Vijayawada Catholic Diocese in-charge Bishop Govind Joji addressing a prayer session organised as part of the valedictory of the Mary Matha festival at Gunadala in Vijayawada on Monday. /  Photo: Ch. Vijaya Bhaskar / The Hindu /

Vijayawada Catholic Diocese in-charge Bishop Govind Joji on Monday said Mother Mary is the Mother for not just Christians but she is the universal Mother. Addressing scores of devotees on the premises of Bishop Grassi High School at Gunadala at the valedictory session of the three-day Mary Mata festival, the Bishop underscored the significance of the Holy Cross. He said the Holy Cross was a powerful tool for every Christian and one must make effective use of it to ward off evil forces.

He said the house of every Christian was a church and presence of the Holy Cross in it would protect members of the household from all kinds of harm.

“Mary comes to us with the infinite love of a mother and moved by her extraordinary power of intercession through her Son Jesus. She is beautiful, triumphant, resplendent and merciful. She comes to us, surrounded by the celestial court, to untie the knots of our lives. Her love and the love of her Son for us is immense. The Mother wants us to discover this love that will dry the tears from our eyes,” he said.

Later, the holy mass was conducted by Bishop Joji, the Mary Matha Shrine Rector Fr. Chinnappa, Social Service Centre Director M. Prasad, Chancellor Fr. J. Johnraj and other pastors Fr. G. Vijay Kumar, Fr. P. Jaquim, Fr. P. J. Stephen, Fr. A.V. Jairaj, Fr. Lavu Jairaj, Fr. B. L. Francis and others.

Later, Bishop Joji and Fr. Cherian Kunnal were felicitated and students were given scholarships.

source:  http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> Cities> Vijayawada / by Special Correspondent / February 12th, 2013