Thoothukudi :

The 432nd year celebrations of Our Lady of Snows Shrine Basilica, popularly known as ‘Madha Kovil’, would begin from July 26, said Father, Lerin Deroze.

Talking to press persons here on Saturday, Father Lerin said that the festival would be celebrated on the same date as that of 2013 and there would be no change in the programmes also. The festival would begin with the flag hoisting ceremony on July 26 which would be presided by Bishop of Thoothukudi Diocese Ivan Ambrose. Bishop of Madurai Diocese Peter Fernando would be the special guest.

The car festival would conducted be on August 5 and the next day, the flag would be lowered marking the culmination of the festival, Father Lerin informed.

The Madha Kovil festival does not belong to particular Parish and it was celebration of all the 22 Parish in the Pearl City. During the entire course of festival, people from individual Parish would offer special prayers in the Basilica. He noted that similar to last year, a music CD on Our Lady of Snows would be released during the festival. But, this year, a new book on Our Lady of Snows compiled by several old poets from Thoothukudi would be released on August 2, Father Lerin added.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Tamil Nadu / by Express News Service / July 20th, 2014