- 14 September, 2026
HYDERABAD, September 14, 2026: Representatives of Catholic associations, organisations and movements across the Archdiocese of Hyderabad came together for a Marian thanksgiving celebration at the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Health, Khairatabad, on September 12.
The Marian Thanksgiving Holy Eucharistic Celebration, believed to be the first of its kind, brought together representatives of various Catholic associations, organisations and movements in prayer, gratitude and devotion to Our Lady of Good Health.
Among those participating were representatives of the Catholic Association of Hyderabad, Workers Federation of India, Christian Workers Movement, All India Catholic Union–Telangana, St. Mary’s Basilica Welfare Association, All India United Christian Movement for Equal Rights (AIUCMER), Catholic Charismatic Renewal, Youcat India Network, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Legion of Mary, St. Anthony’s Bhajan Society, Mettuguda, Tamil Sangham, Cogibrain/Don Bosco IAS Academy, Anglo-Indian Unity Revival Ancestry, the All India Anglo-Indian Association, Hyderabad-Secunderabad Branch, and Angels Media & Movies.
Prominent Catholic leaders, including Mr. Hosey Tocher and Mr. Clarence Dunn, also attended the celebration.
The Holy Mass was celebrated by Fr. Michael Selvaraj, Rector and Parish Priest of the shrine, and concelebrated by Fr. Arla Thumma, one of the senior-most priests of the Archdiocese of Hyderabad.
In his homily, Fr. Michael emphasised the vocation and mission of the laity in the life of the Church.
“Without the laity, there is no Church. The clergy and the laity have to complement each other. The laity receive vocations to family life, just as the clergy receive vocations to the priestly ministry.”
He emphasised that the charisms and talents of the laity must be placed at the service of building the Church. As Catholics, he said, the faithful are called to be witnesses to God’s love in the world.
Reflecting on the Gospel account of Jesus healing ten men suffering from a severe skin disease, Fr. Michael focused on the one who returned to thank Jesus. He encouraged the laity to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and to remain ever thankful to God for His abundant blessings.
The first reading, proclaimed in Tamil, was read by Ms. Sasi Kala of St. Anthony’s Bhajan Society, while Mr. Elias Reddy of St. Mary’s Basilica Welfare Association proclaimed the second reading in Telugu.
Leaders of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, led by Ms. Maria Alex, led the Prayer of the Faithful.
The Catholic Association of Hyderabad also played an active role in the celebration.
Following the Holy Eucharist, devotees and representatives of the participating associations joined in the traditional Madha Sapad (Mary’s Meals), sponsored by Mr. Harry Patrick and his family.
The programme was marked by solemnity, piety and joyful fellowship, bringing together the laity of the Archdiocese in a spirit of prayer, gratitude, unity and devotion to Our Blessed Mother.
The celebration served as a beautiful expression of Marian devotion and highlighted the active and meaningful contribution of the laity to the life and mission of the Church in the Archdiocese of Hyderabad.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
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