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| The completed shrine gathers admiring crowds, and those seeking a restful and lovely place to pray. |
A generous friend gave Sacred Heart Mission a statue of Our Lady of Fatima in June and Fr. Varghese wrote about his plans:
The statue "is for a Morning Star grotto. Our Lady is in the water of Kakinada, facing towards the road, blessing all the people who pass by... I requested people to give some cement, iron and bricks, money, etc, so we are able to start the work, if God wills."
Faithful responded, donated needing supplies to begin work. Construction progressed swiftly, as workers had a special goal in mind: having the shrine completed in time for their Archbishop's visit in just two weeks, when he came to celebrate First Communions/Confirmations and the mission's Feast of the Sacred Heart.
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| Akhila the orphan helped prepare the ground for planting a new garden around the shrine. |
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| Umbrella and bells add Oriental style to the shrine. |
Construction on the shrine finished just in time, for Archbishop Prakash Mallavarapu to bless it when he came for Sacred Heart Feast.
A corps of priests traveled in from scattered missions, to concelebrate on this special day.
After the event, Akhila enjoyed cooling off in the water as she cleaned flower petals from the pool.
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| Fascinated by fish in the pool. |
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| Frs. Varghese and Sridhar enjoy a rare moment of relaxation, playing Carroms near Our Lady. |
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| Now faithful gather here at all hours to pray, and especially enjoy gathering with Fr. Varghese for evening Rosaries. |
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