Andhra Pradesh: the Nativity of Mary provides an opportunity for “Christian charity for the poor"
Vijayawada (AsiaNews) – Thousands of worshippers, including more than 2,000 poor people, took part in celebrations in the hospital chapel in Arogyamatha parish in Eluru (Andhra Pradesh) to mark the feast day of the Nativity of Mary, which fell on 8 September. Mgr Jayarao Polimera led the solemn liturgy, which was followed by a hot meal for the needy.
A few Christian families come to the parish on a regular basis. However, on this occasion, the turnout was unprecedented (pictured). People came from across the city to receive Mary’s blessing. Locals venerate Our Lady as "Mother of good health."
The fervour of the faithful interrupted the bishop several times. He praised parishioners’ efforts organising the ten-day event, which includes a prayer novena, the rosary, and a concluding Mass. “God saved mankind through the intercession of Mary, Mother of Christ," he said.
Mgr Polimera said that the late Mgr John Mulagada, first bishop of Eluru, was very devoted to the Virgin. It was he who had 17 prayer towers built to venerate the Virgin Mary, not to mention various liturgical centres throughout the diocese, along with churches and shrines.
"In the first shrine, people venerate Our Lady Velankanni (Our Lady of Health), a few steps from the chapel where we are now,” he said.
The prelate encouraged the construction of the new parish church, with funds from the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate (MSI, a female congregation associated with the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions), who were the first in 1962 to open a health facility to treat leprosy and other infectious diseases.
Sister Vincent, provincial head of the Missionaries, told AsiaNews that the Damian Leprosy Centre was the first medical centre of its kind in the area.
"The late Mgr Ambrose Baptist, retired bishop of Vijayawada, and other missionaries were concerned about the many beggars who were shouting in the streets, with their bodies ruined by illness,” the nun explained. “For this reason, they asked the Missionaries to take care of the poor and sick in the town of Eluru."
The medical facility, which began in a rented house with a thatched roof, is now a hospital equipped for the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases like leprosy, HIV/AIDS, and malaria.
The clinic also provides geriatric care for seniors who have been abandoned. Children and orphans of AIDS patients lodged separately. Catholic families support the hospital through donations.
* Missionary of the Immaculate Conception, a female congregation associated with the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME)
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