Over 10,000 Devotees Attend Feast of Mother Mary of Kanjabaida in Central India

The annual feast of Mother Mary of Kanjabaida was celebrated on February 22 with deep faith and devotion at the popular Marian shrine in the Diocese of Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, central India.

Four bishops, 70 priests, nearly 200 religious sisters, and more than 10,000 faithful participated in the celebration. Pilgrims came not only from Madhya Pradesh but also from neighboring states.

The feast was preceded by nine days of novena prayers beginning on February 13. Each day included the Rosary, novena prayers, and Holy Mass. A three-day spiritual retreat for healing was also held from February 19 to 21, drawing large numbers of faithful seeking prayers and blessings.

The feast celebration on February 22 began at 10 a.m. with a welcome ceremony and a Rosary procession to the shrine. During the event, an exhibition of sacred relics of 500 Catholic saints was inaugurated by Bishop Mar Jose Porunnedom of the Diocese of Mananthavady. A “Jeevan Raksha” (Life Protection) exhibition was inaugurated by Fr. Anthony Roswan, SAC, Provincial of the Prabhu Prakash Province, Nagpur.

The solemn Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Bishop Peter Rumal Kharadi of the Diocese of Jhabua. Concelebrants included Bishop Malcolm Sequeira of Amravati, Bishop Augustine Madathikunne of Khandwa, Bishop Mar Jose Porunnedom of Mananthavady, and 70 priests.

In his homily, Bishop Malcolm Sequeira reflected on the significance of motherhood. “A mother is special to everyone. God has given us not one but two mothers: our earthly mother, who gives us life and care, and our heavenly Mother Mary, who guides us, prays for us, and intercedes for us,” he said. “It is this motherly love that gathers us here in large numbers to seek her intercession.”

Recalling the shrine’s history, he said that years ago, when a severe epidemic struck the area, missionaries and local believers vowed to build a shrine to Mary if the people were spared. When the epidemic subsided, the promise was fulfilled. “Since then, this place has become a place of healing, peace, and hope,” he noted. Despite facing desolation, opposition, and even vandalism of the statue, the shrine has continued to revive and grow. “Where there is a mother, the home is rebuilt,” he added.

A healing prayer service led by Fr. Ashok Alexander of the Diocese of Bareilly and his team followed the Mass. The celebration concluded with a community meal in the afternoon.

Throughout the year, devotees visit the Kanjabaida Shrine to offer prayers and fulfill vows. Regular spiritual activities at the shrine include the Eucharist, Rosary, novenas, intercessory prayers, healing services, and the Way of the Cross. Faithful from different parts of the country continue to come to seek the intercession of Mother Mary