Feast of the Holy Rosary at Bandel Basilica

 

The solemn celebration of the Feast of the Holy Rosary was observed at Bandel Basilica on the 9^th  and 10^th of November, 2024, with faithful pilgrims gathering in reverence to honor Our Lady of the Holy Rosary. This annual event, significant for its spiritual depth and community engagement, attracted devotees from various linguistic backgrounds especially from the Parish, from the Aspirantates and from other nearby parishes and villages, who united in prayer and worship.

On Saturday evening at 5 p.m. the Eucharistic celebration was presided over by the Most Rev. Thomas D’Souza, Archbishop of Kolkata, who delivered a heartfelt homily focused on the theme of saying “YES” to God. Reflecting on Mary’s “Fiat” at the Annunciation, the Archbishop encouraged the congregation to embrace a similar openness in their own lives, responding affirmatively to God’s call, extending compassion to those in need, and nurturing personal growth in faith—a journey that begins at Baptism and continues through the reception of each Sacrament. The liturgy was enriched by readings led by members from diverse groups, with the Prayer of the Faithful organized by the Mothers’ Sodality and the Offertory dance procession by the Ferrando hostel  girls.

After the final Mass, a grand Eucharistic procession took place, following an organized route led by seminarians, youth groups, and parishioners, with the Blessed Sacrament and the Archbishop carried on a vehicle surrounded by flower girls. The procession, orderly and reverent, proceeded with pilgrims lining the route through the street, praying the Rosary and singing hymns in devotion setting a reflective tone that was carried into the solemn procession led by the Altar servers with a cross and candles.

Devotees followed in a procession, with the statue of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary honored by the Mothers’ Sodality, lay parishioners, youth group, priests and aspirants from Don Bosco Seminary and other religious sister communities. Special hymns, including “Khristo Debota,” were sung as part of the worship, creating a vibrant and unifying experience for all present. The Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament marked a solemn moment for attendees, who were moved by the prayerful atmosphere created by the Eucharistic celebration. In his  inspirational talk before the final benediction, Fr. Roshan Tirkey SJ, emphasized on Mary being our Mother, given to us through St. John at Calvary, and that as her good sons and daughters, we respect her as our closest dear Mother. Mrs. Agnes James, a Sunday Catechist, expressed heartfelt gratitude in a vote of thanks, recognizing the efforts of volunteers, religious sisters, and parish groups who made the event a spiritual success.

Sunday’s liturgical program on 10^th November included Masses in Hindi, Bengali, and English, reflecting the multicultural and multilingual composition of the congregation. The first service at 6:30 a.m. was conducted in Hindi, followed by Bengali Mass at 9:00 a.m., presided over by the Arch Bishop, wherein 16 boys and girls received the First Communion. The Prelate spoke of the gift of life of God  which is given to each Christian through the Eucharist, is to be lived through self-giving. There was an English Mass at 11:00 a.m.

The Feast of the Holy Rosary at Bandel Basilica was a deeply moving experience for all, inspired by Mary’s own faith, Fiat and surrender. The two-day event concluded with a final hymn dedicated to Our Lady, and all the attendees left with renewed faith and a sense of community solidarity.

The over-422 years old Bandel Shrine distinctively contributes to the spiritual growth of the ‘pilgrims’. Built in 1599 by the Portuguese, the Bandel Church dedicated to Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, holds the miraculous statue of Our Lady of Happy Voyage, which has become the ‘faith-focus’ for the faithful and the pilgrims.