Cardinal Anthony Poola, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) and Archbishop of Hyderabad, described the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary as a gift from God to humanity during the celebration of the Nativity of Mary on September 8.
Cardinal Poola presided over the Pontifical Mass at the historic Shrine of Our Lady of Good Health in Khairatabad, Hyderabad, southern India, where thousands of devotees gathered to honor Mary and seek her intercession.
In his homily, Cardinal Poola reflected on Mary’s humility, prayer and role in God’s plan of salvation. He described her birth as the dawn that prepared the way for the coming of Jesus Christ.
“In Mary’s birth, God prepared the dawn before the rising of the Son, Jesus Christ,” he said.
Reflecting on Mary’s song of praise, the Magnificat, Cardinal Poola recalled her words: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.”
He presented Mary as an embodiment of humility and prayer, encouraging the faithful to follow her example of trust in God.
Earlier, Fr. Michael Selvaraj, rector of the shrine, welcomed the pilgrims gathered for the traditional birthday Mass at the altar of Our Lady of Good Health.
“Your presence makes this celebration truly joyful and faith filled. May Our Lady of Good Health lovingly accompany you, strengthen your faith, bless your families, and bring healing, peace, and hope into your lives,” he said.
The shrine, located in Khairatabad in Hyderabad, Telangana, is a major Marian pilgrimage center in southern India. Devotees from Telangana, neighboring Andhra Pradesh and other parts of the region gathered from midnight for the annual celebration.
People from different walks of life and religious backgrounds joined the observance, offering flowers, candles, coconuts and silver articles as expressions of gratitude and prayers.
A grand car procession carrying the miraculous statue of Mother Mary was held in the evening, adding to the public celebration of the feast.
Extensive arrangements were made for the large gathering by Fr. Michael Selvaraj, rector and parish priest; assistant priests Fr. Anthony Muthu and Fr. Aduri Fathima Dwijesh; parish council members; members of the Legion of Mary and Society of St. Vincent de Paul; volunteers; and civil and police authorities.
The celebration brought together faith and popular devotion, reflecting the longstanding Marian tradition of the Catholic Church in India and the shrine’s role as a place of prayer and pilgrimage for people from across the region
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