SSG Fosters Faith: Anandapura’s Rosary Celebration 2025

The people of Anandapura Catholics, Hindus and Muslims alike under the aegis of the Social Service Guild (SSG) of Kristu Jyoti College (KJC), Bengaluru, joyfully marked the annual Feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary with a vibrant four-day devotional program from October 9 to 12, 2025. Attracting nearly 400 participants daily—including priests, religious, and lay faithful—the event fostered deep prayer, gratitude, and communal unity.​

        The festivities began on October 9 with the Holy Rosary recited at 5:30 p.m., followed by the hoisting of the feast flag led by Fr. Bosco Ponthokkan, Rector of KJC. Accompanying him were Fr. Anthony Mahimai Dass, Dean of Studies at KJC; Fr. Sunil Jose, Director of KJC’s Social Service Guild (SSG), which plays a pivotal role in supporting several local community initiatives; and Fr. P. I. Thomas, Professor at KJC, alongside other religious and lay members. The evening Eucharist, presided over by Fr. Mahimai Dass, featured a homily reflecting on the chapel and learning and activitiy center’s humble origins, urging gratitude for the faithful efforts that strengthened the neighborhood.​

        On the second day, devotees reconvened for the Rosary and Eucharist, with Fr. Anthony Raj, Assistant Parish Priest of St. Anthony’s Church, TC Palya, as the chief celebrant. He introduced the Rosary’s transformative power, encouraging its daily integration into spiritual life, while Fr. Alex’s (Assistant Parish Priest of St. Anthony’s Church) homily underscored its essence in Christian devotion, drawing believers closer to Christ via Mary’s intercession.​

        The third day of the triduum included a Rosary and Eucharistic celebration guided by Fr. Santosh Steven sdb, Administrator of Don Bosco College, TC Palya. He invited the assembly to meditate on the Rosary’s mysteries as a route to personal holiness and inner peace, aligning with SSG’s mission to nurture faith-based community growth.​

        Culminating on October 12, the solemn Eucharist at 10:30 a.m. was led by Fr. Maria Dass CPPS, Parish Priest of St. Gasper’s Church and Manager of St Antony’s and St Theresa’s Educational Institutions. His homily centered on gratitude—for divine providence, community bonds, and Mary’s protective guidance—resonating with the Salesian ethos of joyful service. Sri Byrati Basavaraj, the local MLA, Sri P J Anthony Swamy, the former BBMP Corporator, and Mr. Praveen were felicitated for their contributions to the celebrations. Post-Mass, the Feast Coordinating Committee honored and thanked all the contributors, especially Mr. Chinni and Mrs. Carmela and their entire team for their dedication, generosity, and devotion, with special recognition extended to SSG’s ongoing support in such events.​

        The evening program commenced at 6:00 p.m. with the Rosary, leading into a spirited cart procession of Our Lady’s statue through Anandapura’s streets. Devotees spread messages of faith and joy along the path, concluding at 11:00 p.m. with Benediction by Fr. P. I. Thomas and the lowering of the feast flag, signifying a prayerful close.​

        This celebration exemplified profound faith, solidarity, and reverence—a heartfelt homage to Our Lady of the Rosary, whose guidance continues to uplift Anandapura’s faithful, bolstered by the Social Service Guild (SSG)’s commitment to pastoral outreach in the neighborhood.