Kottayam: On the third day of the famed Ettu Nombu festival of the St Mary’s Cathedral, Manarcaud, the ceremonial Mooninmel Kurbana (holy mass) began at 9 am on Thursday.
Hundreds of devotees from various parts of the state thronged the church to take part in the ceremonial mass and rituals since the morning.
Yakob Mor Mouris, the metropolitan and the representative of the Patriarch of Antioch, led the holy mass.
Thursday’s rituals concluded with meditation by Rev Fr Abhilash Abraham Valiyaveettil.
Various ceremonies including the Mooninmel Kurbana are held during the eight-day festival, except on Sunday, among other programs, including speeches by priests and bishops and meditation.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy will inaugurate a public meeting on Saturday. forests and sports minister Thiruvanchoor Radh-akrishnan will preside over the function.
Jose K. Mani MP and Joseph Mar Gregorios Metropolitan will be present among others. Nadathurakkal
The important function of the Nadathurakkal (the annual ritual of unveiling the portrait of infant Jesus in the hands of the Holy Virgin Mary) will be held Monday afternoon.
The eight-day festival will be concluded Tues-day evening with the famed Nercha Vilambu (serving of the offering).
