Every August pilgrims set to gather at Vailankanni. Known as the ‘Lourdes of the East’, here everyone experiences Mary’s grace, love, and motherhood.
In August, and especially around the Feast of the Assumption, Catholics celebrate our Blessed Mother. People of many faiths and cultures honour Mary as a unifying mother-figure, bringing peace, healing, and unity in our broken world.
India is currently preparing for the great Marian Feast at the Shrine of Vailankanni, which is in the state of Tamil Nadu. It takes place from 29 August to 8 September.
Vailankanni, has a population of about 5,000. It is a revered Marian pilgrimage site, attracting devotees from across India and beyond. Every year, around 20 million pilgrims from all over the world visit and celebrate Mass in various languages.
The Shrine is rich in faith – bringing people of different faiths together in friendship and fraternity. It often merges aspects of both Christian and Hindu cultures. You’ll find Catholic and Protestant Christians alongside Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, and many others.
It isn’t uncommon to come across processions of Hindu pilgrims, who come to the Marian Shrine carrying a flowered bamboo bowl in which to burn incense. Arriving in front of the golden statue of the Virgin, they prostrate themselves before her and pray to her alongside the Christian faithful.
The Virgin is represented in the sanctuary with Indian features: dressed in the typical sari and with a crown on her head. The history of the sanctuary itself represents a moment of encounter between Christianity and Indian culture. This is also evident in the history of the apparitions linked to this place.
An encounter of Mary and the people of India
The Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health in Vailankanni traces its origins to three miraculous events in the 16th and 17th centuries. The first involved the Virgin Mary appearing to a boy carrying milk, asking for some for her child. The second occurrence featured Mary healing a sick boy and requesting a chapel be built. Finally, Portuguese merchants, saved from a storm at sea, fulfilled their vow to build a shrine where they landed safely.
Initially a small hut, the Shrine grew into a stone building enriched by votive offerings. Between 1920 and 1933, it underwent significant expansion. In 1962, Pope John XXIII elevated it to the status of a Basilica.
Messages from the Vatican
Ahead of the Feast, the Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernàndez, sent a letter to the Bishop of Tanjore, Sagayaraj Thamburaj. He expressed Pope Francis’ appreciation for the Shrine:
‘The traditions collected in this precious place of veneration about some of the Virgin’s encounters with poor and sick children are beautiful. Here the tenderness and closeness of Mary that Jesus wanted to leave us as the mother of all is manifested.’
A huge following
In 2004, the city was badly hit by the tsunami, which claimed several hundred lives. But 20 years after this tragedy, everything has been restored, and the Vailankanni sanctuary continues to be a place of arrival for millions of pilgrims; a place of peace and of prayer. Pope Francis has also praised the Shrine. He is always close to the spirituality of the pilgrim faithful, because in them:
‘…the beauty of the Church on her journey is reflected, which seeks Jesus in the arms of Mary and leaves her worries and hopes in the heart of the Mother.’
A faith that crosses boundaries
That so many people find comfort and sanctuary in this holy place speaks to the universal nature of Mary, who is our Mother and through whom we are given the priceless gift of salvation. Mary appeared to the witnesses at Vailankanni with simple requests and actions: she asked for milk for her child; she healed those who were sick; she protected those in danger. In doing so, she shows us how simplicity can also be our way to God. Because surely, if our Blessed Mother reaches out to us in such quiet and beautiful ways, we too can reach each other through these simple ways, and in doing so, walk the pilgrim’s path with Christ her Son.
Read these next…
Reaching out across faiths and cultures is a key part of missionary work. If you enjoyed this article click on the links below to read more like this:
- Fr Anthony’s blog: Our Lady leads the way
- Bringing peace between faiths: Women’s Interfaith Council
- World Day of Communications: sharing the Good News in Pakistan