Chitradurga, Hiriyur, August 18, 2023: Our Lady of Assumption Church, Hiriyur belonging to Chitradurga district in the Diocese of Shimoga, celebrated its annual feast on Friday, 18th August 2023.

Feast preparations began with three days renewal retreat from August 11th to 13th, 2023 preached by Rev. Fr Roman Pinto, Parish Priest of St. Francis Xavier's Church, Kable.

Triduum began on August 15th. Program began at 6pm. Parish Priest Fr Franklin D'Souza blessed the Chariot. Then
there was Rosary with Procession with the Marian flag and Novena. At 6:30pm Rev. Fr Richard Pais, Director of Karnataka Regional Social Service (KROSS), Bengaluru blessed the flag of Our Lady and hoisted the flag.

At 7pm Holy Eucharist celebrated by Rev. Fr Maxim Dias (Diocese of Bellary) - Karnataka Regional Director for Proclamation& Evangelization as well as SCC. Rev. Fr Richard Pais (Diocese ofShimoga) - Director of the KROSS preached the homily on the theme: "Ruth, role model for the family". He said that family should be "rooted in Christ" (Colotians 2:6). He gave examples of biblical families, how they obeyed God. He spoke on the example of Ruth and Navomi. He gave practical suggestions on how we need to strengthen family values in today's context.

August 16th, second day's Novena began at 6:30pm with Rosary procession. Then Parish Priest Rev. Fr Franklin D’Souza led the Novena.

At 7pm Rev. Fr Lancy Barthalomeo D'Souza, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church, Newtown, Bhadravati celebrated the Holy Eucharist and preached on the theme: "Esther is the inspiration to face the difficulties & turbulent situation in life".

He called the faithful not to give up in the difficult situations. We should have faith & confidence like Queen Easter. He explained with the help of God, how she saved her people from the hands of wicked Haaman. How God saved Mordakai and his clan. He also said that we have a queen that is; Our Lady of Assumption she courageously faced all the troubles with the faith.

He also said that for us power comes from the Word of God. Through the power of the Word of God we can win over any situation through faith & Prayer.

End of the Mass Parish Priest Fr Franklin D'Souza felicitated Rev. Fr Lancy Barthalomeo D'Souza as he is in the year of his Priestly Ordination Silver Jubilee.

Parish Council members honoured him with Shawl, garland, Mysore Peta and a gift.

August 17th, third day's Novena a began at 6:30pm with St. Mary's Road Rosary procession, Mary Road Chariot was taken to thank Our Lady of Assumption by the Assumption ICYM youth as it was tradition of the Parish. Then Parish Priest Rev. Fr Franklin D’Souza led the Novena.

At 8pm Rev. Fr Stephen Maxi Albuquerque, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Tirthahalli, celebrated the Holy Eucharist and preached on the theme: "Susana, is the inspiration to lead a life of holiness".

He spoke on the importance of holiness and challenges that we face when we lead a life of holiness. He gave the example of St. Agnes as our role model. He,also connected the message with Blessed Virgin Mary.

End of the Mass Parish Priest Fr Franklin D'Souza felicitated Rev. Fr Stephen Maxi Albuquerque as he is in the year of his Priestly Ordination Silver Jubilee.

Fr Franklin D'Souza and Fr Nelson D'Souza together with the Parish Council members honoured him with Shawl, garland, Mysore Peta and a gift.

On August 18th at 9:30am Parishioners received the Most Rev. Dr. Francis Serrao Sj Bishop of Diocese of Shimoga at Hospital Circle and welcomed him with a small procession together with the band.

At 10am Bishop Francis Serrao Sj concelebrated the festal Holy Eucharist with 13 priests. Among them Rev. Fr K. A. George Dean of Little Flower Deanery, Rev. Fr Richard Anil D'Souza Dean of Holy Family Deanery were present. A large number of faithful and religious witnessed the thanksgiving Holy Eucharist. In his homily Bishop spoke on "All generations will call me blessed" Luke 1:48. He invited the faithful to take her as their role model. Rev. Fr Nelson D'Souza and Rev. Fr Stephen Maxi Albuquerque led the choir.

At the end Parish Priest Fr Franklin D'Souza thanked everyone. Honoured the donors with candles and for every SCC unit blessed candles were distributed.

Evening at 6pm there was a chariot procession as the culmination of the Church feast. Parish Priest Rev. Fr FranklinD'Souza blessed the Chariot. Procession began at 7pm. Hundreds of faithful and other people witnessed the mega event of procession. It took almost two and half hours.

After the procession Parish Priest Rev. Fr Franklin D'Souza led the thanksgiving adoration and benediction.