rev. Fr. Edward Joseph, CSsR, Provincial Superior of Bangalore Province presided over the Mass in English at 9.00 am. The 11.00 am Holy Mass in Tamil was presided over by Rev. Fr. Jerome Eronimus, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Madurai. The 6.00 pm Mass in Tamil was presided over by Most Rev. Dr. Jude Paulraj, Bishop Emeritus of Palyamkottai.
Fr. Xavier CSsR was the preacher for both the Masses in Tamil. During the homilies, he emphasized the need to strengthen our devotion to this powerful icon of the Mother of Perpetual Help. There were some touching testimonials from the parishioners which inspired people to have strong devotion to Our Lady and give her a special place in their lives.
The day ended with a sumptuous dinner for all the devotees. The celebration provided enough for everyone both for the spirit as well as the body and there was plenty of piety and greater communion among the faithful.
Fr Arul Sekar, CSsR.
Parish Priest
