Thousands Gather for Marian Pilgrimage at Historic Diang Shrine in Bangladesh

Thousands of pilgrims flocked to the Diang Marian shrine in the Chattogram Archdiocese, southeastern Bangladehs, for the annual pilgrimage held on February 26–27. This year’s theme, “My heart sings the praises of the Lord,” inspired days of prayer, devotion and spiritual renewal at one of the country’s oldest Christian centers.

The pilgrimage followed a nine-day novena that culminated in a solemn Holy Mass led by Archbishop Lawrence Subrato Howlader, CSC. In his homily, the archbishop highlighted Diang’s historical importance, recalling that Portuguese missionaries first brought the Christian faith to Chattogram in 1517. He noted that Diang became one of the earliest Christian mission sites in Bengal, rooted in sacrifice and unwavering devotion. “Five hundred years ago, Jesus came to this place through Portuguese missionaries. Six hundred people have been martyred for their faith here,” he told the congregation.

Archbishop Howlader encouraged pilgrims to draw strength from Mother Mary, reminding them of her compassion toward Elizabeth. He urged the faithful to support one another in times of need, following Mary’s example of love and service.

Many devotees shared testimonies of blessings received through Mary’s intercession. Janavi Gomes, who traveled from Dhaka, said he had visited the shrine three times and always found his prayers answered. “Every time I have come, I have prayed and my prayers have been answered,” he said. Nirmala Purification, a mother of three, expressed joy at fulfilling her long‑held desire to visit the shrine. “I prayed so that my children would be healthy and safe from all dangers,” she shared. Partha Biswas, suffering from migraine for three years, came with hope for healing.

The roots of the shrine date back to the early 17th century. Jesuit Father Francesco Fernandez, who arrived in 1598 and later became Bengal’s first martyr, helped establish the Christian presence in Diang. The first church was blessed in 1601 by Dominican monks, marking the beginning of a resilient local Catholic community that grew over centuries.

A major revival of spiritual life in Diang came in the mid‑20th century through Canadian Holy Cross missionary Brother Flavian Laplante. Arriving in the 1940s, he dedicated his life to serving fishermen, refugees and the poor. He founded schools, a health center, an orphanage, and livelihood programs. He also built the Marian grotto and established the monastery where he lived until his death in 1981. In 2009, he was declared a Servant of God, marking the first step toward sainthood.

As pilgrims departed from this year’s gathering, many expressed renewed faith and gratitude inspired by a shrine that has stood as a beacon of hope for more than 400 years.