Pakistan’s 77th Mariam Abad pilgrimage calls faithful to become peacemakers amid global conflicts

Thousands of Catholics from across Pakistan gathered at the Shrine of Our Lady of Mariam Abad in Punjab for the 77th annual pilgrimage, placing prayers for peace at the center of the three-day celebration.

Held on September 4–6 under the theme “Mary, Queen of Peace,” the pilgrimage brought together faithful from different parts of Pakistan for Eucharistic celebrations, processions and prayer for peace in families, the country and the world.

Mariam Abad, located near Lahore in Pakistan’s Punjab province, is one of the country’s major Catholic pilgrimage sites and has been a center of Marian devotion for generations.

Archbishop Khalid Rehmat of Lahore called the faithful to become “living bridges” of peace and reconciliation, emphasizing that devotion to Mary must be expressed through love and service in everyday life.

During the Eucharistic celebration on the first day, Archbishop Khalid Rehmat presided over a procession in which the statue of Our Lady of Mariam Abad was carried to Daman-e-Mariam, a traditional site of prayer associated with the shrine.

In his message, Archbishop Khalid Rehmat said the faith expressed through the pilgrimage is the fruit of generations of believers and missionaries who sacrificed their lives to nurture the Catholic community in Pakistan.

He pointed to the long journeys undertaken by pilgrims, some traveling in groups, by bicycle or on foot, as expressions of local Catholic spirituality.

Archbishop Khalid Rehmat also emphasized that Marian devotion finds its fulfillment in how people treat one another.

Respect for family members, honoring parents and elders, and making service part of daily life, he said, are essential expressions of devotion to Mary.

Cardinal Joseph Coutts presided over the Eucharistic celebration on the second day and highlighted Mary’s continuing intercession for the Church and the world.

As Mother of the Church, Mary intercedes with her Son for those who seek healing and restoration, Cardinal Joseph Coutts said, urging the faithful to pray especially for peace.

Bishop Andreas Rehmat reflected on the Church’s teaching about Mary, including her perpetual virginity, her role as Mother of God, her Immaculate Conception and her Assumption into heaven.

He emphasized that Marian devotion is not merely a cultural or religious tradition but forms part of the universal Catholic faith and ultimately leads believers to Jesus Christ.

Referring to the wedding feast at Cana in Galilee, Bishop Andreas Rehmat highlighted Mary’s concern for those in need and her role as an intercessor. He urged Catholics to seek her prayers for people affected by war and conflict around the world.

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Asi, who also preached during the pilgrimage, described Mary as the Queen of Peace and called on Catholics to reject violence and become peacemakers.

Reflecting on the biblical story of Cain and Abel, Fr. Asi said jealousy and division can destroy families and communities. Peace, he said, requires forgiveness, acceptance, unity and a commitment to the good of others.

He also encouraged pilgrims to make the Prayer of St. Francis for Peace part of their daily Christian lives, linking the pursuit of peace with respect for creation and care for others.

The pilgrimage also honored priests celebrating jubilees, including Fr. Emmanuel Yousaf Mani, Fr. Emmanuel Asi and Rev. Fr. Joseph. Fr. Asi also remembered the late Rev. Fr. Mehboob Evarist for his service to the Mariam Abad community and Fr. Frank Shaheed, who contributed to the development of Mary’s Mountain.

The celebration concluded with a renewed call for peace not only as a prayer but as a daily responsibility.

“Let us become peacemakers like Mary, Queen of Peace,” Fr. Asi said. “Peace comes from within.”

For Pakistan’s small Catholic community, the annual pilgrimage remains an important expression of faith and Marian devotion. In a region of Asia marked by religious diversity, social tensions and conflicts, the gathering also offered a public witness to the Church’s commitment to reconciliation, fraternity and peace.