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Our Lady Of Health

The Church of the Lady of Health is situated near Khairtabad. The old Church was established in 1905 but due to increase in the congregation, the new church was established in 1954 and in February, 1959 it was inaugurated by the late Nizam Nawab Mii Osman All Khan Bahadur.The Nizam was very fond of Holy Mary. He wrote poems about the birth of Jesus Christ. He presented many Chandeliens, two big pictures and four fans to the church. In those days there wan a generous spirit prevailing among tho people in the city. Some times Nizam used to visit the church for christmas servicon and wed to say "why should we despiso other people's feelings and their religion We have got our faith and you have your faith".Most of people do come bocause they have developed a devotion for the Lady and not for her miracles. A good many of them come to show their gratitude to the mother of God., the blessed Christ. According to Rev. Father X Rock, "She is not a divine, she is an ordinary women, but because of her dignity, liko Queen Elizabeth or Queen victoria, peoplo gave her different titles. She is not power ful enough to give us anything, it is only God who can help us".There is a very interesting story about a non-christian girl who had presented a booklet to the Lady of Health praying to fail in the examination as if sho had passed in the examination, she would have been married to a boy whom she did not like. So in gratitude for the favour, sho ofered a tiny book to the Lady of Health.

for catholics all over the world, she is the mother of god whose humility and piety has always been a source of inspiration and a sign of hope. there are no religious barriers that can stop people of different faiths from seeking the blessings of the divine mother mary. her manifestations are many but the most recon-gised and venerated manifestation is our lady of health. on september 8 the world celebrated the birthday of the holy mother. our lady of health church at khairatabad has religiously and dedicatedly been celebrating this solemn occasion since the early 1900s. the church was constructed in 1904 for the then army personnel and the statue of our lady of health was sent from italy. she is said to have wrought many miracles. the pleasant countenance and smile on the face of the divine mother is unique and there is no other statue of this kind in the world. the celebrations begin two weeks before the actual event. the blessed statue is brought down from its pedestal and is displayed for public veneration. a flag is hoisted to mark the coming of this special day. devotees wear saffron coloured garments as a symbol of humility and vows of abstinence are taken. priests and members of the parish have devotedly worked towards getting the shrine ready for the multitude of pilgrims that come from all over the state and country.  novena  s (special prayers) are offered in preparation for this holy event. on the final day, devotees from all over the city and state begin their journey to the shrine. processions from various parishes are organised which culminate at our lady of health church. prayers begin from six in the morning with special masses in various languages. pilgrims make their way to the blessed statue of the divine mother with offerings of flowers, candles and tiny silver ornaments. it is fervently believed that on this auspicious day, all prayers are answered and sicknesses are healed. in the evening the flag is lowered with solemn prayers. this marks the end of this special day for all devotees of the holy mother and the miraculous statue is returned to its pedestal.