- 17 August, 2025
Hyderabad, August 17, 2025 – The solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was observed with devotion and grandeur at St. Mary’s Basilica, Secunderabad, the mother church of the Archdiocese of Hyderabad. The celebration was made more significant as the feast also coincided with the Basilica’s own annual festival.
The Holy Mass was presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Poola Anthony. In his homily, he called on the faithful to pray for those suffering from war, hatred and rejection, reminding them that even within the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, many remain in need of prayer and support.
Reflecting on the link between the Assumption and India’s 79th Independence Day, the Cardinal underlined that inner freedom is essential for true external freedom.
“Only those who have internal freedom can enjoy external freedom. Those who are not internally free are slaves. But it is enough that we are servants of God, as Mary was, with total freedom and surrender,” he said.
The Cardinal also highlighted three lessons from Mary’s life for the faithful to embrace: the hope of eternal life, striving towards heaven with faith and vision; Mary’s faith and surrender, reminding that though she was chosen by God, she qualified herself through obedience and trust; and the gift of inner freedom, reflected in the Magnificat and its revelation of God’s liberating wonders.
The Eucharistic celebration was followed by youth-led activities, with stalls set up around the Basilica, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere. Later in the evening, a grand Marian procession wound through the streets of Secunderabad, with devotees joining in prayer and song to honour Our Lady.
The day concluded as a powerful reminder of both Mary’s heavenly triumph and India’s hard-won freedom, blending faith and patriotism in a spirit of gratitude and hope.
By Manisha Sharon
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