Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto Feast Celebrated at Nirmalapura, Karehalli, Bhadravati, Diocese of Shimoga

Shivamogga, February 13, 2026: The feast of Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto was celebrated at Nirmalapura, Karehalli, Bhadravati, Diocese of Shimoga, on February 11, 2026.

Fr. Franklin D’Souza, Diocesan Youth Director, was the main celebrant of the feast. He preached a homily on “Mother Mary is a beacon of hope for the marginalized.” Fr. Santhosh Almeida, Parish Priest, Fr. Santhosh Pereira, and Fr. Nilagal Christu Raj SDB were concelebrants.

This was the 44th Grotto feast celebration at Nirmalapura, which belongs to St. Anthony’s Church, Karehalli. This village has three Basic Ecclesial Communities.

Fr. Santhosh Almeida, Parish Priest, thanked his people for taking leadership in organizing the Grotto feast. On behalf of the festal committee, Parish Council Secretary Ms. Bernadette thanked all those who contributed generously to the success of the feast.

The chariot of Our Lady of Lourdes was blessed by Fr. Franklin D’Souza. Then, the faithful took the chariot procession through the streets of Nirmalapura. A festal meal was served for all