Bangladesh: Bishop invites pilgrims to seek Virgin Mary as 'Protectress'

Bangladesh's Rajshahi diocese held a popular Marian pilgrimage at Mary Mother and Protectress Church, Nobai Bottola, on January 16.

The diocesan pilgrimage at Nobai Bottola Mariam is attended by people of all faith backgrounds in Bangladesh.

"We all know that in 1971, the Christians of this Nobai Bottola village were saved from the hands of the Pak (Pakistan Army) aggressors by the miraculous protection of the Virgin Mary. This shrine at Nobai Bottola is a blessing for all of us because Mother Mary always helps us and protects us from all kind of dangers," said Bishop Gervas Rozario of Rajshahi diocese.

Bishop Rozario presided over the solemn Eucharistic celebration on January 16. The novena concluded on the festive eve with a candlelight procession.

Every year, Bangladeshis remember in gratitude the saving help of Our Lady as "Protectress" (Rokkhakarini) in 1971.

"We call on everyone to be more faithful to the Mother Mary and pray the rosary so that we may receive God's grace and blessings through the intercession of the mother," said Bishop Rozario.

Bishop Gervas invited the pilgrims to pray to Mother Mary that "we may become more faithful to her  and receive God's blessings through her intercession."

"Today, I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to the defender, Virgin Maria, for saving us all from the Pak aggressors in 1971. She is still protecting all of us in this village," said a faithful pilgrim  Pinus Master.

He added, "I believe Mother Mary is still protecting all of us in this village and also the whole world. She always saved me from danger many times in my personal life. "

Mrs. Costantina, a Maria devotee, expressed that this year, like every year, thousands of devotees have come to this pilgrimage with a vow to the Mother Mary as a Protectress, which shows deep faith in the devotion to Mary."

"Today, I am very grateful to my mother Mary because I have asked her for help at different times and the protective mother has fulfilled it," she said.

As many as 18 Priests, 35 nuns of different Congregations, and about 7,000 devout Marian pilgrims took part in the Eucharistic celebration of that joyful Feast Day.