Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
New Delhi (Fides Service) - Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary is deeply rooted among the Catholics of India and Pakistan: prayer vigils, regular recitation of the rosary and pilgrimages to the many Marian shrines are popular and well attended. Many local religious orders have a strong Marian spirituality and vocations are flourishing. Devotion to the Mother of God is also spreading among Muslims and Buddhists.
September 8, the feast of the Nativity of Mary of Nazareth, was celebrated in style at Saint Mary’s Basilica Bangalore in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. The celebration which started with a long procession lasted several hours. Father Thomas Jebamali diocesan administrator of Bangalore and civic state leaders were among those present. The feast day had been prepared with a novena, nine days of special prayers before a major feast. The novena was held in three different places in the state of Karnataka, Saint Mary’s in Bangalore, Our Lady of the Mines and Our Lady Harihar. Every evening thousands came from all over the state and from the states of Tamil Nadu Andrha Pradesh to take part in the novena prayers.
There were great festivities also at the Shrine of Our Lady of Vallarpadam, in Kerala, southern India. Recently the 9th century church rebuilt by Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century was declared a national monument. Christians and non come from all over India to visit the shrine, one of the nation’s artistic, spiritual and historical treasures.
Christians in Pakistan are also deeply devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Recently more than 700,000 men women and children all ages and social conditions took part in the 55th National Pilgrimage a village called Mariamabad, “City of Mary”, not far from Lahore. Mary has been honoured here for many years. People come asking for her intercession and protection. Mary is also popular with Muslims who make their prayer and leave an offering for the poor.
The theme of the 55th national pilgrimage to Mariambad, “Mary and the Christian Family” was a reflection of the theme discussed by the Catholic Bishops of Asia in a recent FABC plenary.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 11/9/2004 lines 32 words 321)
