Grand Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Celebrated at St. Mary’s Basilica, Shivajinagar

Shivajinagar, Bengaluru – Under the soft morning light of Shivajinagar, the bells of St. Mary’s Basilica rang out like a call from heaven, inviting the faithful to gather at the feet of their beloved Mother. With hearts full of gratitude and lips whispering prayers, thousands came — young and old, rich and poor — to celebrate the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary, whose gentle intercession has touched lives for generations. The Basilica, clothed in flowers and light, stood like a beacon of peace, drawing pilgrims from all corners of Bengaluru to a day filled with devotion, unity, and blessings.

The shrine, one of the oldest and most beloved in Karnataka, was transformed with vibrant floral decorations, lights, and banners celebrating the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Throughout the day, Holy Masses were celebrated in multiple languages, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds in a true expression of unity in faith. The atmosphere was one of reverence and joy, with hymns, rosaries, and processions reflecting the deep love the community holds for the Mother of God.

One of the most anticipated moments of the celebration was the Blessing of the Decorated Car Procession, which took place in the evening. The grand procession, showcasing the adorned statue of Our Lady, was graced by the presence of His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bangalore. He was joined by several dignitaries, including the Honorable Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri Siddaramaiah, the Honorable Minister for Energy, Shri K.J. George, and Shivajinagar MLA, Shri Rizwan Arshad. Their presence was warmly welcomed by the faithful and parishioners.

In his message during the celebration, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah recalled the timeless message of Christ — a message of love, mercy, and peace — values that, he emphasized, are shared by all religions. He assured the gathering that his government remains committed to working for the upliftment of all. “Peace and compassion are the soul of every religion,” he stated, “and I stand here today to promise that our government will always work to protect those values and serve all communities equally.”

Archbishop Peter Machado, in his address, offered heartfelt thanks to the Chief Minister and the government for their continued support of the Christian community. “We are truly blessed to have leaders who not only join us in our celebrations but also listen to our concerns and walk with us in our efforts for justice, education, and upliftment,” he said. “On behalf of the Archdiocese of Bangalore and all the faithful gathered here today, I extend my sincere gratitude to the Honorable Chief Minister and all our dignitaries for honoring us with your presence and pledging your support.”

Adding to the spirit of the celebrations, Rev. Fr. Arockiaswamy Sebastin, the Parish Priest of St. Mary’s Basilica, expressed his deep gratitude to all the faithful, benefactors, volunteers, and civic authorities who worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the feast. “The Basilica has always been a home for every pilgrim who comes seeking solace at the feet of Mother Mary,” he said. “This year’s celebration has once again shown us the power of faith and unity, where leaders, clergy, and laity come together to honor our Blessed Mother.”

As twilight fell over Shivajinagar, the glow of faith continued to shine brightly in the hearts of the gathered faithful. With incense rising like prayer into the evening sky and hymns echoing through the streets, the Feast of St. Mary’s Basilica stood as more than a tradition — it was a living testament to the enduring spirit of a community bound by faith, hope, and unity. The presence of civic leaders alongside clergy and laity alike reminded everyone that the message of Mother Mary — one of love, humility, and service — still finds its voice in today’s world.

As the final blessing was given and the crowds began to disperse, one truth remained clear: St. Mary’s Basilica continues to be not just a monumental building, but a home of peace and promise for all.