IPOH — The parish of Our Lady of Lourdes (OLOL) celebrated their feast day with novena prayers from February 7 to 15. This year’s theme, Pilgrims of Hope in the Immaculate Conception, was the focus of the celebration.
Masses during the nine days were celebrated in English and Tamil by Rt Rev Dr Jeevanandam Amalanathan, Bishop of Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, India, Fr Albert Pushparaj, and Fr Thomas Devadoss from the Diocese of Kumbakonam, along with OLOL’s parish priest, Fr Robert Daniel, assistant priest Fr George Vaithynathan, and Fr Eugene Fernandez CSsR.
The novena Masses offered parishioners a chance to deepen their relationship with God and prepare their hearts for the upcoming celebrations. Each day, the preachers delivered dynamic homilies and captivating messages, offering a unique focus that enriched and inspired all who attended.
The parish also organised a Lourdes Experience on Feb 8, allowing the community to encounter the abundant graces of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Pilgrims who attended felt a deep connection, experiencing the grace, peace, and healing of our Blessed Mother.
On Feb 11, the Mass for the Anointing of the Sick was celebrated in conjunction with the World Day of the Sick. Parishioners from near and far registered for the anointing. It was a moment to reflect on how the Lord remains close to those who are suffering and as the Church invites us to become Pilgrims of Hope, the word of God accompanies us and offers us, in the words of St Paul, an encouraging message: “Hope does not disappoint” (Rom 5:5); indeed, it strengthens us in times of trial.
The highlight of the event was the Feast Day Mass, which began with novena prayers to Our Lady of Lourdes, followed by a High Mass. The beautifully decorated church was filled with people, creating an atmosphere of reverence and joy. Bishop Dr Jeevanandam presided over the Mass, and in his homily, he spoke about the virtues and roles of the Blessed Mother, who is the model of faith. He also reflected on how the places where she appeared became renowned due to her presence.
The festivities culminated in a vibrant outdoor candlelight procession, with priests carrying the Blessed Sacrament and the faithful following the adorned statue of Our Lady of Lourdes, reciting the Rosary and asking Mary to pray for us as we seek to grow closer to her Son, Jesus.
The celebration reached its peak with a Thanksgiving Mass on Feb 16, bringing together all the prayers, reflections, and celebrations of the previous days in a unified offering of gratitude to God.
 celebrated their feast day with novena prayers from February 7 to 15. This year’s theme, Pilgrims...){kind=link}