Devotees gathered for prayers, processions and Holy Mass as the annual Novena celebrations began, with special prayers offered for peace and prosperity in Pakistan.
KARACHI: The Velankanni Novena and religious celebrations marking the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary have formally begun at St Anthony’s Catholic Church in Karachi under the leadership of Archbishop of Karachi, His Grace Archbishop Benny Mario Travas.
The opening ceremony brought together religious leaders, members of the Christian community, distinguished guests and a large number of devotees.
The celebrations began with a solemn procession carrying the sacred statue of Our Lady of Velankanni and the Holy Flag. Members of the Legion of Mary then led the collective recitation of the Holy Rosary in both Urdu and English.
Church bells, Marian hymns and special prayers created a deeply spiritual atmosphere as devotees gathered to mark the beginning of the annual religious observance.
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A flag-hoisting ceremony took place at noon, followed by a special prayer service at the Grotto.
Father Arthur Charles, the Parish Priest, attended the celebrations along with Assistant Parish Priests Father Asher Iftikhar, Father Warrior and Father Joshua. The clergy participated in and assisted with the religious services.
Prominent members of the Christian community also attended the ceremony, including Pervez Gill, Chairman of the Christian Forum of the FPCCI–EU Business Forum, and Supreme Court Advocate Shahbaz Sothra.
Speaking at the event, Pervez Gill said the Novena of Our Lady of Velankanni carried a message of faith, prayer, love, peace and service to humanity.
He said such spiritual gatherings strengthen religious devotion and allow communities to collectively pray for Pakistan’s peace, security, stability and prosperity.
Special prayers during the Novena will focus on the country’s sovereignty, integrity and the welfare of its people. Devotees will also pray for Pakistan’s progress and protection from challenges facing the nation.
Pervez Gill extended prayers and best wishes for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. He prayed for wisdom, strength and success for the country’s leadership and institutions serving Pakistan.
He said Pakistan belonged to all its citizens and stressed that the country’s security, development and prosperity represented a shared responsibility.
He also emphasised the importance of unity, brotherhood, tolerance and mutual respect among people belonging to different faiths.
Pervez Gill said Karachi represented a diverse community of people from different religious, cultural and social backgrounds. He added that religious tolerance, interfaith harmony and mutual respect remained essential for building a peaceful and prosperous Pakistan.
The Novena of Our Lady of Velankanni will continue from 29 August to 8 September 2026, with special prayers and Holy Mass taking place daily.
The central and concluding ceremony will be held on 8 September 2026 to commemorate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The celebrations are being held at St Anthony’s Catholic Church, 21 McNeil Road, Frere Town, Karachi.
