Thousands of Catholics gathered in Asad Avenue, Dhaka on September 11 to celebrate the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, affectionately known as Maria Bambina or Child Mary, expressing deep faith and gratitude through prayer, offerings, and participation in the Eucharist.
The faithful flocked to the Maria Bambina shrine in Kakrail to seek the intercession of the Infant Mary, praying for healing, family unity, and spiritual blessings. Many devotees fulfilled vows by offering money, gold, and other gifts in thanksgiving for what they believe were favors received through Mary's intercession.
"I completed the nine-day novena and prayed for healing," said a 55-year-old Catholic woman. "For a long time, I suffered from sinusitis and severe headaches. I have been feeling well for the past week, and I believe I received this grace through the blessings of Infant Mary."
Among the pilgrims was Ronju Costa, who came seeking peace within his family.
"I prayed for the resolution of our family problems and for protection from all dangers," he told RVA News.
The celebration drew about 2,000 devotees and included four Holy Masses throughout the day.
The Feast Mass was presided over by Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Kevin Randall, who reflected on the significance of Mary's birth in the history of salvation.
"Venerating Mary in her birth and infancy shows that Christians understand her role in God's plan of salvation," the nuncio said in his homily. "She is the Theotokos, the God-bearer, chosen by the Father to bring His Son into the world. Through her, God came among us, and our devotion to her continues to strengthen our faith."
Archbishop Randall noted that the feast likely developed after the Council of Ephesus in 431, which affirmed Mary as the Mother of God.
"The celebration of her nativity reminds us that history is guided by Divine Providence," he said. "Mary's birth was part of God's eternal plan for humanity's redemption. Her life bridges the Old and New Testaments and prepares the way for the coming of Christ."
He encouraged the faithful to rejoice in Mary's birth and to renew their trust in God through her maternal intercession.
Although the universal Church observes the feast on September 8, the Catholic Church in Bangladesh celebrated it on September 11 to allow more faithful to participate in the annual pilgrimage.
The devotion to Maria Bambina in Bangladesh is closely associated with the Sisters of Charity of Saints Bartolomea Capitanio and Vincenza Gerosa, commonly known as the Sisters of Maria Bambina. Founded in Lovere, Italy, by St. Bartolomea Capitanio and Catherine Gerosa, the congregation dedicated itself to caring for the sick, educating girls, serving orphans, and promoting the welfare of young people.
Today, the Maria Bambina Sisters continue their mission throughout Bangladesh, serving in schools, pastoral ministries, health care, and social services across many dioceses, making a lasting contribution to the life of the local Church and society
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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