Lourdes Shrine, Perambur, Celebrates 125 years of Miracles and Blessings

Chennai, February 12, 2025 - Chennai’s Lourdes Shrine, Perambur, marks a historic milestone as it celebrates its 125th Jubilee Year (1900-2025), honouring over a century of faith and devotion to Our Lady of Lourdes. The annual feast commenced on January 31, 2025, with the hoisting of the Marian flag by Salesian Provincial Fr. L. Don Bosco SDB, setting the stage for a series of solemn and joyous celebrations.

Two significant liturgical gatherings highlighted the event. On February 8, Rt. Rev. Dr. Lawrence Pius, Bishop of Dharmapuri, presided over the Eucharistic Day Mass, preceded by a Eucharistic float procession. The following day, on February 9, Most Rev. Dr. George Antonysamy, Archbishop of Madras-Mylapore, led the solemn feast day Mass, preceded by a grand Marian cart procession. These processions symbolised the two pillars of Catholic faith—the Eucharist and devotion to Mary.

The feast day Mass on February 11 was celebrated by Emeritus Archbishop Most Rev. Dr. A. M. Chinnappa SDB, a former parish priest of the shrine. Reflecting on the shrine’s rich history and its special monthly devotion on the 11th of every month, he later solemnly lowered the Jubilee flag, marking the graceful conclusion of the celebrations.

This Jubilee Year is a time of thanksgiving and renewal, celebrating 125 years of divine blessings under the loving protection of Our Blessed Mother.

By Fr. Jerome Cyril SDB