Bangladesh: Diang marks 50 years of the Marian Pilgrimage: A celebration of faith, devotion

Thousands of pilgrims gathered at the Marian Pilgrimage at Diang in the Chattogram Archdiocese of Bangladesh to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the sacred journey from February 13 to 14.

The theme of the celebration was "A joyous journey with Mother Mary by the grace of God."

This year's pilgrimage carried special significance as it marked the golden jubilee of a tradition deeply embedded in the faith of the Christian community in Bangladesh.

The spiritual journey commenced with a nine-day novena prayer, culminating on February 13 with a final day of intercessory prayer.

Lawrence Subrata Howlader, archbishop of Chattogram, presided over the Holy Mass, which was co-celebrated by the Bishop of Barishal, Emmanuel K. Rozario.

Pilgrims from all corners of the country participated in the sacred liturgy, seeking blessings and spiritual renewal.

Eucharistic Adoration and a reconciliation ceremony marked the evening of February 13, setting the stage for the traditional candlelit procession. Pilgrims walked in unison through the surrounding villages, reciting the Rosary, their flickering candles illuminating the path as a symbol of unwavering faith.

Delivering his homily, Archbishop Howlader emphasized the essence of pilgrimage, stating, "We embark on this sacred journey to deepen our intimacy with God. In this closeness, we find peace and joy, even amidst life’s difficulties."

Bishop Rozario, in his sermon, extended heartfelt wishes to all, noting, "As we celebrate Valentine’s Day, we also remember the love that surpasses all the love of Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Through her intercession, we rejoice in our faith and walk forward in grace."

He added, "On this golden jubilee of the Marian Pilgrimage, we express our gratitude to the Lord through Mother Mary’s intercession, praying for our hopes to be fulfilled and for life’s journey to be filled with joy."

The following day, February 14, witnessed the solemn Eucharistic celebration at 9:30 AM, with thousands of faithful gathered at the ashram field.

Bishop Rozario offered the Mass as the main celebrant, with Archbishop Howlader co-celebrating, making the golden jubilee celebration even more profound.

For many pilgrims, this journey was a testament to their unwavering devotion and the blessings they have received.

Sonya Gomes, a devotee, said, "Every year, I come to this Marian pilgrimage because of my deep love for Mother Mary. She has showered countless blessings upon me, and I find immense peace in her presence."

Another devotee, Joseph Tripura, shared, "Mother Mary is my spiritual mother. I join this pilgrimage and experience immense happiness and inner peace. I prayed for the well-being of all humanity."

Among the testimonies of faith, one particularly moving story came from a woman who had struggled with infertility for eight years. "My husband prayed to Mother Mary of Diang with deep devotion. Last year, she blessed us with a baby boy. Today, we came here to offer our gratitude," she said with tears of joy.

The origins of the Diang Marian Pilgrimage can be traced back to the tireless devotion of Holy Cross Brother Flavian Laplante, a Canadian missionary who dedicated his life to serving the people of Bangladesh.

Arriving in 1932, he spent decades working in various missionary schools before settling in Diang in 1945. Brother Laplante, a fervent devotee of Mother Mary, established a grotto in her honor in 1978 and founded a prayer center that would become a sacred pilgrimage site for Bangladeshi Christians.

His legacy inspires thousands of pilgrims who gather at this holy site every year.

As the golden jubilee celebration ended, pilgrims departed with renewed faith, hearts filled with gratitude, and prayers for a future blessed by the intercession of Mother Mary.

The 50th Marian Pilgrimage of Diang was not only a celebration of history but also a reaffirmation of faith that continues to unite and inspire generations of believers.