The annual three-day Gunadala Mary Matha festival began on a grand note with thousands thronging the premises of the Bishop Grassi High School to take part in the inaugural holy mass offered by the priests on Saturday morning.

Priests Fr. Chacko Thotakara, Fr. Sebastian Kotturu, Fr. Antony Kumar and Fr. Rajappa, along with Vijayawada Catholic Diocese bishop T. Joseph Raja Rao and other priests from across the State offered the holy mass amid a large gathering of devotees, nuns, brothers and others.

Meanwhile, devotees from various places visited the shrine at the foot of the Gunadala hill and also ascended the hill to seek blessings and to worship the statue of Mother Mary called as ‘Statue of Our Lady’ installed in a grotto in 1925. Some of the devotees also trekked to the top of the hill and offered prayers at the huge cross of Jesus Christ.

Arrangements made

Municipal authorities and police in collaboration with the Gunadala shrine management made necessary arrangements for the devotees, particularly those coming from far off places.

Several devotees with families stay at the shrine overnight as part of a ritual.

A bigger turnout is expected on the second day, as it is a Sunday. The festival will conclude on Monday.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Staff Reporter / Vijayawada – February 10th, 2019