India: Thousands Gather at Mumbai Shrine for Annual Novena of Our Lady of Perpetual Succor

Thousands of devotees are taking part in the annual Novena of Our Lady of Perpetual Succor at St. Michael’s Church, one of the most historic Marian shrines in Mahim, Mumbai, in western India.

The nine-day prayer devotion began on June 18 and the feast will be celebrated on June 27.

The opening Mass and Novena service were celebrated by Cardinal Oswald Gracias, archbishop-emeritus of Bombay and a native of the parish. In his homily, the Cardinal invited the faithful to look to the Virgin Mary as a model of compassion, forgiveness and love in daily life.

“Go to Mary and be like Mary in understanding, loving, and forgiving. She was never unforgiving or judgmental; she never kept anger in her heart. This is something we need to learn from her for our daily Christian living,” Cardinal Gracias said.

The devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Succor has been part of the spiritual life of St. Michael’s Church since it was introduced in 1948. Over the decades, the shrine has grown into a major place of prayer in Mumbai, attracting devotees from different communities and religious backgrounds.

The weekly Novena held every Wednesday throughout the year draws thousands of people, with 12 services celebrated in five languages to reflect the cultural and linguistic diversity of Mumbai, India’s financial and commercial hub.

During the annual feast, the number of pilgrims increases significantly. Fr. Conrad Noronha, a priest serving at the shrine, said nearly 12,000 people attend the Novena services each day during the feast week, while weekend gatherings reach around 17,000 devotees.

For many visitors, the Novena is an opportunity to seek Mary’s intercession in moments of difficulty, express gratitude for blessings received, and find spiritual strength through prayer.

Cecilia Rodrigues, who has attended the Novena for two decades, shared how the devotion has shaped her faith journey.

“Mother Mary has never left me empty-handed. Whenever I was in need, she interceded for me. Through her prayers, my son was able to pursue his education abroad, something that seemed impossible for our family,” she said.

Clive, a volunteer at the shrine for the past eight years, said the dedication of the faithful continues to inspire him.

“Seeing the devotion of the people strengthens my own faith. Watching devotees patiently stand in long queues reflects their sacrifice, trust and love for Mother Mary,” he said.

The shrine also welcomes people from other faith traditions. Anandi, a Hindu devotee, said she returns because of the sense of peace she experiences there.

“Whenever I come here, I experience a deep sense of peace. It is a peace that I do not find anywhere else, and that is why I keep returning,” she said.

As the feast approaches, St. Michael’s Church continues to serve as a place of prayer and encounter, where thousands gather each year seeking hope, healing and spiritual renewal.