MESSAGE FROM THE PARISH PRIEST
Fr. Amirtha Raj OP |
Coming to St. Dominic’s Ashram is an
intense feeling of joy and an experience of ‘home coming’. To be the parish
priest of the Parish of Our Lady of the Rosary is an opportunity to minister to
the people of the parish community. When unexpected events unfold, they help us
to realize that God has a plan for us and after the surprise we accept His plan
with grace and courage. There are many fond memories of residing at St.
Dominic’s Ashram and St. Charles ’
Seminary, Seminary Hills, Nagpur .
On this special occasion, I extend a
special word of gratitude to Rev. Fr. Justus Paul, OP who was the Prior and
Parish Priest and Rev. Fr. Jose Thomas, OP who has been the Parochial Vicar for
their selfless service, dedication and commitment towards the Dominican
Community and to the Rosary Parish. My special gratitude to all the devotees of
Mary for their dedicated service to make the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes a
prayerful, meaningful, participative and peaceful celebration. May Mary our
Mother continue to be with us guiding and leading us in the right path.
The Grotto on the Seminary Hills
dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes gets maximum number of pilgrims during the
days of novena and the feast. The meeting point of all the faithful and the
pilgrims of Central India on the 11th
and 12th of February 2012 was the Grotto. Historically, about 120
years ago, the ‘Statue’ of Our Lady of Lourdes was brought from France . A small
grotto was built in the tiger infested area of Nagpur , where that statue was kept. Within
days Our Lady of Lourdes and the grotto began to attract people of all faith
because of the powerful divine presence, because of the innumerable blessings,
because many petitions were answered and also because of the scenic surrounding.
Then the major decision was to have the Seminary built near the grotto. What
has been happening at Lourdes
in France
also happens here at the Grotto at the Seminary Hills. The experiences of the
people could be summed up as follows.
1. People
are drawn to the Grotto: Among the many people who come, there is a sizable
number are of different faith. Once they reach the grotto, upon analysis they
realize that they have been drawn to the grotto by an inner force. Often it is
an inexplicable experience, a spiritual thirst, desire for a God experience.
After the first few visits, they are almost spontaneously drawn to the grotto.
Many do not have a convincing explanation about their coming to the grotto. The
grotto has this ‘magnetic’ effect to bring the devotees.
2.
“I am the Immaculate Conception”: The
faithful had believed for a long time that Mary has been conceived
immaculately. Our Lady had confirmed that belief through her conversation with
St. Bernadette. Though Bernadette did not understand the meaning and the
implications of what has been revealed, she simply accepted and believed what
was revealed to her. Almost all the people have the first hand experience of
‘faith’ in God, faith in Our Lady, faith in the Eucharistic celebration, faith
in what is preached at the grotto. Coming here is an experience of faith
formation, an “intellectual assent”.
3.
Pray for Total Healing: Most of the
visible miracles have been the miracles of healing, physical healing, mental
healing, emotional healing or spiritual healing. There is a natural way of
connecting faith and healing; that which is fundamental to a religion –faith-
with the personal experience of healing. Healings are personal experiences
which deepen and strengthen the faith of the faithful here at the grotto.
4.
Conversion of Sinners: Perhaps the
most touching personal experiences of many at the grotto is the conversion. The
Sacrament of Reconciliation is meaningful and relevant at the grotto as every
one wants to be forgiven by God and to start a new life.
5.
Prayers are answered: This is an
undeniable experience of all people. Prayer of petitions is the one prayer of
almost all the people. The prayers are answered, and so the natural response of
the people is the prayer of thanksgiving as a complementary prayer.
6.
Personal Revelations leading to Personal
Guidance: Another personal experience of many people is the inspiration and
guidance directly experienced by many people. These personal revelations help
them to make decisions according to the will of God, according to the
revelation. Often the decisions help them to have a turning point experience or
event and to begin a new life, a life centered on God, guided by Mother Mary.
Our
Lady of Lourdes of the Seminary Hills – Pray for us.
I sadly missed being an active member in this year's Grotto Feast. However, my Mother made it possible to be there for the feast, which as it is always is, a grand celebration. Mother Mary has blessed us all in many ways & always will through her prayers to our Lord Jesus. Really commending the team who handled the feast beautifully, especially the Eucharistic celebrations.
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