KGF (Oorgaum) 6th Sep: Over a thousand devotees of Our Blessed Mother gathered at Mother of Mines shrine in Oorgaum at Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) for the flag-hoisting and Holy Mass marking the beginning of a nine-day novena in preparation for the feast. Archbishop Rev Peter Machado presided over the mass with con-celebrants including the Former parish priest Fr. Maria Selvan and present parish priest Fr. Gnana Xavier. Schoenstatt priest Fr. Bosco (Preacher for the Novena) emphasised on choosing Mother Mary as the perfect model of Faith and unconditional resignation to the will of God in all circumstances.
The flag-hoisting event saw much jubilation with a burst of crackers, showering of confetti and rose petals.
Mother of Mines has for decades been a kernel of celebrations and spiritual activity with people from Bangalore and beyond coming together.
Though the closure of the gold mines wrought much misery and unemployment, Catholics continue to hold on to their faith in Christ and Mother Mary. Catholic churches in KGF are still vibrant with spiritual activities. Thanks to its many parish priests and present. Pious associations continue to render material and spiritual assistance to the faithful.
The Archbishop who greeted the congregation with a 'Vannakkam' said " "The gold may have gone away from KGF but the golden people of KGF are always here". The congregation spontaneously shot a round of applause. The Prelate assured the people of support wherever possible while he cheered the gathering for their vibrant devotion to the Blessed Mother Mary.
The annual feast draws over a lakh devotees from KGF and beyond, all through the day..
BGML were closed down in the year 2001 as the gold ore reserves got exhausted after 150 years of continuous and heavy extraction. Many people of KGF commute to Bangalore and elsewhere daily on work.
-
Report: Fr. Adolf Washington
Comments