The three-day Lourdu Matha Utsavams started on Monday with prayers at Gunadala Hill. Scores of devotees joined the 102nd Mary Matha festival on its opening day. Jubilarian Fr. Nelaturi Francis from Canada, Vijayawada Catholic Bishop Telagathoti Joseph Raja Rao, Silver Jubilarian Fr. Maddala Joseph of America, along with rectors and priests, attended the event at Bishop Grassi High School. Fr. Nelaturi Francis voiced concerns about divisions in different countries harming peace. He urged unity and prayed to Lourdu Matha to restore harmony. Bishop Joseph Raja Rao greeted the Gunadala Mary Matha shrine Rector Yeleti William Jaya Raju and priests for organizing the festival’s 102nd utsavams. A holy procession carried the idol of Lourdu Matha, led by Bishop Joseph, Monsignor Muvvala Prasad, Vicar General Mesapam Gabriel, Social Service Centre Director Fr. Thota Sunil Raju, and others. They performed ‘samisti devya balipuja’ as the festival officially began. Kadapa Bishop Saginala Paul Prakash and other bishops joined the prayers and later organized a procession in Gunadala in the evening. The Gunadala church lit up beautifully for the festival. The utsava committee made detailed arrangements to welcome devotees and ensure a smooth celebration.