The Catholic Church celebrates countless feasts and solemnities throughout the year, but one of the most eagerly awaited is the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This celebration holds a special place in the hearts of our parishioners, as our parish, Our Lady of Lourdes, is dedicated to the Mother of God. Every year, the 8th of September is a day of joy, devotion, and celebration, and this year was no different. The entire parish came together, ensuring that the feast was not just an event but a cherished experience, deeply rooted in faith and love for our Blessed Mother.

Novena Preparations: A Spiritual Journey

For nine consecutive days, the faithful gathered in anticipation, praying the Novena to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Each evening began with the solemn Rosary, followed by the novena prayers and then the Holy Mass, celebrated by guest priests who blessed us with their presence and wisdom. The theme chosen for this year’s novena was particularly profound: “The Lord’s Prayer.” Each day, we delved into one phrase from this universal prayer— “Hallowed be thy name,” “Lead us not into temptation,” “Thy will be done,” and more. Through these reflections, we rediscovered the depth and beauty of the Our Father, realizing that this prayer, which we often recite by heart, holds profound truths that shape our spiritual journey.

Every novena day was animated by different church groups, such as the Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, and the Legion of Mary. Each association not only participated in the liturgy but also presented meaningful skits, portraying the day’s theme in a creative and engaging way. These skits provided deeper insights into the messages of the Our Father, leaving the congregation both inspired and moved.

The Feast Day: A Grand Celebration

Finally, the long-awaited Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary arrived! The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with anticipation and joy. The day began with the 8 AM procession, which saw the entire parish community gather at the nearby parish school ground. This wasn’t just any procession—it was a beautiful expression of our collective love and devotion. At the heart of the procession was a four-foot statue of Mother Mary, lovingly placed in a gorgeously decorated palanquin. The youth of the parish took on the honor of carrying her, surrounded by children holding torches and a band that played solemn, rhythmic beats, creating a majestic aura.

As we made our way to the church, the rosary echoed through the air, carried by the voices of the faithful. Parishioners carried banners and placards, proudly proclaiming their devotion to Our Blessed Mother. Upon reaching the church, Mother Mary’s statue was placed in a breathtaking crescent-shaped pedestal, adorned with lush greenery and fragrant flowers that filled the air with their sweet scent. Firecrackers lit the sky in celebration as the procession reached its climax, announcing the arrival of our heavenly Queen to the gathered crowd. The youth played a central role throughout the feast, not only animating the mass but also working tirelessly to decorate the church and prepare a special grotto for Mother Mary. For nine days during the novena, they had been decorating the church with love and dedication. However, for the feast day, they took it one step further. Many of the youth stayed overnight, working late into the evening to prepare a stunning half-moon-shaped grotto filled with vibrant flowers, where a beautiful statue of Mother Mary stood. Their labor of love was evident in every detail, and the grotto became a focal point of the celebration, admired by all who attended.

The Feast Mass that followed was an awe-inspiring experience. The church overflowed with faithful parishioners, their voices rising in unison as they sang hymns in honor of Mamma Mary. The youth took charge of animating the liturgy, and their efforts made the celebration even more special. The church was packed to capacity, with people spilling out into the church quadrangle, all united in one spirit of celebration and prayer.

The Marian Joy Continues

After the mass, the community gathered in the church compound for a joyful cake-cutting ceremony to honor our Blessed Mother. Marian hymns played in the background as families and friends shared moments of celebration, and the atmosphere was filled with love, laughter, and devotion. As we sang songs in honor of Mary, her presence felt tangible, radiating peace and joy to all who were gathered.

The celebrations of this year’s feast were truly ones to remember. While the festivities have concluded, the spiritual journey continues. The novena reflections on the Our Father have left a lasting impact, encouraging us to examine our lives and strive to imitate the virtues of Our Blessed Mother. We are reminded that devotion to Mary is not just about celebrating her feast day—it is about embodying her humility, faith, and unwavering trust in God in our everyday lives.

As we move forward, let us carry the lessons of this feast in our hearts, nurturing a deep and abiding love for our dearest Mamma Mary. May her intercession guide us, and may we continue to walk in her footsteps, ever closer to the heart of her Son, Jesus Christ.

This year’s celebration of the Nativity of Mary has truly been a feast to remember, and we look forward to many more years of honoring our Blessed Mother with the same joy, faith, and love.