Devotees in millions
travel from all over India and abroad to Our Lady of Bandel each year. A popular pilgrims’ centre, Our Lady of Bandel draws Muslims, Jains,
Sikhs, Buddhists, Catholics and Hindus alike. Nasifa Bibi saddened by a stroke that
left her husband paralyzed three years ago paid a visit here as a pilgrim and
found Mary’s help, the woman of dialogue and unity among Christians, Muslims,
Hindus, etc. People irrespective of
caste and religion, young and old travel to the shrine on foot, by bicycle
or in vehicles to pray and intercede with the Blessed Mother for special favours.
They light candles, incense sticks and pay homage to the statue of the Mary
on the Balcony, with gifts (sarees, ornaments, candles) in keeping with
traditions. Thousands of Muslims express their personal devotion to Mary,
whom the Quran honours as the mother of Jesus and is revered in the Muslim
Scripture. So do the Hindus. "All
religions teach peace and love." Many come and share the miracles in their
life with the priests they meet and during the testimony sessions at annual
retreats.Some childless
couples, with their prayers heard, beget children after many years of their
marriage.
Many devotees
believe that the miraculous statue of OLB at this sacred location motivates them
to come to this religious shrine to honour her. The Annual observance of the
Feast of OLB started many years ago is a moment of special grace for many. The
festive atmosphere, with other ritual practices popularize their ‘pilgrimage’ to
Bandel. The pilgrimage by all sort of people is more than a devotional moment. People
from all walks of life reach here amid hot and humid weather to show their
gratitude and feel one with the rest of the pilgrims. Many young people,
belonging to different religious communities, cycle annually or arrive on foot
despite the summer heat from their homes, a journey that may often take them
several hours (as far as Krishnagar, Nadia). Several organizations,
religious associations reach here during the year (Blue Army, 1st
Sunday of Lenten Procession, Anglo-Indian and Chinese communities pilgrimage,
May and November feast of OLB etc.)
With a minimum fee,
the Shrine offers board and lodging to Christians who come here with the Parish
Priest/Pastor’s letter. Presently, it accommodates about hundred persons at a
time in the old monastery rooms attached to the Church on special occasions.
Besides, families come on weekend and spend a day or two in prayers. New centre
of the pilgrims is being built with enough rooms and halls to cater to these
pilgrims in the coming years.
Other events
include: daily adoration, pilgrims’ mass, healing prayers, gospel singing,
counselling and healing by priests, sharing of testimonies and rosary
recitations, retreats (annual and monthly). There are nearly 40 Christian
volunteers to manage the pilgrims on special occasions.
Dialogue among all
faiths demands tolerance and it opens new ways. Hopefully in future all
Catholics, Hindus, Jain, Sikh, Buddhist and Muslim devotees will join together
to celebrate the Marian feasts here at Bandel. God grant all pilgrims from all
walks of life, blessings and miracles!
Just outside the
Church campus, there are number of stalls selling candles, rosaries,
photos of the Holy Family, cross pendants and Christian wooden bracelets
to pilgrims. There is a souvenir shop attached to the Church. In front of the Shrine, beside the road, there are other stationary and grocery
shops and restaurants as well. The
selection of goods and services include Christian gifts, souvenirs, gospel
CDs, toys, clothing, food, beverages and even saloon and tattoo parlour.
Bandel Church, founded
and built by the Augustinian priests, had 777 bighas of land offered by the Muslim
Emperor Shahajahan for Christians to live and work after seeing a priest Joan
da Cruz being miraculously saved before an elephant in Agra ordeal. There is a mela,
a religious fair centered around the shrine, that are vibrant during the
festive occasions.
The pilgrimage,
which is a desired, determined and dedicated journey of ‘souls’ for spiritual
growth, is more than a business opportunity. Business continues round the
clock in the shops. The pilgrimage benefits everyone.
Beefed-up Security
and Challenges
Besides appointing
of few policemen for security on certain occasions who collaborate to protect
the pilgrims, there are hired guards and volunteers managed by the internal
governance of the Shrine. CCTV cameras are installed all around along with floodlights
at prominent places. Yet, security remains the biggest challenge. On Christmas Day
and New Year, on request there is deployment of additional police around the
shrine and it is kept closed for public. Probably, few walk-through gates are
needed to be installed at the entrance. Additionally, a mobile phone jammer can
be installed in the church compound. Parishes around are offered special
instructions for the pilgrimage. Private-owned TV channels have been airing
documentaries, instructions and Church events since few years.
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