A Christmas Blessing from Mother Mary,Velankanni

This is a post about Mother Mary's Church in Velankanni, Tamil Nadu in South India. It is written by Anitha Kannan, a student of Yoga and Life. She's an amazing, beautiful, caring human being whom I have had the pleasure to teach and be taught. 

Velankanni is fondly known as 'Lourdes Of The East',because, like Lourdes in France, millions of pilgrims visit the Shrine throughout the year, praying to Mother Mary for various needs and thanking her for favors received.

Her experience at Velankanni prompted me to ask her to write a guest blog; 

I feel its very appropriate for the season. Hope you also enjoy reading this.

"It was Aug 28th, 2012 when I boarded the bus with my husband to Velankanni,Tamil Nadu to see Mother Mary, Lady of good health. 

Being raised in the Hindu way of life, I was clueless what it would feel like to witness and be part of

the flag hoisting ceremony at the Velankanni church. But my husband, knowing God’s love as Jesus, told me his experience of the ceremony. He said it will be overwhelming and people have tears in their eyes!

I was neutral, I actually didn't feel anything right then.

Knowing who I am, I was open to experiences and what life has to offer.

We touched Velankanni early morning the next day. After a long 14 hour journey, I just wanted to have a luxurious bath and crash. Of course, that was not exactly how it all turned out!

The first sight I saw were people from different places around the world pouring into this little holy city. Every hotel, every lodge was packed and people were waiting to get a room. Lucky us, we managed to get a lovely cottage ,which was sparkling new.

We were to walk to the church early in the evening, so that we wouldn't get lost in the crowd and have a good chance of getting closer to the flag. Hopeless! We went thinking it was early enough, but there were thousands and thousands of devotees sprawling everywhere in the blazing sun.

I raised my brows and said to myself "Wow!"

The crowd was roaring, chattering, pushing, pulling and all you can think of!

Finally, we managed to find a spot to take a look at the flag pole and the beautiful Basilica church.

I remember standing, yet again clueless and sweaty. I saw the clouds covering the sky from nowhere. The birds swirled over us and a gentle breeze touched my heart. 

Suddenly, I felt calm and I realized it was not just me, but the millions of people around me. Everywhere, there was a palpable calmness, a hushed expectancy hung in the air...

Then I heard the prayers ‘Our Lady of Good Health, Velankanni’ and the crowd chanted back ‘Pray for us’. 

Soon the crowd raised their hands to the sky and sang ‘Ave Maria’. 

What a resounding moment!!

With all prayers said in all different languages, time had come to hoist the flag. 

The sky became pitch dark, the lights lit up and it felt almost like Christmas and the flag started to rise slowly and ever so slowly. 

They played a song that still rings not just in my ears, but in my heart, that very moment I felt tears from my eyes! 

Yes! I don’t know how or why!!

But all I felt was presence of the unknown divine everywhere, a realization that our love simply takes different forms.

When the flag touched the tip of the pole, rain came gushing down and the crowd dispersed in all

directions. This rain was indeed her plan! 

I have heard that it happens every year every time! 

I was in awe and silent...

She showed her presence this way to the millions of people who called upon the Lady of Good Health,

and this gave me an experience I will never forget!!

It is possible for faith to move mountains and bring faith inside...

This Christmas I wish you all the rain of love and good health! God Bless…

- Anitha"

Warm Wishes for a Wonderful, Gratitude-Filled Holiday Season!

Warm Wishes for a Joyful, Promise-Filled New Year!!

Being Happy,

Asha