By BIS Correspondent for BIS Mumbai

Pune, May 30, 2026: The faithful of Ram Nagar, Yerwada, under the banner of Sacred Heart Parish, Yerwada, joyfully celebrated the 37th Anniversary Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto on Saturday, May 30, 2026, with deep devotion and community spirit.

The feast celebrations were graciously hosted at St. Mary's Jacobite Syrian Church, Yerwada, and the organizers expressed their sincere gratitude to Fr. Saji Samuel for granting permission to conduct the feast celebrations on the church premises.

The spiritual celebrations commenced with the Rosary Service, led by Fr. Allwyn Misquitta, SDB (Mumbai), followed by a solemn procession in honor of Our Lady of Lourdes. The faithful participated enthusiastically in the prayerful procession, which set the tone for the evening's celebrations.

The Solemn Feast Mass was celebrated at 7:30 p.m. by the Main Celebrant, Fr. Allwyn Misquitta, SDB, whose inspiring homily encouraged the faithful to strengthen their faith and devotion to Mother Mary. The liturgy was beautifully enriched by the music ministry led by Mr. Prashant Alhat, whose choir added a prayerful and uplifting atmosphere to the celebration.

The organizers also expressed heartfelt thanks to Fr. Michael Fernandes, Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Parish, Yerwada, for granting permission and extending his support for the successful celebration of the feast.

The cultural and felicitation program that followed was graced by several distinguished guests. The Chief Guest for the occasion was Mr. Ravindra Kadam, Senior Police Inspector of Laxmi Nagar Police Station, while Mr. John Paul, former PMC Officer, attended as the Guest of Honour. Special appreciation was extended to Mr. Wilson Chandewal, Social Worker, for facilitating the presence of the Chief Guest.

The organizers conveyed their special gratitude to Mr. Desidemus D'Souza and Mr. Lawrence Anthony for their unwavering support and contributions toward the successful execution of the feast celebrations. Appreciation was also extended to Mr. George Swamy, President of JPSD NGO, for his valuable presence and encouragement.

The celebration was further blessed by the presence of Bishop Pradeep Chandekar of Bethesda Church, Dhanori, and Bishop Ashok Nikalji of New Bethel Church, Keshav Nagar. Their participation reflected the spirit of Christian unity and fellowship.

A special word of thanks was offered to the Children's Group, headed by Mr. Alloysius Sam, the Youth Group, led by Mr. Ashish Pillay, and all the Zonal Members of Ram Nagar for their dedicated service and assistance throughout the preparations and celebrations.

The organizers also acknowledged Anna's Event for professionally curating and coordinating the program, ensuring a memorable and well-organized feast celebration.

A very special note of appreciation was reserved for Mr. Cyril Asirvadam, Council Member and community leader, whose tireless efforts, planning, dedication, and leadership played a pivotal role in the successful organization of the 37th Anniversary Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto.

The celebrations concluded with a fellowship dinner, bringing together parishioners, guests, and well-wishers in an atmosphere of joy, gratitude, and community spirit.

The feast served as a beautiful reminder of the enduring faith and devotion of the Catholic community of Ram Nagar, Yerwada, and their continued trust in the loving intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes.