Devotees, clergy, and religious communities gathered at St. Francis Xavier’s Parish in Mandalay on Tuesday to celebrate the annual Feast Day Mass of Our Lady of Health, Velankanni, in a solemn liturgy that drew faithful from across the Archdiocese of Mandalay.

Rev. Fr. John Aye Kyaw presided over the celebration. The liturgical celebration was followed by a solemn procession, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and the traditional flag-lowering ceremony, led by parish priest Rev. Fr. Alphonse Aung Ko Latt. Catholic faithful, priests, novices, and religious sisters from across the archdiocese attended the event in prayer and fellowship.

‘Jesus Conquered by Dying on the Cross’

In his homily, Fr. John Aye Kyaw emphasized selflessness, reconciliation, and the Christian call to service.

“Jesus did not conquer the world with clubs and swords; He conquered it by dying on the cross. The world today needs more people who are selfless and willing to yield,” Fr. John said. “If we want to be reconciled with God, we must learn to ask for forgiveness for our sins and forgive the sins of others. Before we ask God for blessings, we must reflect on whether we have been willing to give and share with others.”

He further urged the congregation to look to the Blessed Virgin Mary as a model of faith, humility, and intercession for those in need.

Navigating Security and Tradition

Organizers expressed relief and gratitude following the peaceful conclusion of the event.

“Given the current climate, I had concerns about holding such a large gathering,” said Fr. Alphonse Aung Ko Latt. “However, by Our Lady’s grace, the weather remained pleasant, and the entire event proceeded peacefully from the start of the Novena through to the feast day.”

Fr. Alphonse noted a significant liturgical adjustment this year: traditional practices, such as the ceremonial cracking of coconuts and the scattering of coins, were omitted in accordance with directives issued by the Archbishop.

A Gathering of Diverse Faithful

The feast drew attendees from various townships and religious backgrounds, reflecting the broad appeal of the Marian devotion.

Young parishioners from neighboring regions actively participated as volunteers. Cherry Aung, a first-time youth volunteer from Ye-U, shared that she took leave from work to serve at the parish, offering prayers for personal healing and family intentions.

Tun Myint Naing, a former Mandalay resident who traveled from Sagaing, noted that his Buddhist wife and children join him annually for the pilgrimage to pray for family health and education.

Senior members of the archdiocese, including 67-year-old parishioner Daw Mary from the Cathedral parish, highlighted the universal spirit of the event, offering prayers for the global sick and emphasizing personal faith over religious background.

A Cherished Tradition

The annual celebration remains one of the prominent Marian devotions within the Archdiocese of Mandalay, drawing pilgrims across the region for shared prayer and community service.

The Feast of Our Lady of Health, Velankanni, traces its origins to 16th-century India, where Mary is believed to have appeared to a sick child and a lame boy, bringing healing and hope. The devotion has since spread throughout Asia, becoming particularly beloved among Catholics in Myanmar.

By RVA Myanmar Service