Mumbai’s Mount Mary Feast Draws Thousands as Novena Reflects on Magnifica Humanitas

Thousands of pilgrims gathered at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount in Bandra, Mumbai, western India, on September 13 to celebrate the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, despite heavy rains.

The feast of Mary’s birth is observed on September 8, but the annual celebration at Mount Mary is traditionally held on the Sunday closest to the date. This year, pilgrims continued to visit the shrine throughout the day to pray, give thanks and seek Mary’s intercession.

The pilgrims included Catholics as well as people from other faith communities. Many waited in long lines with flowers, garlands and candles. Some came with personal petitions, while others returned to give thanks for favors they attributed to Mary’s intercession.

Eight Masses were celebrated on the feast day, with Archbishop John Rodrigues of Bombay presiding at the principal feast mass.

The feast was preceded by the traditional nine-day novena. This year’s reflections drew on Magnifica humanitas, the first encyclical of Pope Leo XIV, focusing on human dignity and the responsibility to protect and promote what is truly human.

The annual Bandra Fair also accompanied the religious celebrations. Streets around Mount Mary hosted stalls selling food, books, religious articles and other goods, while games and activities attracted children and families.

For many pilgrims, however, the visit remained primarily an expression of personal faith.

“A visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount is therapeutic. It is a faith-enhancing journey for me because I firmly believe that my prayers will be answered,” said Suzie Coelho, who visits the shrine each year.

John Macwan, who traveled from another Indian state, said visiting the shrine gives him peace. “I have come from another state. It gives me a lot of peace to visit her. She obtains many graces for me, and I come to her with great confidence,” he said.

The Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, popularly known as Mount Mary Basilica, stands on a hill in Bandra overlooking the Arabian Sea. Its history dates to a chapel built by Jesuits in the 16th century, with the present church having undergone rebuilding over the centuries.

The annual feast and Bandra Fair have developed into a longstanding religious and cultural tradition in Mumbai. Devotees from across the city and other parts of India continue to visit the shrine, including families seeking Mary’s intercession for various personal intentions.

The September celebration remains an important pilgrimage for Catholics and other devotees who come to Mount Mary with their prayers, concerns and thanksgiving.