The annual Feast of Our Lady of Health of Velankanni was celebrated with profound devotion at St. Francis Xavier’s Church on September 8, 2025, uniting the local Catholic community and serving as a powerful testament to faith amid adversity.

The day’s ceremonies commenced with a Healing Mass at 9:00 a.m. presided over by Fr. Alphonse Aung Ko Latt and Fr. Augustine Win Myint.

The service featured the blessing of healing oil, the anointing of the sick, and the offering of flowers to the Blessed Virgin.

Archbishop Marco Tin Win of Mandalay Archdiocese later led the main evening Mass at 4:30 p.m., which was followed by a solemn procession with the Holy Eucharist and the statue of Our Lady of Velankanni.

The celebrations culminated with the lowering of the traditional Velankanni flag and the cutting of the feast cake.

The event held special significance this year, as organizers overcame recent difficulties to host the gathering.

Fr. Alphonse Aung Ko Latt, parish priest of St. Francis Xavier Parish, acknowledged the challenges, noting that the church and Marian Shrine had sustained damage in an earthquake and required repairs.

He also cited “various circumstances” that have limited attendance from devotees outside Mandalay in recent years.

“In past years, we could not hold the festival with such a large crowd… This year, we were blessed to celebrate with many faithful present,” Fr. Alphonse said. “We hope next year will be even greater.”

The history of the devotion in Mandalay, as recounted by Fr. James, dates back to 1953. It was strengthened over the decades by Tamil families who brought traditions of novenas, coconut fire offerings, and rosary recitations.

He added that in 1994, during Monsignor Augustine U Soe’s leadership, the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Health was established through the generosity of donors, with a statue enshrined there.

“The festival has been held with vigor since 1953, and it remains a powerful witness of faith in Mandalay,” Fr. James said, encouraging the faithful: “Children of Our Lady of Velankanni, always believe. The Mother will support you and grant the reward you ask with faith.”

The feast was marked by moving testimonies from devotees who attributed personal miracles to the intercession of Our Lady of Good Health.

Miss Catherine shared that after losing her parents and becoming homeless, her prayers to Mary resulted in her finding a new home.

Teresa Khin Zaw Thin testified to her daughter’s recovery from severe blood clots and kidney problems following her petitions.

Louisa Lily reported her sister’s chronic skin condition, untreatable by medicine since 2022, had completely disappeared after prayer.

Augustine Si Thu Win described overcoming depression after a stroke by praying to Mary and fulfilling a promise to volunteer at the feast.

Despite the obstacles, the celebration served as a vibrant display of hope and resilience, closing with renewed trust in the Blessed Mother’s intercession for the people of Myanmar.

By RVA Myanmar Service