24th Feast of Our Lady of Freedom: A Joyful Gathering at Swathantranagar
The Social Service Guild [SSG] brought the Catholic community at Swathantranagar together last Sunday, November 16, 2025, for the 24th annual Feast of Our Lady of Freedom (Swatantra Maathe). It was one of those days that really captured the spirit of devotion and togetherness, honoring Mary as our guide to true freedom and hope—as both the Hindu and Catholic communities celebrate this feast side by side.
Leading up to the big day, we had nine days of quiet preparation—a novena with daily rosary prayers that built real anticipation. Thanks to Brs. Shino and Henry, who coordinated the organization of this feast with the local community—during each day of the novena—one of the brothers from Kristu Jyoti College shared varied talks about our Blessed Mother, both in Kannada and Tamil. This made her story feel close and relevant to everyone there, no matter their background.
On the day of the feast, things kicked off with a special visit from the local MLA of KR Puram, Sri. Byrati Basavaraj, who stopped by to pray at Mary’s statue. It was a nice touch of local support. Then came the solemn Mass, led by Fr. Mahimai as the main celebrant, with Fr. C. L. Varghese—parish priest of Our Lady of Lourdes Church—and Fr. Sunil joining in. The first-year residents at KJC, plus novices from St. Anne’s Bangalore and pre-novices from Bon Secours, added vibrant energy to the celebration. Thanks to the Don Bosco Mitra School bus for getting everyone there and back safely.
In his homily, Fr. Mahimai beautifully summarized how Our Lady of Freedom (Swatantra Maathe) actually brought about lasting change in this very community, drawing from the SSG’s heroic story. Led by brothers from Kristu Jyoti College, including Bro. P.J. Job, the SSG stepped in to support quarry laborers trapped in bonded conditions. They started with simple acts of charity—providing clothing, medical aid, and even games for the children—but soon shifted to bold advocacy, pushing for fair wages and decent housing. Facing fierce opposition from quarry owner Mr. Rayappa and even police who turned a blind eye, they took their fight to the media during the tense Emergency years. A pivotal exposé on November 6, 1975, sparked immediate government response: the owner was arrested under MISA, the workers were freed, and the quarry was handed over to them through a cooperative society. With SSG’s guidance, they built 20 homes under the Janata Housing Scheme, christening the new settlement Swatantra Nagara—“Freedom City”—in tribute to their hard-won liberty, with Our Lady of Freedom as its loving patroness.
Even amid challenges—like the owner’s eventual release, struggles with cooperative management, and a heartbreaking 1978 stabbing incident that wrongly pointed fingers at Bro. Job—their resilience shone through. This triumph rippled out, sparking reforms in quarries across Bangalore and showing how faith-fueled collective action can break the chains of injustice, all under Mary’s watchful intercession.
After the Mass, lunch was provided for the entire village, courtesy of MLA Byrati Basavaraj—simple, hearty fare that fueled the day’s joy. In the evening, Fr. Bosco, KJC’s rector, blessed the beautifully decked-out cart with Mary’s statue, which was then taken in procession through the neighborhood, accompanied by prayers and songs. The day wrapped up beautifully with a touching benediction and the flag-lowering ceremony, leaving everyone with a sense of shared peace.
